Page 52 of Crown of Hearts
I sighed. “But why didn’t you come back? I thought—” I shuddered at the memory — “I thought you were dead.”
“I almost was,” he said. “I took ill on the road and had to take up lodgings in a boarding house while I recovered. Luckily, the lady in charge used to be a healer and could take care of me. When I finally returned to Everness, I heard about you...” He trailed off, not sure what words to use without making the conversation awkward and confrontational.
“If I’d known the truth sooner, things might have gone down differently. Fewer people would have been hurt.” My shoulders sagged.
“I heard you were temporarily in Norrandale, and I couldn’t wait for your return.”
I placed my hand on his arm. “I’m glad you didn’t. It’s really good to see you.”
He shook his head as if in realisation before bowing. “Where are my manners, Your Maj—”
“No, please don’t.” I pulled him upright by the shoulders. “I’m not entirely used to the idea of being queen yet.”
Ray smiled almost in disbelief. “Well, you are such a hooligan, it’s a miracle they haven’t removed you from the throne yet.”
He had intended it as a joke, but it only served to remind me exactly what kind of a mess I was in.
“You’re not far off,” I replied. “Why do you think I’m here?”
Ray’s expression grew solemn.
“I’m here to make an alliance with Cai and Norrandale,” I answered myself.
“You’re not serious?”
I slowly nodded.
“Have you gone mad, Lara? You cannot marry someone you don’t love and spend the rest of your life in misery just because you’re a queen now.”
I wasn’t sure what reaction I’d expected from him, but it certainly wasn’t this kind of outburst.
“Things have changed, Ray. I have changed. If I don’t do this, I risk losing the kingdom’s safety.”
“But...” He searched for the right words. “What about your happiness?”
“It doesn’t matter.” I sat on the bed in dismay. Anesta had quietly busied herself in the corner of the room, trying to be as invisible as possible. “Happiness is for people who don’t have crowns.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this alone.” He came and sat next to me.
I let out a long sigh. “Ray, I’m going to ask something of you, and you have every right to say no.”
He raised an eyebrow. “All right?”
“I would love for you to stay here with me for a while, but then I need you to go and find Princess Eloisa for me. At first, I thought Lance was keeping her hidden, but apparently she’s disappeared, and you’re the only person I trust for the job.” I glanced up at him hopefully.
“Why? Do you think she could be in trouble?”
“Maybe. And Lance also mentioned she has—”
“What, you’ve been speaking to Lance?”
“Well.” I looked away from his eyes.
“Well?”
“I released him from prison,” I admitted.
“You did what? Lara, have you forgotten what he’s done to you, to Uncle Arthur, to his people?” Ray ignored my title.
