Page 8 of Crown of Hearts
“It was good exercise at the very least, and it managed to distract him from Lady Celia.” I lightly punched Thatcher on the shoulder. “It was a tough blow for him to see her walking with Lord Leopold the other day.”
“I doubt his heart is capable of receiving blows,” Gwen retorted, before turning her expression serious. “Cai, I know it’s none of my business, but there is a female acquaintance of mine I think you should be introduced to.”
“I’m afraid you’re too late, Gwen. You know Cai’s heart is already set on someone else.” Thatcher fell back into one of the chairs and stretched his legs out comfortably. “I, on the other hand, would never say no to another ‘female acquaintance’.”
Gwen frowned. “I thought Queen Elara was getting married to an Evernean lord?”
I immediately gave Thatcher an “I told you so” look.
“Lady Meredette is very intelligent and quite pretty as well,” Gwen continued. “I just thought she might be a good fit for you.But what would I know?” Her eyes smiled, all the anger and irritation from before having receded, and I shook my head.
“I’m not meeting any suitors for now, thank you.”
“Tell Lady Meredette that he’ll see her next week,” Thatcher said, and I groaned inwardly.
“Thatcher, I would appreciate it if you didn’t meddle whe—”
“I’m not meddling,” he said. “I’m doing you a favour. Once Elara hears you’re courting women, she’ll come crawling back quicker than I crawl to water after a previous night in the tavern.”
“How can she not?” Gwen agreed with him. “She’ll have no choice but to make him an offer of marriage.” She patted my shoulder.
“Could the two of you let this go?” I shook her off without trying to appear rude.
“Oh, he’s touchy about it, isn’t he?” Gwen looked at her brother and he nodded. One wouldn’t think they were fighting only a few minutes earlier. Sometimes I believed it was better when they were. At least then I didn’t have this kind of unwanted attention.
My discomfort and irritation regarding the subject growing, I said, “My apologies, but I have duties I must attend to urgently.”
“Typical, always leaves when the conversation gets interesting.” Gwen crossed her arms and shook her head in disapproval. But a servant entered with a tray of sweet treats and she perked up, the topic of my suitors forgotten. I was surprised she didn’t clap her hands as she inspected the selection on the tray before her, deciding which pastry or cake she would like first. There were chocolate truffles, shortcake, caramel tarts and small vanilla cakes to choose from. Even Thatcher appeared to be considering one or two of them. It was an opportunity to take my leave.
I hurried off to my chambers hoping that there was a chance I was already late for some meeting and that Jack was looking for me. Deep down, I knew it did me some good to get into the ring with Thatcher, even if the conversation was less than desirable. He could drive me crazy at times, but he was also my best friend, and I knew he only wanted what was best for me.
My entire world had been shaken when I returned from Everness. Just as my mother finally began to recover from her illness, it was my father who passed away in his sleep. And overnight, I’d become king of Norrandale. Even though I’d always known this day would come, I’d never felt more unprepared for anything in my life. Every morning, I would wake up and wish my father were still alive to guide me and tell me what to do. I was too swamped in my duties to truly grieve him. Most days, it felt like I’d barely had the time to breathe, and worst of all, I just couldn’t stop thinking about Elara either. I knew too much of my mental capacity had been taken up by the girl who was a kingdom away. The only bandit I’d ever liked. The only thief I’d ever trusted. Most of the time I tried to push Elara from my mind. Most of the time I was unsuccessful. It drove me positively mad.
I entered my rooms and walked over to the basin to splash my face with some cold water. It felt cool and refreshing against my skin. A servant laid out some clean clothes, while I tried to wash away the dirt from my back, arms and neck. I got dressed in a hurry, not yet certain what awaited me for the day but knowing it was going to have its challenges.
One would think a kingdom so rooted in its traditions, with clear societal roles, would run more smoothly. Instead, every single day, a new problem presented itself. Farmers with feuds about land, distant kingdoms wanting to consider trade agreements, court scandals among the gentry. I found it difficultto comprehend how my father ruled for so many years when I was only about a month in and completely overwhelmed.
The shirt that the servant had laid out for me was neat and oddly decorated with the occasional ruffle. I positively hated the way it clung to my neck and arms. Not to mention I hadn’t yet properly cooled down from my spar with Thatcher, or the conversation that followed. I tossed the shirt to the side and riffled through the large wardrobe in the corner of my room. I pulled out one of my older, looser white shirts and threw it on, already relieved at the comfort.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.” I pulled down my cuffs while staring at my reflection in the mirror.
Jack entered with Conner trailing behind him like a puppy. He seemed to follow Jack just about everywhere these days. Thankfully, the captain of my guard was the sort of man with the right patience for the job, and I was certain that within a few years Conner was going to be a very good soldier. Although I did have to give it to Conner for sticking it out so long. The kid had been through a lot. Especially in Everness. Still, he didn’t waver at the hint of danger.
“I’ve been looking for you, Your Majesty.”
They both did a quick bow. Jack stood up straight, a few inches taller than Conner, who pushed out his shoulders, trying to appear bigger.
“I know.” I dipped my hands in the bowl of cold water again and ran my fingers through my hair. There was no saving it, really. I had yet to cut it since I’d returned from Everness. However, my hair was the very least of my worries at this point.
“You’re late, Your Majesty.” He stood to the side and held open the door for me.
“I know.” I sighed and turned towards them. I had no idea what I was late for, but I knew there was someone or somethingthat required my attention. Every matter always labelled as urgent and important, though I hardly thought plans for dances and royal hunts were national crises.
“You’ve got a bruise on your cheek, Your Majesty,” Conner commented, before he could stop himself, and Jack immediately gave him a look to suggest he should shut up if he knew what was good for him.
“I know.”
