Page 45 of Crown of Hearts
“However, I’ve also noticed that when you get riled up, you seem to be better, more focused, oddly enough. Like you channel everything to a single place. You use your emotions to your advantage.”
“Ha.” I barked out a laugh. “Never heard that one before.”
“I’m serious, though.” He shrugged. “I think it’s your passionate spirit that drives you.”
“How about less talking and more sparring?” I said, though I couldn’t pretend I’d not heard his words.
“I wish I could oblige, Your Majesty, but you appointed me for a reason. I’m sure you know how vital our discussions are to your reign.”
I wished I could argue with him, but it didn’t mean I looked forward to Rhen’s regular commentary regarding politics.
“If you insist.” My tone was sarcastic, but he knew I understood the seriousness of the matter. I dropped my sword.
“Have you recently been in contact with Lance about how matters are faring in Levernia?” Rhen asked.
“I’ve sent a messenger. I should think a response will arrive in a few days.”
“I certainly hope so.”
“You’re the one who worked with him first.”
“I worked with him so we could get anyone on the throne that wasn’t him.”
I raised an eyebrow and he shrugged.
“You know what I mean.”
“And how’s that working out for you?”
“I exchanged one child for another.” He sighed.
“Very funny.” I rolled up my sleeves, the heat of exercising continuing to catch up with me.A cool bath would be delightful.
“If I can get Cai to marry me—”
“If?” he asked, and I sent a glare his way.
“When.” I corrected myself. “When Cai marries me, I’ll secure my place on the throne. Lance can do whatever he wants with his time and fortune, and Cai and I only have to see each other on occasion.”
“Do you think Cai would agree to that?” Rhen asked as we stepped out of the sand ring.
“Are you suggesting Cai wouldn’t agree to that?”
“Cai is not above marrying for duty, no. But his council would want him to be certain that this alliance benefits him too. If he’s not marrying for love, anyway.”
He mumbled the last part, and I pretended I didn’t hear him. I was thankful that Cai had made some time for us to spend together but I could still sense a distance between us. Distance I could probably only blame myself for. Was it possible that Cai was still hurt about how things ended in Levernia? Or did he simply no longer possess the feelings he once had? Even if Cai had said my past had nothing to do with his silence, what if his hesitance towards the alliance had something to do with who I was underneath my crown?
“Regardless, I trust Lance’s reply will be positive.” I turned the conversation back to the original subject. Rhen didn’t respond, as if he wasn’t quite sure of this. The air around us was quiet for a moment apart from our footsteps and the birds happily chirping.
“It’s probably not my place to ask,” Rhen started hesitantly. “But do you want to talk about what happened with the Darwicks?”
I shuddered. “The part where Edgar tried to threaten me, or my servant tried to kill me?”
“Both.”
“I don’t know. I’m used to people not liking me, but the stakes are somehow higher now and I can’t just run away to safety.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t step into the room sooner. I was trying to give you the privacy you asked for and...”
