Page 57 of The Queen's Crown
She raised her eyebrows at that. “No. The thought never crossed my mind. Why are you asking me these questions?”
“The two of you seem close.” He stood and went over to the open wall, gazing outside. “He cares for you.”
It irked her that Rainer was inquiring after Markis while he was intimately involved with another woman. She didn’t think he was jealous but more along the lines of not wanting to look the fool. It was her job then to ease his mind. Men could be so fickle. “Of course Markis cares for me—my father tasked him with my safety. I am his princess, and he has sworn fealty to me.” She stood and took a couple of steps closer to Rainer, facing his back. “You of all people must understand that my kingdom needs your soldiers. Our marriage is imperative. Markis knows children that have been kidnapped. He wants Bakley and Lynk to unite. He is here to help us.”
“That’s exactly what he said.”
“Then why are you questioning me?”
He peered over his shoulder at her. “To see if your stories align.”
“Will he be allowed to stay?” She wanted to ask why they’d been fighting this morning in the first place.
“Yes. I’ve tested him, and he’s proved himself capable.”
Relief filled her. But now it was her turn to ask him something. “After we marry, what will your association with Heather be?”
He turned his attention back outside. “I was wondering why you agreed to answer my question so readily.” He shook his head. “Heather and I have a long and complicated relationship.”
She waited for him to explain because she would not leave this room without some sort of understanding. She couldn’t be the queen of this kingdom without having a level of respect from the king. She moved to stand alongside Rainer, her focus also outside on the stunning scenery before them.
“Heather was my first love,” he said, his voice almost wistful. “When my father discovered I fancied her, he made it clear I was free to dabble on occasion but that I could never marry or have a relationship with Heather. Naturally, I rebelled. I saw her more frequently and made promises to her that I couldn’t keep. I thought I could have a life with Heather before my father died. I assumed I had twenty or so years until I needed to worry about taking up the crown. When my father passed at such an early age, I was stunned. No one expected it. I told Heather I had to marry someone else, and for the most part, we ended things. We see each other on occasion, but that is all. She is marrying Cutler. We will each go our separate ways.”
“If that’s the case, then why did Cutler tell me about the two of you?” It had been bothering her all day. The only reason she could come up with was that Rainer and Heather would continue their affair even after both married someone else.
“Cutler is hotheaded.” He turned to face her. “Why are you asking me about Heather?”
She wanted to sayfor the same reason you’re asking me about Markis;however, she refrained from doing so. The two of them needed to form some sort of friendship and a level of trust. “I wasn’t sure of the customs in your kingdom and if you’d take a consort or not.”
He chuckled and rubbed his chin. “It is within my right to do anything I wish, including taking a lover. However, I have no desire to bother with love because it clouds a person’s judgment. Now that I am the king of Lynk, I need to see things clearly and rationally.” He placed his hands on her bare shoulders, sending a jolt of warmth through her. “Your purpose here is to bring strength to my kingdom. I help you; you help me. This is a business deal.” His right finger slid from her arm to her collar bone and then up to her chin, forcing her to look directly into his eyes. “I need an heir within the year; otherwise, I lose my throne. Until your end of the deal is met, your activities will be restricted to ensure your wellbeing and safety. Your sister understood and accepted all of this.” He leaned in, as if to kiss her, his warm breath caressing her face. “You will behave in such a way that it is clear you are my wife, that we are married, and I am the only one in your bed.”
She nodded, unable to form a sentence.
Rainer’s finger slid up her cheek and then across her lips. She held completely still, not sure what his intentions were. If he leaned forward and kissed her, she was pretty sure she’d kiss him back. Not because she felt anything for him as a person, but because he made her body react to his in strange, alluring ways. She wondered what it would feel like to have his large hands remove her dress, caress her skin, hold her in bed.
“You are not to be alone in a room with anyone—including my brother. There can never be a question as to whose child you bear. Understood?”
“Yes,” she whispered, blinking. She needed to pull it together. It was just that she’d never had the tables turned on her like this. Usually, she was the one leaning in, saying something semi-scandalous, getting young men to do as she wanted.
“Good.” He removed his hands and took a step back.
Without him physically touching her, it became easier to think clearly. Wanting to change the subject, she said, “Lottie mentioned she trains with your soldiers.”
He nodded. “It’s important she knows how to defend herself since she refuses to have any guards in the palace.”
She twisted her fingers together, trying to figure out how to ask him. Finally, she just came out and said, “Can I train with them?”
He shook his head. “I will not have the future queen training with my soldiers.”
“I understand.” She started to head toward the door.
“However,” he said.
She froze, her back to him.
“I’d be willing to train you.”
The two of them, alone together, training. “Okay.”
