Page 20 of The King's Queen

My mount squeals in displeasure as I give a hard yank on the reins, and she dives right onto a path less trodden. Pebbles kick up and bounce off the trees on our ever-narrowing path. Minuscule branches reach out to caress my arms with prickling scratches, but I pay them no mind as I spot a clearing that promises freedom. If I could just get there…

At the last moment, Lucius pulls up beside me and grabs my reins, pulling us both to a halt right as my mare’s front hooves cross over the threshold of the clearing.

“Can we talk, instead of you nearly killing yourself and your poor horse?” he says calmly, without so much as breaking a sweat. My shoulders heave as I give him an indignant glare, ignoring the burning in my thighs and core.

“What is there to talk about?”

“You’re joking right?” I raise an eyebrow, and he sighs. “No, apparently not. Why do you think so ill of me when we only met last night? A night where both of us were playing a part.”

“Why do you assume I have to talk to you when we only just met last night?”

“I can at least give a straightforward answer.” He dismounts in one fluid motion. “We are to be married in a few months’ time, whether you like it or not, and I’d rather not marry a stranger.”

He extends his hand to help me down, but I swing my leg over and dismount myself, my joints protesting the jarring motion. The reins slide over my mare’s head easily, slick with sweat, as I lead her to a nearby brook to drink. I had been unfair to the poor creature.

“I’d rather marry a stranger than an enemy.”

“I am not your enemy, Verosa.”

The distant song of a bird in the forest is his only response, the tune light and tittering despite the tension in our clearing. I take the time to study him, to really look at him this time.

He is not unattractive, in fact, quite the opposite. His hair is a midnight black like mine, with matching dark irises. There is something brooding about his features, his finely carved nose, strong jaw, thin lips, and the slight upturn of his eyes. His extravagant clothes are tailored to his well-muscled body, fitting every hollow and curve. He is the spitting image of all he is to represent, a noble prince with fine breeding and a noble heart filled to the brim with valor. I have to turn away, but this, it seems, finally lights a dim fire in my fiancé.

“I never wanted this marriage either.” He softly grabs at my sleeve, cautious, ever so cautious as not to touch my skin. I could’ve laughed, what a showy gentleman.

“Really? Because that’s not what you told my father, the king, last night,” I say as I snatch my arm back from his grasp. Lucius drops it immediately and takes a step back.

“It’s called a facade, Verosa. I was simply telling the king what he wanted to hear.”

“And how do I know that this isn’t a ‘facade’ right now, Lucius?” I say, whirling on him with all the fury of my throbbing leg and bleeding heart. All of my pent-up frustration drips from my words like venom. Falling for Wooden’s trap, nearly getting killed in that fight, every one of Rowan’s snide remarks and cocky smirks. Blaine is in the back of my mind, and so is his self-righteous pity. “How do I know you’re not just manipulating me as well?”

I don’t realize I’m crying until he brings one of those gloved hands up to my cheek and brushes a single burning tear away.

“Because,” Lucius speaks slowly as he pulls his hand back to his side, “you’re much too smart for that.”

“You’re dancing with treason.”

“Can’t we have one pleasant conversation? Why is everything so fight or flight with you?” Something must have slipped through my guarded features, a softening of the mouth or a downward glance, for understanding shows now on Lucius’ handsome face. He takes a step closer and speaks, his voice as smooth as silk. “Perhaps it is because it is all you’ve ever known?”

“Don’t try to analyze me,” I snap, but Lucius advances again, forcing me to take a step back. The hem of my pants clings to my ankles as I step into the stream.

“I was grieving the death of my mother when my father came and told me I was to marry some strange princess in a neighboring land. There was no time to fight or run. I was tired and cornered, and I understand completely how you feel.” His gaze is pleading as he takes both of my hands in his own. “I am not here to fight you. I won’t even ask for your love, just maybe a chance to be your friend?”

My wound stings as sweat drips from my forehead into it, and I bite my lip to avoid crying out in pain. Lucius seems to notice and raises his hand as if to check when I jump back and force a smile.

“You can try.” Now I’ve put my foot in my mouth. “You may try until the end of our betrothal to be my friend, and at our wedding, I will decide whether or not I accept your friendship.”

Lucius raises his eyebrow, as if to say ‘I’m not sure you have a choice’ but he doesn’t have a chance to respond before I’m back on my horse.

“Come,” I command. “It’s well past time we get back.”

His eyebrows raise, and he offers a sly grin before vaulting atop his mount in one fluid motion. He lands lightly on the creature’s back before urging him into a trot.

“Your wish is my command.” He winks, and I fight the bile back down my throat. Kicking my mare forward, we transition into a canter and begin the all too long ride back to the inner palace.

The trip back surprisingly isn’t too bad. Lucius remains quiet most of the time. Even I have to admit that he reads me well. He knew when to push and when to stand down. If we had met under different circumstances perhaps, I would have even liked him, but now I am not so sure.

I want to spend more time at the stables and with Torin, but Tanja finds me the minute I crossed into the threshold with a message.

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