I turned to Nick. The idea of people refusing to help never even crossed my mind. Being a little miffed about it, sure, but refusal of aid to those in need? I supposed it shouldn’t be a shock, considering the newly established display of tolerance toward magic in South Harbor. Nevertheless, defeat squeezed my heart.
Ever the politically adept royal, Nick smoothly replied, “No business shall be forced by the Crown. If they’re already aware of the tax cut set to benefit them come next collection season, then this is a matter of principal and not money. While this transition will be the first of its kind in decades and will be controversial for the time being, I expect the language you all use when your constituents bring this concern to your attention is clear. Highcrest is changing. Intolerance shall not be encouraged. Ifany of you will be unable to keep personal beliefs from your position, speak now.”
The authority and conviction with which he spoke sent an electric thrill through my body. No one piped up, though I knew that couldn’t be indicative of their true feelings.
The representative for South Harbor chimed in, a man nearing middle age with chestnut brown hair sprinkled with gray. A man I still had trouble viewing as an ally and not foe.
“Things are only beginning to heal in South Harbor,” he said.Yeah, no thanks to his actions. “I agree with my colleagues that any subtraction in their lives for the sake of the witches from—”
Heavy emotion parted my lips. “I am dedicating my entire rule to saving my people from homelessness and starvation. Already we’ve made massive strides in that regard, and I assure you there will be no sliding back to the way things were before. It will beyourjob to ensure the people know that. That theybelieveyou when you say it.” What started as an intended chastising for South Harbor became a solidifying declaration of what Nick had stated previously, but from their new queen. I realized my hands were in fists on the table and pulled them into my lap. But I raised my chin.
Nick stared at me, but I wasn’t ready to know what I’d find in his eyes, what he thought of my outburst. Yet when he spoke, his voice became a comforting hand in mine.
“My brilliant wife has already orchestrated our new structure of leadership.” He gestured at the door. All heads turned as the three new commanders entered. He continued, “Highcrest has a history with deep stains that will be tough to remove. With her by my side—” He reached for my hand and held it as he set it on the table for all to see. We were united. “—we have double the capacity to hear the problems that arise. You will not be left alone during this transition. Lean on us when you need to.”
We walked to our bedroom, our usual routine post meetings. It was during this time we could vent and discuss our thoughts without reproach. The heat from his hand on my lower back penetrated my skin, and I leaned into his touch.
When we finally curled up on the plush bedding that nearly swallowed us, his chest became my pillow, and my arms anchored around his waist. He gently stroked my hair.
“I hate this political bullshit,” I said. Executing our vision of a new Highcrest would be easier without filtering it through a hundred other minds.
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest against my ear. “I’m inclined to agree with you. I’m proud of you, though.”
Despite my raw emotions still simmering, I laughed. “I’m anxious to hear Commander Francesca’s report on the new settlers when she gets there.”
“About that…” Nicholas shifted beneath me and I sat up to look at him directly. “I’ve been thinking about it, and I want to go.”
I adjusted further, leaning upright on my elbow. Confusion tugged my eyebrows.
The apology that shone in his eyes had me swallowing the knot in my throat as realization dawned. “One of us needs to stay here.”
Not one of us. Me. My thoughts raced, considering the timeline of all the things on our royal agenda, trying to find some weak spot that would allow us to both depart from the castle for over a week… I came up empty.
“And I have to stay for the appearances Ricks scheduled at the food bank,” I said, full of defeat.
Nick’s strong hand cradled my jaw. “I knew it might hurt you to even suggest it. I’m sorry.” His plump lips pressed against my forehead in an act so slow I threatened to melt beneath it. “I know how much you want to oversee this.”
With a deep inhale, I strung together some thoughts. “No, as long as one of us goes. To see it firsthand. Call me paranoid,” I said with a look of jest, considering the betrayal within the castle just weeks ago. “Gods, there’s so many people and issues to deal with. I feel like I’d be more effective if I were drawn and quartered. That way, there’d be more of me to go around. I’m drowning in how to prioritize it all. And all those counselors mentioned their people showing symptoms of iron poisoning, but increased shipments of burdock root from Duski will still take about a week to arrive. So even when I want to help, I can’t.” Burying my face in my palms, Nick quickly took hold of them.
“Hey. We’re in this together. You’re not doing it alone, and I sure as hell don’t want you feeling this burdened. This kingdom will only take what you can give it, and not an ounce more.” He dropped his forehead to mine, hands held together between us. “That’s an order from your king.” I could hear the mischievous smile on his lips.
It had me laughing, and with it, releasing some of the tension I’d carried since the meeting. “When do you plan to go?”
“I should leave tonight. The sooner I’m gone, the sooner I can come back to you.”
My heart stalled for a moment, an ache spreading through my chest. “I’m going to miss you.” I wasn’t mad at him for planning this, or for leaving. I loved watching him live up to his potential by working hard for our people. Still, it didn’t stop the emptiness I would feel in his absence.
Before I could say anything further, he tossed me onto my back. I released a surprised shriek, followed by a giggle.
“Then I better make sure you’re not left wanting until I return.” The primal promise glistening in his eyes sparked something feral in me. And then our hands were on each other.
We’d finished by noon, which was perfect because by this point we were starving. Nick went to bathe, though he’d protested.
“I don’t want to wash any of you off me,”he’d purred into my ear.
The thought of my claim remaining on him sent my lower stomach twirling. Knowing he wouldn’t dawdle on the journey there, I insisted he left fully prepped. This way, by the time he departed this evening, his hair would be fully dry. Summer’s heat was nearing its crest, but I didn’t want to chance him catching a sickness, even if the evenings generally remained warm and humid.
My grumbling stomach could be heard from one end of the castle to another, I was sure. Padding into the dining room, I was pleasantly surprised to find Melody and Tio already seated. “Oh! Hello, you two. You’re back already?”
