Becket began pacing. ‘If you truly knew her, you would not have risked your life to do her bidding.’
Eda observed him a moment. ‘I won’t stand here and pretend to know what it’s like to have her as a mother, but I can speak for her as a queen.’
‘Oh yes. She isspectacularin that role.’
‘Are you really going to let your feelings towards your mother keep you from your job?’
He stopped walking. ‘You forget yourself.’
‘Then I’m in fine company.’
‘I could lock you up for speaking to me in such a manner.’
‘Will that make what I said less true?’
They both fell silent, eyes remaining on the other.
‘I was never supposed to rule,’ Becket said, bringing calm back to the room.
‘Well, too bad, because the crown has fallen to you.’
His face tightened. ‘You are a merchant and therefore unable to comprehend the weight of such a responsibility.’
‘You know, underestimating people like me seems to be a family trait, one that hasn’t worked out well for royalty in the past.’
A scowl settled on Becket’s face. ‘Your sister is Lyndal Suttone, correct? She was betrothed to my brother.’ He shook his head when she did not respond straight away. ‘Another one of Mother’s well-intentioned plans that led to him being beaten to death by his own people. And yes, I still know what goes on inside my kingdom in my absence.’
The fact that he referred to it ashiskingdom gave her hope. ‘Your brother wasn’t fit to rule, and I think you knew that. It’s why you left.’
‘It isnotwhy I left.’ He leaned his weight on one foot. ‘Though it was a nice perk.’ He studied her a moment. ‘How do you know I will do a better job than him?’
‘Honestly, a seal could do a better job. I assure you, you’ll be perfectly adequate.’
‘You flatter me.’ He turned in a circle, head shaking. ‘I shall play along with this charade for the sake of peace. Then in the morning, you will leave here. Our hosts will be none the wiser.’
Her stomach fell as hope abandoned her. ‘And what am I to say to every merchant, farmer, and nobleman waiting for you?’
She saw it on his face then: the weight of these past few years, the exhaustion—and guilt. But before she could question him about it, there was a knock at the door.
Becket wet his lips and pressed his eyes closed. ‘Enter.’
His guard stepped inside. ‘Queen Isabella, Your Highness.’
The queen mother swanned in, eyes locking with Eda’s.
Eda had only ever seen a picture of her depicted as a twelve-year-old bride. She had been thirteen when her mother told her the story of how Isabella came to be queen of England. She could barely comprehend leaving one’s family, let alone moving to a new country and marrying a stranger.
The room felt smaller with her in it. Perhaps it was the dramatic flair of her sleeves taking up all that extra space, or the bold colour of her dress demanding their attention. Or maybe it was the headdress that added a foot to her height.
‘Do forgive the interruption,’ Isabella said. ‘I heard your cousin was visiting and was quite impatient to meet her.’
Becket gestured to Eda. ‘May I present Lady Hayley of Peytone House.’
Eda curtsied. ‘Your Majesty.’
Isabella bowed her head, assessing her all the while. ‘You must be quite exhausted after such a tedious journey.’
Eda smiled. ‘Llanystumdwy is only a day’s ride from here, and Sir Bradley kept me entertained. He is fine company when he is not ignoring me entirely.’
