Clelia’s words cut through Aimilia even though she also didn’t understand why Nikias was so determined to win her.
“That is not?—”
“Aimilia is not half as beautiful as Faustina was, so her looks cannot have bewitched you, nor her personality considering how different the two are.” Nikias’ jaw clenched at Faustina’s name.
The queen wasn’t saying anything Aimilia hadn’t heard or thought before, but why did it hurt so? She didn’t want to be worthy of Nikias. She didn’t want to marry him, so why would it matter that there was no world in which he found her beautiful or liked her personality after he’d had everything he could ever want in another woman?
Aimilia wasn’t Faustina. She never could be.
Clelia continued, “She?—”
“That is enough!” Nikias’ voice tore through the air as he stepped away from the window and glared at his mother. “Aimilia is worth far more than just her skill as a commander. I have not selected her lightly. I am not concerned with gossip or what anyone else thinks about her beauty or personality. Her beauty is more than enough for me, and her personality well suited to mine. She is worth your respect, whether she accepts my hand or not. Which she will.”
Aimilia wrapped an arm around her stomach. She didn’t know what to focus on. All the ways she was second best to Faustina, the fact that Nikias was defending her to his parents, or that he was certain she’d accept him.
More than enough.
What was that supposed to mean?
“When? When will she? You should have married the second you returned. You need an heir, and yesterday. Of course if Faustina had given you one, then this wouldn’t even be a discussion!”
Nikias said, “Even if I get married today and got said wife pregnant today, there would still be nine months of waiting and hoping she carries to term. Nine months I’ll still be having to deal with our current situation. My marriage is irrelevant.”
Nero spoke again, “Son. Are you backing out of our deal?”
“Not at all. I will remarry.”
“But the girl will not have you, and you do not seem to be in any hurry to fulfill your end, so until you do, I will not fulfill mine. The boy and his she-wolf will not set foot in Areator until it is to attend your wedding.”
Nikias moved toward the bed while Aimilia sat back on her heels.
This whole time… Oh. This made so much more sense. Nikias would only remarry if his hand was forced. He was doing it to keep Gavril around. And who, other than her, would do anything for Gavril?
But why hadn’t Nikias told her?
“Father, I just need more time?—”
Clelia scoffed, halting Nikias in his tracks as he shot her a pointed look.
King Nero said, “Do you know why I had her brought before me today?”
“No.”
“I wanted to see what was so special about her that you insist on embarrassing yourself and the crown by continuing this pursuit.” Nero straightened up, lifting his glass to his lips and taking another sip. “Come here, son.”
Nikias didn’t move. He just stared at his father, taking slow deep breaths while Clelia took a step back.
“Son.”
Nikias glanced at his mother, who turned her head toward the curtains. Nikias took a few slow steps forward.
Aimilia was perfectly still. She didn’t understand. What did the king want him closer for?
“Kneel.”
Nikias did so, bowing his head. One knee drawn up to his chest and the other on the ground. One arm wrapped around his leg, his hands curled into fists, knuckles ghastly white.
“She might be a skilled commander, I will grant you that, but your mother is right. She is not beautiful enough to be worth any extra favor. She is a waste of time and has disrespected the crown. She is lucky her heroic actions yesterday have ensured we can’t hold her accountable. I have been more than lenient. The second you set foot in Areator again, you will marry, and since she will not have you, I will choose for you.”
