Teryn gave her a questioning look.
“Something borrowed,” she said. “Obviously. It’s her wedding day. I thought she could use at least one small tradition.” To be honest, the bracelet was merely meant to serve as an excuse to talk to Cora so that she wouldn’t have to admit she was concerned for the girl. Mareleau may have decided making friends with someone might not be the worst thing in the world, but she still had her pride.
“Oh, of course,” Teryn said.
Yet still he failed to answer her question.
“Are you trying to be evasive or are you just naturally annoying?” she asked, planting her hands on her hips.
Teryn gave her a simpering grin but said nothing.
She pulled her head back. Where was his clever quip? His insult? Mareleau respected people who had the gall to volley her with scalding banter, and if that made her a masochist, so be it. At least she could trust someone who did more than flatter, pander, and praise. Teryn’s teasing wit was what had finally endeared him to her, and her unanswered question practically begged for a clever return, but he…said nothing.
Mareleau released an exasperated groan. “Where is she, Teryn? Where the seven devils is Cora?”
He stepped over the threshold to join her on the landing. She descended the next step down to put space between them. “My darling wife will be in seclusion until the signing of the peace pact. We’re keeping our marriage a secret for now, and in the meantime, she is taking the time to properly come to terms with her change in status. It’s a great responsibility, becoming queen, as you well know.”
His words sparked her pride, and she almost answered with an automaticOf course I know, but she stopped herself. He still hadn’t given her a clear answer.
“She isn’t in her room,” she said, “and Master Arther claims not to have seen her since last night.”
Teryn’s mouth tightened, but he quickly donned an easy grin that didn’t meet his eyes. “As my wife, she no longer needs to stay in her own room.”
She blushed at what he was suggesting, but that didn’t change the fact that she’d had Master Arther unlock Teryn’s room this morning too, when he hadn’t answered his door. Thankfully the steward was amenable to Mareleau’s commands, despite being only a visiting queen, but now she was more perplexed than ever. Did Ridine perhaps have a wedding chamber like the one she and Larylis spent their first night in? If so, why would Cora be there all day while Teryn was out here? Alone?
“Surely, she’ll accept my visit—” Her words cut off as Teryn handed her an envelope.
“A letter arrived from your husband this morning.”
Her heart stuttered as she tore the envelope from his grip and immediately flicked open the seal. Before she could read its contents, she glanced back at Teryn. “Why do you have my letter? Why wasn’t it delivered directly to me?”
“Larylis had a letter for me as well, so the messenger delivered them together. I offered to bring you yours.”
That was an adequate excuse, she supposed…
“Don’t expect too many more before his arrival,” he said. “He’ll be traveling by now and likely won’t have time to write. And you have your own travels to prepare for.”
Excitement flooded her. Larylis was on his way! He’d be here soon, and after the pact was signed, she could return home with him. Was that what travels Teryn was referring to? Surely she didn’t need to prepare for departure just yet.
“You may not have heard,” Teryn said, “but the signing will now take place on a celebratory hunt. In a few days, we’ll make camp not too far from here and await the arrival of your husband and father.”
Her eyes went wide. “We? As in…me? Going…hunting?” She wrinkled her nose. She’d never been on a hunt before, and she certainly didn’t like the sound of camping. Sleeping at shoddy inns on her way to Ridine had been bad enough.
“I want you there. Cora wants you there. As Queen of Menah and heir to Selay, you’re an important part of this pact. Besides, it will allow you more time with your beloved husband. He will be going straight there regardless of whether you attend.”
Mareleau narrowed her eyes. There was something about the way he’d phrased that last part that almost made it feel like a threat.
Teryn’s smile softened. “What will you call it?”
She paled. Was he referring to the baby? Last they’d spoken, she’d confessed to having lied about her condition. Had her newest change of fortune already spread through the castle?
“Your two kingdoms,” Teryn clarified, dousing her anxiety. “Once you’re queen of both Menah and Selay, what name will give your new land?”
She gave a flippant shrug. “I haven’t considered it.”
He took a step closer, his feet reaching the edge of the platform. Mareleau descended another step. “You should think about it. You’re a powerful woman, Majesty. Power should fill your every thought. I know it fills mine.”
She lowered her brows with a dark glower. “Shouldn’t your new wife fill your thoughts instead?”
