“She struggled with Brimar because he didn’t treat her right. He cheated on her and committed treason. He wasn’t the man for her. I know she’s moved on from that.”
Ottar slips a forkful of cod in his mouth, and he chews while I stab a few pieces of broccoli. “I guess we’ll see what happens after the wedding.” He lifts his tumbler to his lips and takes another sip. “What a fucking whirlwind. If you truly look at what you’ve been through in the past couple of months, it’s impressive.”
“Yeah, I’m still trying to comprehend it all.” I wipe my mouth with my napkin. “I still question if I’m going to be able to do this. I’ve spent a decent amount of time with Katla, going over the responsibilities as the consort to the crown, and I’ve spent countless years being Theo’s right-hand man, but hell, I still have so much doubt in the pit of my stomach.”
“That’s the unknown,” Ottar says. “You can study all you want and consume all the intelligence presented to you, but until you’re actually put in the position, getting firsthand experience, you’ll never truly know what it’s like.”
“You’re right,” I reply. “I just wish people didn’t recognize my fear. That protest group today...” I shake my head.
“They were a bunch of idiots who had nothing better to do with their day. I wouldn’t give it a second thought.”
“I understand that, but it still makes me think . . . are they going to hate me? And sure, I probably don’t care if they hate me or not, as long as they love Lilly, but a piece of me wants to make Theo proud. And if the whole country is against me, that doesn’t really give him the impression that I was the right one to marry his granddaughter.”
“You know all Theo truly cares about is that you and Lilly are happy. The country’s love for you as a couple will come along, and given the spectacle that tomorrow will be, you’ll prove to everyone that not only are you in love, but you’re also ready to take on the responsibility.”
“Thanks, man,” I say, my voice fading as I focus on my meal in front of me.
We spend the rest of the night talking about the latest fisherman’s report. Someone on the south coast caught a record-setting cod that will get him into the hall of fame. According to the people on the boat who were with him, they had to hold his legs down because he was being dragged overboard by the “beast.”
We shared a few laughs, always enjoying a fisherman’s tale, and by the time we walked back to my room, it was nearly eleven.
The light was out in Lilly’s room, so I knew her “rituals” were complete. I was tempted to knock on her door, to see her one last time, but with Ottar by my side, escorting me to my room, I knew that wasn’t an option, so in my head, I whispered good night to her and walked into my room.
“You good?” Ottar asks, standing in my doorway.
“I’m good.”
“Okay. I’ll be by tomorrow morning along with your esquire and breakfast.”
“Sounds good,” I answer, and with that, he salutes me and is out the door, shutting it closed behind him.
I move toward my bathroom where I peel off my clothes and rest them on the tub. I go to the bathroom and stand next to the sink. Wearing only my briefs, I stare at myself. The circles under my eyes remain, but there is also a lightness.
This is it.
Tomorrowis finally here.
This wedding, the threats, it’s all going to be over.
It will be just me and Lilly. We’ll be able to sleep in the same room again, we’ll be on our honeymoon, and we’ll be looking toward our future. Whatever it is . . . we’ll deal with it together.
I squirt some toothpaste on my toothbrush and brush my teeth, my body exhausted from the events. When I’m done, I splash water on my face, dry off, and then turn the light off to my bathroom. In the dark, I walk over to my nightstand, switch on the light, and then pause . . .
My eyes narrow on a blue envelope addressed to me, that sits against my lamp. I turn my body, twisting behind me to look around.
Was that envelope there before?
I don’t recall it.
It’s the same blue as the other letters that have been sent to the palace, but this one, this looks like it was hand delivered.
Fear creeps up the back of my neck, making the hairs at my nape stand to attention. How the hell did it get here?
I glance over my shoulder again, my breath heavy in my chest as I try to slow my heartbeat and listen for any movement in the room. After I don’t hear anything for a few short seconds, I pick up the letter and flip it over where the wax seal hasn’t been broken yet.
It’s a new letter.
Jesus fuck.
