“Please. Take as many as you’d like.”
I’d take two, then, to hang one above my bed. Maybe it would also help me sleep, if she guarded me in my dreams. Right now, I’d take anything that could help. The nightmares of the past hounded me constantly.
I selected two of the iron ones, one of which I immediately put around my neck, the other I slid into a pocket. Knowing they were a small temple and likely didn’t get donations often, I pulled out my wallet and counted out ten gold coins, which basically emptied my purse. Then thought better of it and folded the full amount into his hand.
The priest startled all over again, almost dropping the money before seizing it with both hands. His eyes widened as he stared up at me.
“If you need anything, reach out to me,” I said. “I’ll take care of it. Walk with Vuheia.”
His smile was brilliant as he echoed, “Walk with Vuheia.”
I clapped him on the shoulder before turning, heading toward the entrance. My knights had rejoined me by the time I reached the door.
As I took the reins to my horse from the stableboy, Dame Temperance cleared her throat behind me.
“Your Highness?”
Turning, I looked at her in question. “Yes?”
“Do you truly believe that? That your soul isn’t more important than another’s?”
“I do.” Why was she asking me this?
She slowly nodded, as if confirming something to herself. “You do treat everyone like that, as if we’re just as important. I’d wondered why.”
“People who believe their lives are more important are the true problem. Their egos lead to their own downfalls, in the end. I refuse to destroy my life through pride.”
She grinned. “Well said. I know you’re getting used to having knights, but please don’t go alone, like you almost did tonight. Unfortunately, not everyone will agree with your views, and I don’t want you ambushed.”
Dame Temperance had saved me more than once in my previous life. I knew her well, and because of that, I shrugged. “I won’t stop you from doing your job. Come now, let’s go home. I, for one, want sleep.”
Seven
Edwin
I stood well off to the side of the throne room, watching as my new boss signed the adoption paperwork, overseen by Supreme Judge Gideon Galbraith. The event was highly formal, with everyone in their best finery, the throne room at standing capacity only.
Being a person of no importance whatsoever, I had managed to secure a spot near the back doors, shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues. Someone joined us, judging by the nudging of shoulders, and finally Ramsey arrived at my elbow. He was a thin man, his posture stooped by age, hair dyed black and kept in a straight tail at the nape of his neck.
“All right?” I asked him with due concern. Ramsey had worked with the queen since she was five years old. He knew everything and was one of those people I depended on for solutions. That said, the man should have retired five years ago, in my opinion. I worried about him on days like this with a great deal of fussing going on.
“Phew.” He huffed for breath for a second. “I am now. You missed the show.”
“I am, as always, happy to have missed it.”
He snickered. “Too right there. We’ve enough drama on our plates without them adding more on, hmm? Still, felt I should fill you in. Our crown prince was in a high duff earlier, going on and on about how his parents don’t trust him and this was just the first step in giving the throne to someone else.”
I wasn’t surprised. Crown Prince Victor had been bemoaning and whining since the topic of adopting Prince James had been broached. We all knew why Their Majesties didn’t trust him, too—the only thing Prince Victor seemed to be good at in life was racking up debts and getting women pregnant. The man absolutely never worked. As a prince, he had a long list of duties, all of which he ignored. He wouldn’t even show up to council meetings he was in charge of. He wouldnotbe a good ruler, and even he seemed to be aware of it, but he didn’t want to give up his position. Frankly, his position as prince was the only thing that kept him from debtor’s prison.
“I thought his mother was going to strangle him, and then Prince James swooped in with a copy of the adoption paperwork and showed it to Prince Victor. Specifically the clause that said he couldn’t be made king. There’s quite the penalty attached—if anyone tries to force Prince James into taking the throne, the whole adoption becomes null and void, and Prince James can walk right out.”
I’d never in my life seen someone so adamant about not being given more power. Frankly, I found it strange, but it spoke well of Prince James’s character. He was clearly not here for selfish reasons. “He told us he wasn’t here to usurp the throne but to help whoever becomes the next monarch rule well. He apparently meant it.”
“Not a greedy man, that’s my take on him. He’s charming, for sure, and has a knack for putting people at ease.” Ramsey quirked a brow. “What’s your impression after working with him the past week?”
That he was stunningly beautiful. I’d never in my life seen a man possess that kind of rugged beauty. The first time I’d laid eyes upon him, I’d had to stop and gather my scattered wits, as he’d quite knocked me breathless. Today, especially, he looked breathtaking. Caesar had put Prince James in a dark navy blue suit with the royal red and gold embroidered on his vest. The combination suited him very well. The tailoring emphasized the strength of his legs and the broadness of his shoulders in all the right ways. They’d done some sort of elaborate braid with his hair that ended in a sleek tail in the back to make room for the prince’s circlet, which had somehow softened his austere jawline. It took conscious effort to not just stare at the man and drool.
I was not about to say that aloud.
