Brain. Brain, come on, when exactly did the Retazo’s Wrath happen?
Brain shrugged, pleading ignorance.
No, don’t do that, we lived through this, remember? When was it?
I sat there, pressing fingers to temples, trying to sort the timeline out in my head. It had been…the end of Wrath season. Yes, I remember. Everyone had exclaimed at how they’d thought the danger for the year was past because it was the end of Wrath season. So…end of Ninth Month? Almost harvest.
I glanced at the paper calendar propped up on the corner of the desk. It was early Fourth Month now, so this all sounded about right. If I had a solution in place by the beginning of Ninth Month, we should be able to avoid it.
What else? What had followed after that?
I sat at my desk a good three hours, writing down everything I could remember. I didn’t recall the exact dates for some of these events. I could barely remember the exact months for a few, but I hoped with the proper preparation, I could either negate the event altogether or be prepared for the fallout so it wasn’t such a disaster.
Of course, I wanted Edwin with me every step of the way while I combatted these issues. If he worked right alongside me, he would share the glory, and we’d be able to reach Paradise together. It was a foolproof plan—if I could somehow pull it off.
I sat back and glanced over my nine-page timeline. I felt sure I’d missed something, but these were the major events, at least. I’d sleep on it. Perhaps my subconscious brain would remind me of anything I’d forgotten.
Today, though, I had specifically one task: change the adoption contract.
The one thing I absolutely must prevent was me becoming king. All hell broke loose after that, literally.
After the changing of the adoption contract, my next immediate goal was Edwin. I’d lost too much time with him to begin with. I’d been given a second chance, against all odds.
You could bet I’d make the most of it.
Two
James
I squeaked in a quick appointment with Queen Beatrice that very afternoon, new adoption agreement in hand. I’d adjusted it and put in the two clauses necessary for my happiness and survival. Not to mention Edwin’s survival.
She was clearly in the middle of something, a dress design book in her lap and a maid holding up a selection of fabrics for her perusal. Off to the side sat her secretary, the poor man looking both bored to death and bone tired. Then again, Queen Beatrice was not known for her powers of focus, so keeping her on task must be a job in and of itself.
At forty-three years of age, Queen Beatrice looked every bit a beautiful, well-kept woman. Her dark hair was in a perfect updo, a crown of jewels woven into the bun, makeup perfect to highlight her blue eyes, rubies hanging from her ears and dotting the choker around her pale throat. Queen Beatrice was quite secure in her beauty.
Then her eyes fell on me and she lit up with a genuine smile, immediately holding out both hands. “James.”
She’d always liked me. She’d been able to talk me into some stunningly bad decisions because I’d felt bad about denying her, but I wouldn’t let her sway me this time. I would not trust her, but I could play the part of doting son for now. Ignoring the tendril of dislike curling through my gut, I caught her hands in mine as I greeted her.
“Hello, my soon-to-be mother.”
She laughed in delight, the sound light and airy. “Everyone, this is my new son.”
People gave me polite greetings, more curious than anything, a few wary. I remembered these faces from my first life and knew precisely who would end up on my side—and who wouldn’t.
“Are you settled in?” Queen Beatrice asked while looking me over. “You’re still in travel attire.”
“I’m settling in, I think is the best way to say it. I haven’t quite landed yet, but the room is stunning and I meet my staff very soon, so you needn’t worry about me. I know I’m in good hands.” I took the seat next to her on the settee.
“You are,” she assured me brightly. “I made sure you got only the best for your staff and retinue.”
She meant it, too. I’d always loved and appreciated my people. “I can’t wait to meet them.”
“We’ll throw a ball for you in a week’s time, so make sure they know to get you properly fitted. It will be the same day as the adoption signing.”
“I will.”
“Goodness, I just realized you’re my oldest.”
