“You should go to the castle and see it yourself,” my mother told him.“Perhaps you’d even catch a glimpse of the Zulenii.”
“I will.”
“Come back and tell me what you see,” my mother said, gathering intelligence as usual.
“Yes, Lady Aine.”Gaz looked at me.“I’ll see you soon, Mara.”And in his gaze was a promise.
Chapter Five
“Isee you still havea soft spot for him,” my mother said.
“Mother.”
“What?There’s nothing wrong with a little flirtation.Just don’t fall in love.He may not ever achieve a rank that allows him to marry you.”
“I don’t even want to marry,” I grumbled, not really meaning it, just liking to needle my mother.
“Don’t let your father hear you say that.He thinks every woman’s goal is marriage.”She straightened as though realizing she sounded critical.“Of course, he should think that way.The king should live in a way that inspires all of us.He is the embodiment of our values.”
“Except there’s one rule for him, and another for all of us.”
“Mara!”
“It’s true.He made an exception for himself to the divorce laws and has nineteen children when all women except his wife are allowed only one.”
Her brow furrowed.“Mara, you’re speaking nonsense again.Of course, the king must be allowed as many children as possible.”Her gaze bore into mine and she glanced at the chamber where Mikta had retreated.With a sigh, I relented.
“You’re right,” I said because I, of all people, should not speak so disloyally.I wouldn’t be here if the king wasn’t allowed unlimited offspring.My logic really was faulty.
“Have a care with your words, Mara,” she chided, again glancing toward where Mikta waited.
“Mama.”As an apology, I reached for her, but she evaded my hug.
“Mikta must be ready by now.You must be so lovely the Zulenii prince cannot take his beautiful eyes from you.Mayhap those eyes will make you forget all about Gaz.”She motioned for me to follow her.
“Gaz says he plans to be head of the royal guard one day,” I said.
