“Such as?” I stammer, trying not to look at my parents.
“I would like to add a clause to the contract stating that if you feel unable to perform your marital duties, we will be free to make a different arrangement between the Ashcroft line. This will ensure our alliance continues, whether it is between yourself and my brother or one of your siblings.”
Mother stands with a huff. “This is unnecessary! Genevieve has no intention of remaining unwed!”
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. The humiliation of once again addressing my incapacity for intimacy in such a public manner is almost more than I can bear. What I thought could be a partnership built on friendship and a shared desire to do what was best for our kingdoms may not be that at all. I force a stiff smile and signal for Mother to sit.
“I have no doubt that I will be able to be a wife to you in the fullest sense of the word, Prince Leland. I have no problem with an addendum to our contract stating as much. However, I will have to discuss the terms of another match with my family before we can agree to that.”
The words sting as I say them, and I feel betrayed by a man who isn’t even my husband yet. But I have a duty—to my kingdom, my family, even Icelantica now.
Kieran rises, and it feels as though a frisson passes between us as he looks at me and says, “Pardon me. This conversation doesn’t concern me. I have more pressing matters to attend to.”
He turns toward the door and leaves without another word. I want to run after him, to tell him I’m making a mistake. I’ve never wanted anything as much as to call Kieran mine. But I don’t move. I sit frozen in place and let him walk away. Then I do what I always do: bury the hurt in my heart, knowing I must put the crown before my own desires.
21
Kieran
Seeing Gen in that meeting this morning nearly undid the composure I’m trying so hard to contain. She looked beautiful in a soft blue dress, accented with lace detailing. I wanted to pull her close and do wicked things to her that would have her moaning about the impropriety of it all.
That was all I could think about until the conversation began. It was the same shit I’ve dealt with since arriving at Fairbright—the Ashcrofts’ inability to see that continuing a blueblood line is weakening these countries. Then the insulting, vulgar way the Frostclaws openly demanded that Gen be willing to fuck Leland at his leisure. I was so close to speaking up, to blowing my cover and letting go of this false ruse.
Until Gen spoke up.
Until she once again chose to go against her own desires. I saw how she looked at Leland when they kissed, and I felt the difference in our shared kiss, in the way she was drawn to me last night in her bedroom.I saw the dread on her face again when she pretended not to look at me as she agreed to marry a man whose touch makes her uncomfortable.
That’s why I’m waiting for Queen Kalise in my study, a room I use for charting geography, completing correspondence, and making business preparations. I don’t know if I’m capable of staying here much longer. I’m writing to my business manager to arrange my departure and to send a team to oversee the project without my presence.
A knock sounds at my door, and I call for them to enter. It’s Queen Kalise, as I expected. She’s alone, and I’m thankful for that. I don’t want to try to explain to Leland, or anyone else, why I need to leave.
“This is an unexpected request,” Kalise says as she takes a seat across from me, her gloved hands resting primly in her lap. She wears a brown dress cut with a high neckline and long sleeves. Although it would look drab on another woman, Kalise makes the dress look stylish. Her short silvery-blonde bob nearly touches her shoulders, longer than she typically keeps it.
“I wanted your opinion on the state of things here in Naseria.”
She gives me a wry look. “Would you like my opinion on how they handle their kingdom or on whether the princess is terribly suited for Leland?”
I study her with as much disinterest as I can manage. I wouldn’t put it past Kalise to see that there’s something between Genevieve and me. Perhaps even Leland notices. That was the point, at least when I first arrived.
“The kingdom, of course. Your brother’s betrothal is of little consequence to me. Would you like a drink?” I move to a decanter of brandy.
“Yes, that would be welcome after this morning. But I know you well enough to see you are attracted to the princess—the dance youshared, your interactions, and how you saved her from the spreading rot. The way you could hardly contain your anger at that meeting. I think you care very much for my brother’s betrothed.”
I keep my back turned as I pour. Steady. Casual. She doesn’t need to know my pulse quickens at the thought of Leland’s hands on Gen. I let out a harsh laugh as I carry the drinks back.
“Saving her from the rot is hardly a sign of attraction. You know how I feel about the abuse of helachite—I’d save anyone, even my worst enemy, from that fate. As for the rest, it’s nothing. She’s an interesting woman, but ultimately she’s Leland’s fiancée. I’ll never think of her again after I leave.”
I hand Kalise the brandy, her silver glove brushing my bare skin. I’ve never seen the queen without gloves, never seen any piece of her skin other than her face. Rumors in Icelantica suggest she bears the marks of her gift, a delicate pattern like a snowflake.
Of course that’s rubbish. Still, it’s strategic—hide yourself so completely that even your skin becomes legend. She cultivates the image she presents to her citizens. I wonder who the true Kalise is.
She sips the brandy and studies me more closely than I’d prefer. Kalise has a way of disarming a person with her glare, and I’ve avoided it while working with Icelantica over the years.
“I saw you pull the princess away that day. When she returned she was disheveled and flushed. Leland considers you a close friend. If you harm my brother, I will be forced to hurt you back.”
The room grows cold, and the queen does something I’ve never seen her do: she slowly slides one glove off. As I suspected, there are no unusual marks on her skin—just alabaster-smooth flesh. Her hand cups the brandy glass, and immediately the brandy freezes solid.
Kalise looks at me with such frosty disdain that it stings. I nod. “You’ve made yourself clear. I value my friendship with Leland as well and have no intention of hurting him.”
