“Prince Leland and I have discussed it at length, and we prefer to go in a different direction. If it is truly my undertaking, I’d like to consider other options before moving forward with Mr. Blackwell’s recommendations.”
She turns to me, her deep-blue eyes cold in a way foreign to her. “Mr. Blackwell, that is all for now. Thank you for your time.”
I rise. “That’s disappointing, Princess Genevieve. I expected you’d be more willing to hear my suggestions than your mother.”
She doesn’t watch me leave. I need to strike something—anything—knowing the Ashcrofts are again content to harm their country rather than improve it.
There’s only one Ashcroft I can strike without recourse, and I know just where to find him.
29
Kieran
“Blackwell, you’re incorrigible!” Gabe shouts as I parry another strike, my training sword landing squarely against his chest. “What has gotten into you?”
Since the first day we fenced together, I’ve made a habit of joining Gabe as often as my schedule allows. He’s also continued to use my new identity—at least in the presence of others.
“The damned Ashcroft women!” I blurt out. I shouldn’t reveal that much, but Gabriel was once my closest friend and confidant. Why shouldn’t he know how maddening those two are?
“Ah, you spent the morning with the crown princess and queen, I assume?”
He strikes again, but I block his sword and push him toward the edge of the room, landing another blow.
“Enough!” he calls, letting his weapon drop. “You’ll have me resembling tenderized meat before long!”
He walks to the water pitcher, pouring us both glasses. I wipe the sweat from my brow and join him, handing my sword off to a waiting servant.
“I’m leaving,” I say. “You should know that despite my best efforts, I’m no match for your sister.”
Gabe smiles, pushing back his dark red locks. “Good. You never were a match for her anyway. You’ve always underestimated her stubbornness.”
I shrug. “I won’t be part of her ruining this country. If she’s so willing to follow in Queen Penelope’s path, then there’s no point in me returning.”
Gabe gives me a quizzical look. “This is about business—not your past?”
“Of course it is. Your sister is just as unwilling to prioritize helachite reform as your mother. She made that painfully clear this morning.”
Gabe shakes his head. “That’s a mistake. I thought this was about your vow to ruin her or some nonsense. Everyone sees your attempts at breaking her composure, but I knew that was impossible. She’s determined to make this alliance with Prince Leland. Once you stop that embarrassing display, I think she’ll be willing to work with you in a professional manner.”
I growl, like a trapped animal on its last defense. I really do need to get out of here. The Ashcrofts are once again making me forget myself. “She isn’t. She said so herself—even asked me to abandon the project. She’s afraid to do the hard work.”
“You absolute ass! Have you even tried to have a professional conversation with her? Genny’s always been guarded—she was trained to be. But if you keep treating her like a lovesick teenager, I understand why she won’t tolerate you any longer.”
I shake my head. Gen and Leland are all wrong for each other, yet they’re both charging forward with a plan that will make them miserable. Meanwhile, Gen is willing to let her mother keep making terrible decisions that harm the country. I need to get out of here, if only to clear my head and stop letting Genevieve Ashcroft haunt my every waking thought. “If she were willing to do the work, she’d try harder.”
Just then, the door slams open and Prince Leland strides in with General Pryor. Leland’s face is tight, his expression angrier than I’ve ever seen it.
“Blackwell! There you are!”
“Leland.”
“Choose a sword. I want a match!” he shouts.
I walk toward the prince, already knowing the cause of his outburst. “Think that through. You know I’ll best you—and quickly.”
“You’ve lied to me in the most egregious manner! Every suggestion, every word of support for this arrangement has been nothing more than a ploy to gain access to Princess Genevieve—not to benefit me or my kingdom!”
He grabs a sword from the rack. It’s not a practice blade. Of course it isn’t. He lunges, and I reach for a weapon of my own. His attack is easy to block. Despite Gabe’s teasing, I am a skilled swordsman—far better than Leland.
