“As the Queen of Turosian, you will be expected to attend all official court events and showcase your faith in Caelo and Falea.” Amira had expected as much. Of course, everyone in Liraen was supposed to worship Caelo, the God of the Sky, the creator of their world. Falea, on the other hand, was new to her. She’d grown up attending ceremonies in the name of Allamyst’s patron, Bellrasae.
“Of course, your most important role will be to provide an heir when the time has come. But His Majesty has requested that you be kept out of all political decisions,” Nouis continued.
“He did? Why?” So Karwyn had really meant what he’d said that day.
Nouis sighed. “His Majesty insisted it’s of no interest to you. After all, your brother has told us that you never had any interest in participating in Allamyst’s politics.”
Amira felt the air taken out of her lungs. Her brother’s control was still present. As always, Wryen was desperate to stay her puppeteer, moving her strings as he pleased. Well, she wasn’t going to wait until the strings got loose to cut them. If she could get Karwyn on her side, then maybe she’d be free of her brother’s reach.
“I’m grown now and ready to participate in Turosian politics,” Amira insisted.
Nouis looked doubtful but he still gave her a polite smile. “I will inform His Majesty.”
A knock on the door disturbed the fake politeness. “Come in,” Nouis answered.
Rhay’s friendly face peered into the room. “Father, Karwyn has requested your presence in the council room.”
Rhay’s presence made the stuffy study more bearable. He leaned against the frame of the door, the picture of perfect nonchalance.
Nouis stood up. “I’ll go to His Majesty. In my absence, I am putting you in charge of Princess Amira’s training. See that she finishes going through this book on Turosian history.” He pointed at the book in front of Amira.
“I will make sure that the princess knowseverythingthat there is to know about Turosian,” Rhay said with a devilish smile.
Nouis joined his son at the door and grabbed his shoulder. “Do not distract her, Rhay. I am trusting you with this, I expect to be pleased with you for once.”
“Of course, you can trust me.” Rhay put on a brave smile but Amira saw in his eyes that his father’s mistrust pained him.
Nouis faced Amira and bowed. “I’ll return to you soon, princess. In the meantime, focus on your studies if you wish to participate in the king’s council.”
When Nouis left the room, Rhay’s eyes turned mischievous. He joined Amira at the table and closed the book.
“What are you doing?” Amira protested.
Rhay lounged on the chair next to Amira. “All you need to know about Turosian is right here,” he said as he pointed to his head.
Amira scoffed and opened the book again. She started turning the pages quickly, searching for the portrait of Harten Adelway and the mysterious woman.
“I’m offended that you chose to write off my wisdom so quickly,” Rhay said.
Amira stopped to stare at him with a teasing smile. “You can’t be more than a few years older than me. I don’t expect you to know centuries of history.”
Rhay grabbed a strand of his pale pink hair and twisted it between his fingers. “I do know the juiciest stories, and that’s all you need to know.”
He had piqued her interest. “What kind of stories?”
“Oh, you know, who’s in love with who, who betrayed who, who’s jealous of me… The answer to the last one is everyone. Obviously.”
Amira couldn’t help but laugh. “Come on, Rhay. I actually want to make an impact as queen. Let me focus on this book if that’s the way to prove to Karwyn how committed I am.” She started turning the pages again, still thinking about the portrait.
“But it’s no fun. It’s just boring, old history. You don’t need to learn the names of all the past Turosian kings to make history yourself.” Rhay grabbed her hand. “Come on, I’ll show you around the palace. I’m sure you haven’t seen anything yet.”
She really hadn’t. “I’d love to, but I can’t disappoint Nouis. It’ll get back to Karwyn and then back to…”Wryen.He was an ever-present shadow looming over her, making her shiver.
Rhay’s hand squeezed hers gently and warmth spread through her, banishing the darkness. When he let go, Amira tried desperately to hold on to the feeling. But she couldn’t give in to Rhay’s friendliness completely. She knew what was at stake. Her role was to be Karwyn’s fiancée.
She turned the page and found the portrait she was looking for. In Harten Adelway’s regal face, Amira could see some of Karwyn’s traits, yet the two men looked very different. No one could deny that Harten Adelway exuded power and strength. The painter seemed to have trouble containing Harten’s aura into such a small representation. Every time Amira had seen Karwyn, she had sensed a sort of shyness, as if Karwyn was afraid to truly let his powers shine. As Amira’s gaze turned to the woman sitting by Harten Adelway, she understood why.
The beautiful young woman was crushed by Harten’s shadow. Her haunted eyes were the opposite of her male companion’s.
