36
After bidding Lanagoodbye and telling Papa about my royal summons, I hopped onto a chaise to the palace, wondering what the queen could want with me. We hadn’t been in contact for months, not since my hearing. Had something gone wrong with her recovery?
Queen Cordelia sat across her great mahogany desk when I entered her study. The light streaming in through the stained glass gave her a blue-green halo, a welcome contrast to the sickly scarlet I had gotten used to. Her expression was serene, but there was a sparkle in her eye.
“Your Majesty,” I said, curtsying. “You wanted to see me?”
“I did. You’ve come just in time for tea,” the queen said, pushing forward a plate of biscuits as I sat.
I thanked her and took a biscuit. She looked well enough. It couldn’t possibly be the antidote, could it?
Queen Cordelia smiled. “You’re doing well, I hope?”
“I hope you’re doing well too, Your Majesty,” I said quickly.
She laughed. “Rest easy, I’ve never been better. I wanted to propose an opportunity.”
“Opportunity, Your Majesty?” I asked. I recalled the offer of marriage to the crown prince. Last time I asked, Ash said his brother decided to postpone his matrimonial affairs for another few years after the trauma of the masquerade.
Queen Cordelia nodded. “But before I talk about that, I must ask you a question,” she said. “How do you feel about my son?”
My mouth gaped open before I could stop myself. A few biscuit crumbs tumbled out. I brushed them away, flustered. “I hardly know the crown prince, Your Majesty, and frankly it seems a bit silly to marry him tome, of all people—”
“Not Bennett, Amarante,” Queen Cordelia said, laughing. “I meant Ash.”
“Oh,” I said. I closed my mouth, lest I spewed crumbs at her face.
The last few months, despite being busy, had given me more time to think. The royals have been working nonstop on policies to restore witchkind to Olderea. It ate up quite a bit of time, especially for Ash who was by far the most eager. He and I hadn’t been able to see each other quite as frequently, but whenever we did, he was more attentive than usual. I didn’t miss the looks he gave me, or the friendly hugs that lasted a touch longer than proper.
“I...don’t know, Your Majesty,” I said honestly. I had been avoiding the topic. It made me far too nervous for my liking. What could the queen mean by bringing it up?
“He fancies you,” Queen Cordelia said, shocking me with her frankness. “I’m merely curious if you feel the same, but it seems I’ve made you uncomfortable.”
I merely blushed.
“I’m asking because of the opportunity I mentioned,” she continued. “If you accept it you won’t see him for a long time.”
My curiosity peaked. “What is the opportunity, Your Majesty?”
