“We were notsneaking around.” Cora blushed. “We were courting.”
“Behind bookshelves in the library courtyard?” Colette smirked.
Sadie grinned too before raising an eyebrow at Cora.“And don’t forget that time we caught you two in the armoury.”
“Hush,” Cora hissed. “Little ears are listening.” She motioned towards her son, who was far too busy munching on a tart to care for their conversation.
“Apologies.” Sadie held up her palms. “But my point still stands. Listen, Naria.”
I straightened up at the sound of my name.
“Kings and Queens do not care if you miss appointments or meetings or whatever duty you’re needed for, as long as you have a good reason, and it sounds like today you did. But.” I swallowed at her tone shift. “As much as you might want to, you can’t be prioritising your hobbies over your kingdom.”
My brows knitted together. In truth, I could understand her point, but… “I’m not sure if I would consider tending to sick servants a hobby,” I replied with a frown.
Sadie glanced at Queen Cora, who shook her head.
“Yes, but from what I heard you were not alone in the kitchens,” Cora pointed out. “You had another Corlixin girl with you, treating servants, correct?”
My shoulders sagged as I nodded.
“There, now you see our point. We are rulers, dear, and someday you too will have a palace and advisors and all manner of delightful things that come with a crown.” Cora’s tone was gentle but still firm enough to make guilt churn in my stomach. “And you will not have time to be tending to servants when you’ll have enough problems of your own to deal with. Problems like ensuring your people have enough food to survive winter. Kingdom-sized problems. Do you understand now?”
Somehow, I managed a small nod. For years, I’d known these responsibilities would come. No matter how hard I studied my herbs back in Honeymeade or how long I put off my official coronation, there would come a day when I’d have to accept the crown my parents had left for me.
The crown heavier than my now pounding head could handle.
“Chin up, Naria,” Sadie rapped her hand against the table. “You’ll still have some time to yourself after your duties are done.” A proud smile pulled at her cheeks. “Mine is spent running, tending to our vast orchards, and,” she glanced at Queen Colette,” ensuring my lovely wife has an endless supply of flowers for her collages.”
Colette batted her lashes sheepishly.
“I like to sail!” the young prince piped up beside me.
“Yes you do. Thank you, Ralfi.” Cora hid a laugh behind her hand.
“This is your son?” I asked her.
With a proud smile, she nodded. “Raphael, meet Princess Naria. You remember the young lady I was telling you about? The one from the fallen medicine kingdom?”
“Of course, Mother.” He glanced up at me with big, innocent eyes. “Mother said we’re all supposed to be really nice to you because you’re probably scared, and she said that last time you met, you were acting really silly at the party and kept falling over and—”
“That’s enough, Ralfi,” Cora snapped, her face turning the colour of steamed crab. Raphael turned to her, confused, while both Dalking Queens tried their best to hide their laughter.
“It’s alright,” I chuckled, letting the three queens laugh with me. “I suppose I was acting quite silly at the Summer Ball.” Memories of far too many goblets of crimson wine sloshed around my head. “And I was quite nervous.” My throat tightened. “I still am…”
Cora leaned across the table to take my hand. “We’re all here to help you, Naria,” she assured me.
“Well, clearly all apart from—” Colette’s quiet voice cut off when Sadie pinned her with a glare.
Cora sighed. “We will deal with the Hallshires. They may just need time to come around to you, but together, we’ll find a way to mend whatever rift Marigold has created between you.”
“However insignificant it may be,” Colette huffed.
“Indeed.” Cora squeezed my fingers before settling back in her seat. “Now, let’s discuss your kingdom. Ralfi, deal Naria a hand of cards.”
CHAPTER 10
Afew days later, I jerked awake to the sound of a fist pounding against my door. Groaning, I heaved myself out of bed, my feet heavy against the sun-warmed floors of my bedchamber.
