“That is a pleasant surprise. One never truly knows what to expect from the women of Bailoc. You all are truly hard to decipher.” His lips lifted only at the corner. “Your sister was truly a surprise.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I thought we were here to discuss me.” I could have let him say whatever he wanted, but I didn’t want to hear the rest.
“If you are to wed my son, you will live up to our expectations.”
“And what are your expectations?” If I solidified my part in this cage, I would know every crevice of it.
“You will honor him in whatever way he deems fitting of his bride. Bear him the children he requires.” He slid his goblet aside.
I knew they would expect it of me, but I didn’t expect it to be stated so plainly—like it was my only purpose. It couldn’t be my only purpose.
“Kilan does not yet have a child. If Novena doesn’t birth an heir, the children you give Soren will carry the throne after he is gone,” the king said. “Is there any reason you’ve been given to believe you are not capable of it?” He stared at me plainly.
My skin heated as I looked down at my hands on the table. How could anyone ever know that? “None that I am aware of, Your Majesty.”
“Very well then.”
I wouldn’t be reduced to being a womb. “I’ve studied policy too.” My father believed that my education, and my ability to rule in my brother’s stead, if it were ever required, was critical.
“My son will handle the royal affairs. You may find your own hobbies to fill your time.”
Hobbies like Novena’s shopping. “Is there anything else you wish to speak to me about?”
“I needed to hear it for myself, that you are completely invested in fulfilling your role. That there is nothing that will keep you from being what we need.” His breathy laughter escaped him. “How someone answers a question reveals a great deal about their person, and you’ve said very little in response to any of it.”
“If I choose to proceed with the arrangement, then I willcommit to the role.” I stared into his eyes. They were just as dark as Soren’s.
“If youchooseto proceed?” He scoffed. “We have been more than generous in inviting you here. It would have been far easier to leave you with the fae. But would they have kept you there? Surely Bailoc would want you back if you find our offer isn’t suitable for you.”
I couldn’t go back to Bailoc. My brother would see my refusal as a failure and a disgrace. He’d continue his plan to offer me to whoever benefited him most.
“My son requires a pure bride. Your royal bloodline is the only reason you are here.” He left lulls in between whatever he said as if it was a tactic to make me uneasy. “We will have another feast this evening—you will want to ready yourself soon.”
It was hours until nightfall. Nearly the entire day was still ahead of us.
When I rose, I curtsied before him before I left. An uneasy silence held between Fyn and me as we walked down the stairs and through the corridor.
“Princess Ashlyn, it is lovely to see you again.” One of Novena’s friends from the market stopped in front of me. I had forgotten what her name was.
“And you.” My body trembled from the king’s words still.
“Do you care for a walk in the garden?” She asked.
Weeks ago I would have loved nothing more, but now the air pulled unevenly in my chest. “I’m afraid I can’t right now, but another time that would be so lovely.”
She curtsied before she left.
When we slowed our pace near my chambers, I lowered my voice. “I’m…” Just a body to them—a royal bloodline to be passed down—a woman that will produce heirs. Assuming it and hearing it were two different things. It was suffocating. “They?—”
“You’ve studied policy?” Fyn asked it like it mattered.
“A little.” I needed my tears not to fall. I steadied myself, the only way I knew how. “Apparently, I should have only been tutored in how to make a baby as fast as possible.”
“That sounds most inappropriate for a princess.” His laughter leaked out between his breaking words.
“I could have told the king that I was well versed. He would have appreciated that.” I had walked right into all of this.
“Something tells me that wouldn’t have been a comfort to him.” Fyn pressed his palm into the wall.
