Page 54 of The Masked Princess

He led her to a rather bare bookcase near the front of the library. A brief perusal gave Annalise the impression that most of the books were instructional for feminine crafts such as embroidery or painting, although a few sported titles of children’s tales. King Nelan motioned to the top shelf, where a handful of worn books sat. “Several years ago, it was fashionable for the court ladies to have their servants read romance novels to them, but eventually the fad fell away, as such things do. You’re more than welcome to them. I doubt anyone else has any use or desire for such things anymore.”

“Do you know why it fell out of fashion?” Annalise asked as she stepped closer to get a better look at the faded covers.

“I believe it involved a minor lord killing a servant. His wife acted without discretion and ordered a manservant to read to her, and the lord suspected an affair.” King Nelan shrugged, one corner of his mouth tipping up. “As I’m sure you can imagine, the dramatics fed the rumor mill and caused quite a stir in court. Don’t worry though, the book in question was burned.” His eyes flicked over her face, then over her shoulder and back again. “I hope you understand that our marriage is entirely a diplomatic one, meant to be a union between our countries. I would appreciate your affording me certain liberties and remaining discreet.”

She bit back her first retort about his taking liberties with or without her permission and forced a smile to her face. “And if I wanted to also take certain liberties, would that also be allowed?”

His thick black eyebrows rose in surprise. “I was under the impression that you could not because of your curse.”

“The curse that you promised me on our ride through Rea that you would help me break?” At the time, his promise had been a welcome surprise. Now Annalise recognized it for what it was—a platitude meant to soothe a nervous bride-to-be.

“Of course, of course. This is just until we can find someone suitable to break your curse. Never you mind, dear, I have my best people working on the problem,” King Nelan said, patting her hand before he paused, his brow furrowed. “However, as General Anar said yesterday, I think it would be best for you to act with the utmost propriety. While I wouldn’t necessarily have a problem with you taking liberties, I’m sure the people of court and the peasants wouldn’t look on it with a kind eye, especially with you being new and from such a backward kingdom. With that in mind, it is also for the best that you don’t find yourself alone with another man while you are here. We wouldn’t want rumors started that might endanger your reputation, would we?” He ended his speech with his eyes looking to the side, toward the door of the library.

Annalise turned to follow his gaze and saw the barest sliver of green silk, as if the woman waiting outside had taken a sudden step back.

She nodded as she returned her attention to the king. “Of course, Your Majesty. I understand the unique obstacles that my curse engenders, especially when it comes to providing an heir, if your learned scholars and mages are not up to the task of breaking it. When we marry, I will be a citizen of Rhinnea, and as such I wish to ensure that it remains strong and prosperous so that our kingdoms may forever be on equal footing. My only request is that I may keep my title and status as your queen, no matter your heir, and that I be allowed to use both as I see fit for charitable purposes.”

King Nelan still wasn’t looking at her. “If that is your request, then so be it. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I have other business to attend to.” He bowed, then exited the library, and Annalise pretended not to hear the swishing of skirts followed by a short giggle cut off by a gasp.

“I think that went well, all things considered,” she muttered as she turned away from the romance shelf.

Behind her, Soren laughed low under his breath. “Did you see King Nelan’s face when you said that you knew how to read? You might as well have told him that you wanted to live with his messenger pigeons so you could learn how to fly.”

Annalise pressed her lips together to keep herself from chuckling along. “Yes, well, as unfortunate as the Rhinnean prejudices are, at least they have books.”

With an unspoken agreement, the two of them walked further into the library. They were nearing the back wall, which was full of historical tomes about the Rhinnean tax code, when Soren spoke. “I’m sorry you had to catch him in such a way. For as much as he talks of discretion, he put you in a very difficult position. I thought you handled it admirably well.”

He said it so quietly she almost didn’t hear him, but something in his tone stopped Annalise in her tracks and she sighed deeply.

She didn’t dare turn around; she was afraid that if she did and saw pity in his eyes, she’d lose her composure. “It is what it is. As I told him, I am fully aware of the limitations of my curse, and what it means for the stability of the kingdom if there is no heir. I suppose I should be thankful that this gave me the opportunity for us to come to an understanding and for me to solidify my position at court. I am hopeful that one day we can develop a mutual respect for each other and our roles.” She paused, but they hadn’t seen or heard anyone else since King Nelan and his paramour had left the library. They were also far enough toward the back that she doubted Soren’s Rhinnean guard would hear them. “I may be a sacrificial lamb for the safety and peace of Dovea, but if Rea is to be a prison, at least it is a comfortable one. Perhaps with time and a secure position in court, I can do some good for both of our people.”

“I sincerely hope you’re right.”

They didn’t speak again, and Annalise took her time surveying the library. She picked out several books on the history of Rhinnea and its customs as well as one on medicinal herbs that she hadn’t read yet. By the time she was done, she had quite the armful, but as she walked toward the entrance, something made her pause by the bookshelf that housed what King Nelan had referred to as the ‘women’s section.’

Soren sidled up beside her. “If the stack you’re carrying is too heavy, I can carry it for you.”

“No, it’s fine, don’t worry about it,” she said as she scanned the spines.

“If I hold it, then you have free hands to add more to your collection.”

Annalise turned to him, one eyebrow raised. “You wouldn’t make fun of me for it?” Her question was light, but she couldn’t keep the bite out of her tone.

To his credit, Soren appeared aghast. “No, of course not. Why would I?”

She shrugged and looked away, unable to meet his eyes.

“Princess Annalise, why do you think I would make fun of you?”

She shook her head, but allowed him to take the books from her before stepping forward to get a better look at the romances. “I love to read; in fact, I used to spend entire days curled up in hidden places losing myself in a book. I read them all—treatises on politics, statecraft and theology, even a rather thick tome on herb craft that I borrowed from the Guild of Healers.” She traced her fingers over the worn spines. “But my favorites were always the tales of adventure in far-off lands, the epic fights and the romances that told of a love so strong they shook the very foundations of the earth… they helped me to escape, to feel like for even one afternoon I could lose myself and forget my curse and dream of a dashing prince who would rescue me.”

“What happened?” Soren asked gently.

“One of the ladies saw me reading a romance about a prince who rescued a lady from an evil dragon, and she laughed. She asked me why I read so much about something that I would never have—that cursed as I was, no man would ever want to look at me, let alone risk touching me even through gloves. Before I knew it, she’d told all of her friends, and for months the entire court would titter whenever I walked by.” Annalise swallowed, the books swimming momentarily in unshed tears. “She had a point, and after I finished that romance, I never picked up another one.” She wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and took the books back from Soren. “I should carry these; if someone tries to attack me like you’re so worried about, you won’t be much use with your arms full.”

Soren stared at her, his eyes glistening in the light filtering in from the overhead windows and the candlelit lamp on the wall. As Annalise moved away from the bookshelf, he stepped forward, taking her place.

“What are you doing, Captain Soren?” she asked.