Page 81 of The Masked Princess

“Do you regret your actions?”

Lord Adrilla’s jaw tensed, and he stuck his head forward, giving a brief impression of a large bearhound. His daughter, Lady Evelina, placed her hand on his arm, but he shrugged her off and rolled his neck.

“To be honest, no, I do not. King Everet had already approached me and asked for my blessing to pursue Evelina, but I didn’t want any of it. We are an old family, and we keep to the old ways; none of this stallion and his herd of broodmare stuff that his late majesty preferred. He thought that what I refused to allow him he could convince Evelina to give, and when that failed, he reverted to force. A king like that is no king at all.”

At his words, a flurry of whispers and conversation broke out across the court. Several courtiers crowded closer as if sensing blood in the water. Annalise ignored them, watching first Lord Adrilla, and then his daughter, who stood half a pace behind him. The young lady was approximately Annalise’s age, and she couldn’t help but feel disgusted at the liberties her father had attempted simply because of the crown on his head.

“Lady Evelina, tell me how the past few months have treated you,” Annalise said once the whispers died down.

The woman dipped into a low curtsy. She wore a pale yellow gown embroidered with orange flowers, and her curly brunette hair was pulled back and styled in a simple bun. “Your Majesty, I have hardly eaten or slept for fear of what will happen to my father. I begged my father to bring me to court this year; it’s my fault I was here at all.” Evelina paused and swallowed; her eyes glistened with tears.

Annalise thought she was either a very good actress, or she was completely overwhelmed. Taking in the woman’s dress, which hung loosely on her frame, the gauntness in her face, and Lord Adrilla’s persistent cough, she judged it was the latter.

After a pause so long it turned awkward, Evelina finally gathered herself. “But, to answer your question, I am extremely grateful that you allowed him to move out of the dungeon and to recuperate in his rooms. It has been a… difficult time.”

“I can imagine, especially considering your father’s distinguished age,” Annalise said.

“The healer who helped us, Alaric, has made things easier, especially once he didn’t have to sneak father his cough medications anymore.” Evelina gasped and clapped her hands over her mouth.

Annalise smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t punish a healer for doing his Goddess-blessed duty. In fact, I’ll recommend him to Guildmaster Trenk. It takes great courage to do what is right in the face of adversity and deserves to be commended for it.”

Evelina bent her head and dropped into a deep curtsy. “Oh, thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you for your understanding and for your graciousness in allowing him out of the dungeon. Please, if I may be so bold, I have one request of you: my father is old, and the cold doesn’t agree with his bones. If you punish someone, please let it be me. If it weren’t for my foolishness, he would not have made the mistake he did.”

Annalise thought for a moment, weighing her options, even if she already had a good idea of what she would decree. It was to be her first official ruling on a court day, and she didn’t wish to appear hasty. In fact, she’d spent several hours over the past week mulling over the case, and had spoken at length with Alaric about the care he’d given Lord Adrilla in between his time spent tending Larken, who was progressing well with her pregnancy but had wisely declined to appear at court functions.

Several minutes later, Annalise had finally decided. “The punishment for murder is death, and regicide is both murder and treason. Therefore, it would be entirely within my right to sentence Lord Adrilla to execution—” Evelina’s shoulders slumped, and Lord Adrilla dipped his snowy white head. “—however, I don’t believe that is a fair punishment for the circumstances of the crime. Lord Adrilla, did you plan to kill my father at any point prior to dealing the blow?”

His mouth opened and shut like a fish before he finally sputtered out words. “Of course not, Your Majesty! I’ve been loyal to the Crown since I was old enough to know what it was. When I was a younger man, I sent troops and supplies to the front lines and did whatever I could to aid your father and your grandfather in their wars against Rhinnea. I assure you, if I had even one treasonous thought, I would not be begging for your forgiveness and mercy now.”

She nodded and leaned forward. “I believe you, and your long history of steadfast support for the Crown speaks for itself. That is why, Lord Adrilla, I will give you the honor of being the first to swear loyalty to me in front of the entire court.” Annalise held up her right hand, gloveless and adorned with the Dovean ring of state. “As this court knows, I’ve spent much of my life cursed. What we have recently discovered is that the curse is also a blessing—those who touch me and have good in their heart and no ill intentions toward me are healed, while those who are hateful or wish me ill suffer death. Lord Adrilla, I offer you this chance to clear your name: take my hand and kiss my ring or spend the rest of your life in the dungeons of Dovelan.”

“I will take your hand and kiss your ring, Your Majesty, and gladly so. I’ve heard a great deal of your kindness and fairness and have no fear of what your magic may say about me.” Lord Adrilla stepped forward and was immediately stopped by the guards, who crossed their spears.

At a word from Annalise, he and his daughter were both allowed to approach.

Annalise’s heart sped up as she gave Lord Adrilla her hand. After some experimenting with certain terminally ill individuals in the care of the Guild of Healing, as well as a few unfortunate incidents at the Rhinnean court before she left, she was almost positive that they’d finally unlocked the secret of her curse. However, old fears died hard, and she fought to keep her hand steady and not snatch it away at the last second.

Lord Adrilla took her hand without hesitation, and after he kissed her ring, he knelt before her and swore his loyalty. The collective inhale of the court turned to cheers when he stood tall with no sign of disease or injury and bowed before her.

His daughter was next, and when she also stood without injury, Annalise smiled tenderly at her. “Please, Lady Evelina, I understand that these past few months have been rather traumatic for you, but you are welcome to stay at court for as long as you like under my invitation. I fear that we have not been as hospitable to you as you deserve, and I would like to build my court into one safe and welcoming to all.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I must speak with my father as to his plans, but your invitation is greatly appreciated,” Lady Evelina said with a deep curtsy.

After Lord Adrilla hopped off the dais with a pep in his step that was more suitable to a gentleman thirty years younger, there was a veritable rush on the throne with lords, ladies, and other courtiers battling as much as civility allowed for a chance to prove their loyalty.

In between people, Annalise glanced at Soren, who was watching the entire proceeding somberly. She was amused at how seriously he still took his job as her protector. When she’d given him the title of king consort, she’d offered him new lands, titles, and riches, but he’d declined them all. Even now, he wore his crown about as comfortably as if it were a pair of shoes a size too small.

Soren caught her gaze and spared a smile for her before his expression returned to a scowl at all who approached. He played the part of brooding consort almost too well—if she hadn’t watched him practice in the mirror when they’d bathed together, she might have thought he was actually serious.

Her thoughts turned unbidden to what happened the night before, when he tired of her attempts to distract him though kisses and caresses. A flush of heat suffused her cheeks, even as the memory of their laughter, the sloshing of water, and the sensation of his wet skin on hers echoed in her ears and danced across her skin like a ghost’s touch. She managed to school her expression before the next supplicant, but judging from the smirk that flashed across Soren’s face, he’d seen her gaze and guessed what she’d been thinking about.

Later, after they’d finished their court session for the day, she asked him about what he thought of his first day in court by her side as they walked through the castle gardens toward the stables. Spring had come to Dovea, chasing away the cold winter frost and blanketing the bushes and trees in delicate green buds that had just begun to unfurl.

Soren laughed and squeezed her hand. “To be honest, I was afraid of saying something rather dumb. The last thing you need to worry about is your court thinking you’ve chosen a dolt for a husband.”

“I doubt they’d ever think that. If you ever hear whispers, just let me know, and I’ll make a proclamation banning anyone from gossiping about your intelligence.” Annalise paused for his laughter before fully facing him. “You are going to make a wonderful king, Soren.”

“A wonderful king consort, you mean. And thank you; you’re going to be the best queen that Dovea’s ever had.” Soren kissed Annalise gently, like she was a final winter snowflake that might melt before enfolding her in his arms.