Talac had then taken some of the Palace Guards to recover the bodies. If those that found the bodies or prepared them for burial found it strange that several were sporting knife or arrow wounds, they were keeping very quiet. Loyal to their Prince and the tale he’d spun.
Now, finally, with the bodies on their way to be buried, and no hint that anyone thought the incident had been anything other than an awful tragedy… Alia and Perri were officially in the clear. Regal was dead. Alia’s mission complete.
“Is that all you and Grandmere discussed? She didn’t perchance try to convince you that you would make an excellent Queen?”
How had Talac guessed? And how should she respond? Talac would know if she lied. “Um… maybe.”
“You don’t agree with her assessment?”
“I hadn’t ever given the role much serious thought before.”
“And now?”
“I don’t believe I’d be a very good fit. I’m too set in my ways. There would be too many rules, too many restrictions… I relish my freedom.”
The sparkle in Talac’s eyes brightened. He was definitely amused. “Personally, I’m in agreement with my Grandmother. But what about me? Did she say how I would factor into the equation if you wore the crown and wished to get your way? Am I to be manipulated? Tricked? Coerced and distracted by your feminine wiles?”
“Er… a combination of manipulation and training was mentioned.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“Excuse me?”
“I believe if I’m to eventually play the role of patsy King, and Grandmere is seeking to position you as the power behind the throne, then I would prefer to be beguiled by your feminine wiles.”
What? He was teasing her, wasn’t he? “To be brutally honest, I don’t believe I have… wiles.”
Talac laughed, a hearty deep chuckle. “You should have more faith in yourself. So, let’s discuss your future. The man you wished to see dead is being buried six feet under as we speak. Your sister has been re-united with her long lost son. What do you intend to do now?”
“Return to the Lair.” Alia said the words by rote, where else would she go? What else could she do?
“And take up the Beast mantle once more?”
“Well, yes.”
“The role that comes with all those weighty expectations and heavy responsibilities? The role that places you under constant scrutiny by everyone around you? Demanding all your time, your energy? It strikes me the position comes with a lot of restrictions. Paying your Father frequently both in money and displays of public allegiance. Ensuring all your various industries are performing at their peak levels. Responsible for the safety, health, even the happiness of everyone who lives and breathes within the Lair battlements. Tell me… where, in all that, is this freedom you say you crave?”
Cruddy hell. Just thinking about her life back at the Lair, Alia could practically feel her shoulders sagging under all the weight of the expectations and responsibilities that came along with being the Beast. Resolutely though she kept her back ramrod straight, refusing to relax back into her chair. Talac was playing a deep game here. Circling. Prodding at her. He wanted something, that amused sparkle in his eyes was a clear warning.
“I believe you have a proposition for me?” Did he want to offer her a job? Or maybe request she stay longer, let them continue on as lovers until the lo… lust and attraction they felt for one another burned itself out. Or until he was forced to marry a suitable partner and could no longer put off providing the Vallas Realm with an heir.
Talac continued to stare at Alia speculatively, before arching a taunting, challenging left eyebrow, as if he were silently questioning her intelligence.
Oh, no. He couldn’t possibly be on the same track as Lady Cecelia. “Just how much river water did you swallow the other day? I’m not Queen material.”
“That would be the finish line. First, you would be Princess Alia, it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
“Please. Princesses are sweet, graceful, pretty and perfect. Do you equate any of those attributes with me?”
“Not a one. You’re bold, decisive, fair, ruthless, capable and selfless. A hunter and fierce protector. Always first in line to face down a threat. And as much as it might privately pain you, willing to enact harsh judgements for the greater good. Did I miss anything out? Oh, and beautiful, stunningly, perhaps unconventionally, downright gorgeous.”
“I…” Gods, how was she supposed to respond to that? Alia’s insides feeling all strangely melty and heated.
“If danger came calling, which type of Princess would you wish to be in charge?”
“The Vallas Realm would revolt.”
“I think our subjects would quickly come to adore you.”
