Oh, I don’t think so.“And what’s that?”
“That I oppose your marriage to my son.”
“You don’t?”
The queen smiled. “No, I don’t.”
“But King Rullok…”
“Is concerned with the political ramifications. The merger between our family and Alia’s would have benefitted the kingdom, but not necessarily Jaryk’s happiness. I know my son. He and Alia would have been a mismatch. Neither she, nor the other—well, let’s just say, I am glad my son took this bold step.
“My son is the future king. He must do what is right for Kaldor, but I want him to be happy, and my deepest hope is that he can achieve both. I confess I was shocked at first to discover the circumstances around your marriage, and that you are human, but from the little I’ve seen and the lot I’ve heard, you appear to be very good for Jaryk.”
She’d heard a lot? Probably the staff kept her apprised. Although necessary for the queen to be informed, Kismet wasn’t sure she liked servants reporting on her actions.
“In any case, I give you my personal blessing and support.”
“I’m here! Show me the dress!” Karma burst into the room.
Chapter Ten
“You look beautiful in those clothes,” Jaryk exclaimed upon entering the dining hall to find Kismet dressed like a Kaldoran. He winced. “That came out wrong. That’s not what I meant!”
Delicate eyebrows arched. “I don’t look beautiful?”
The hairs on his nape prickled with embarrassment. He was botching this. “You always look beautiful regardless of what you wear, but Kaldoran fashion suits you.” He hadn’t been this gauche since he was a youth.
His male eye couldn’t tell if she wore pants or a dress, but the blue-green garment flowed around her like water and clung in all the right places, arousing emotions he shouldn’t be having. She probably had no idea she wore his favorite color. He’d assumed theirs would be a dispassionate union, an amicable marriage of convenience, but how could he avoid noting his wife’s attractiveness? He was a man.As long as I don’t touch.
Her lips curved into a teasing smile. “I know what you meant. I was having a little fun. Yes, the clothing arrived today. Thank you. You were way too generous.”
“It was worth it.” Looking at her now, oh, yes. It was worth it. He extended his hand. “Shall we be seated?”
She took her place on his left. Lewen served them, and Jaryk dismissed him. “If we desire seconds or need more spirits, we are capable of serving ourselves.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Lewen said, but Jaryk could tell the dismissal didn’t sit well with him.
“He takes his job very seriously,” Kismet commented. “All the servants do. They had my clothes put away before I even saw them. As I said, you were way too generous.”
“As I said, it was worth it. Kaldoran attire suits you. Especially that outfit.”
“Thank you. Your mother picked it out.”
“My mother? The queen?”
“Is there another?” She giggled. “She popped in for a visit today.”
“My mother came to see you?” He felt like a child’s talking toy, repeating everything said to it. “What did she say?” He took a big gulp of spirits, hoping his mother hadn’t offended Kismet. Not that that would be her style, but he’d blindsided both parents with a situation neither of them viewed as favorable.
“That she’s glad we got married.”
He swallowed hard and almost choked. “My mother said that?”
“Yep. Surprised the heck out of me.”
He was flabbergasted. “Did she mention my father?”
“He’s not on board yet.”
