Still, I cannot catch those precious hours of lost sleep. My mind races too much. I lie in bed for those hours trying to think of any and all enemies I’ve made. It’s a foolish attempt. I’m the heir to a throne with twelve others in line behind me. Haven’t I always known a day like this might come?
Eventually, I give up attempting to sleep and throw my covers away from me. I slip into my clothes for the day and shove my feet into boots. The guards who have been allotted to my bedroom door for the time being step out of my way when I open the door and trail behind me as I make my way to our dining hall for breakfast.
I catch a glimpse of the sun as it reaches its peak in the sky through one of the windows in a long hall. Most of my family has likely eaten and moved on with their day. My stomach rumbles at the thought of food.
When I enter the dining hall, I expect to find the long table empty. Instead, a prim figure sits near the head of the table. Valentina’s crystal eyes meet mine as I pause in the doorway. She lowers her fork back to her plate and inclines her head.
“Prince Merrick, I’m surprised to see you up after such an eventful night.”
Her silk nightgown has been replaced with a navy gown detailed in white. The sleeves of the dress sit off her shoulders with voluminous puffs of fabric before extending to fit her arms properly all the way down to her wrists. There is a wave to her hair, left behind from the braids she’d worn at night, though half of her hair has been pulled back from her face. Only a few unruly strands frame her cheeks and jaw.
Regaining my composure, I answer her and make my way to the seat directly across from her. “It looks like sleep is evading me.” Before my backside even hits the seat, a servant sets a warm plate in front of me. I pick up my own fork. “No Beau this morning?”
Valentina shakes her head. “I left him with the nursemaid so I could have a couple more hours to myself.”
“I can’t thank you enough for what you did last night.” I hold her gaze, and her cheeks bloom a lovely pink. A soft smile curves my lips.
“A thank-you isn’t necessary.” She glances at the guards at the back wall and the servant that hovers near the exit to the kitchens.
In answer, I peer over her shoulder, catching the eyes of the guardsmen. “Guards, you’re dismissed.” They turn on the balls of their feet and exit the room without complaint. Next, I turn to the servant and wave him away. Then we are alone. “No need to censor our conversation now,” I amend.
I swear the pink in her cheeks warms even further until it's a beautiful crimson that climbs her chest, kisses her ears, and paints her cheeks. I can't help but stare at her even after she looks back down to her plate.
"How are you feeling?" she asks, her eyes flicking from her plate to my face and back down. Inhaling the sweet scent of my meal, I try to gather my thoughts on the subject.
"Well, apart from my lack of sleep and my outright distaste for how Arius handled Casimir, I suppose I'm doing well for someone who was attacked by an assassin."
Valentina gently settles her fork on her plate and leans back in her seat. Her long, skinny fingers adorned with several sparkling rings, likely gifted to her by my father, clasp before she sets them in her lap. "And your wound?"
I'd been surprised when I'd gotten up and gotten dressed this morning that both my wounds were not healing as quickly as they should. My side still looks angry, and if I move to swiftly, my head pulses with pain. I don't say all that though.
"Still tender, but I'm sure I'll be all fixed up in no time. The real question is how is Aeton?"
Her throat bobs. "He woke up right before I came to breakfast. Arius hasn't left his side. Sounds as though he's having trouble speaking, but he did manage to ask for Casimir.”
With a snort, I scoop up my wine glass and look at her over the rim. “I’m assuming that went well?” On the outside, I am cool, calm, and collected. On the inside, I would love to rush from my seat and sprint back to Valentina’s room and strangle Arius for what he said.
I can understand his worry for his brother. News like this, especially in a royal court, can really damage someone. Father might very well deny their claims in the line of succession and throw them out on the streets or worse, take their heads off. Casimir didn't have to worry about his mother, but Queen Lairis, oh goddess, I couldn't even imagine how she might handle that situation if rumors were to spread again.
"It went as well as you'd imagine, I suspect. Unfortunately, after this meal, I must visit Queen Lairis."
The drink in my hand nearly slips from my fingers as I freeze, my lips parted in surprise. I clear my throat. "Why would you?"
Valentina sighs, and I see her shoulder sag as she melts further into her seat. "I have no choice. For me to keep this a secret from her would be far more dangerous. If I know her, and I think I do, she will do whatever it takes to protect her son, which in turn means that she will protect Casimir’s secret too. I don't like it, I'm not looking forward to it, but it is necessary. I can't keep them in my room any longer. He's going to have to face his mother at some point or another.
Two queens keeping the same secret from the king might just be better than one. I nod along as she takes a small sip of water before pushing herself away from the table.
"I shouldn't delay any further," she says "I'm glad to see you're doing okay, Prince Merrick." She turns to go, pauses, and turns back. "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I did manage to get a sample of your, Casimir’s, and Aeton’s blood. I’ve sent it off to be tested, and we should know quickly if there’s anything in your systems that should not be there. Any slow working poisons that could’ve been on the tip of the blades that cut you. I’ll report back to you as soon as I hear.”
Pinching the edges of her skirt, Valentina gives me a small curtsy. When her back is to me, I nearly jump out of my skin with a desire to pull her back to the table, just to talk for a little while longer. Words bubble out of me faster than I can contain them.
"Queen Valentina?" I say softly.
The clicking of her heels stops, and she waits by the closed doors. Waves fall down her back over her shoulder. I think about running my fingers through her hair and twirling the ends around my finger. She offers half a grin at me over her shoulder as she waits for me to continue. I stand and stroll toward her, trying to keep the cool confidence that tends to leave women weak in the knees.
Her eyebrows rise, and she turns around, her back pressing against the door. My mouth has gone dry as cotton, and no matter how many times I try to swallow, I cannot appease my scratchy throat. I stop when there is only a foot of distance between us. From here, I can smell her sweet vanilla scent.
Come on, Merrick, don't chicken out now.
