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Tarley nodded.

The queen hummed. “Perhaps he isn’t as adept at persuasion as I had hoped.”

“My qu–” Tarley checked herself. “What do you mean?”

Keyanna sat at the table and took a bite. “Delicious.”

“Mrs. Barnwell is a magician in the kitchen.”

“Any word on my sister?” the queen asked. The same question each day.

“None,” Tarley said, equally worried for her brother, who hadn’t sent a single message, though she was sure he couldn’t.

The queen sighed. “Give me better news. Have you agreed to the marriage?”

The rate at which the queen could disarm her, then hit her with the heaviness of her situation was fearsome. “I haven’t.”

“And why is that? It’s clear that Lachlan is a handsome devil. Maybe too handsome for his own good. He probably hasn’t had to work for much.”

Tarley snickered.

“And it’s clear you agree.” The queen smiled.

“He is handsome, yes, but one doesn’t marry for looks alone.”

“Ah,” Keyanna said. She took another bite, then set down the fork. “You want to marry for love?”

“Isn’t that what we all want?”

Keyanna hummed. “Perhaps. Royals aren’t always given the option, but it is a noble desire.” She looked from the cake to Tarley. “Are you familiar with the story of my parents?”

Tarley shook her head.

“They weren’t a love match. Rather my father, young and dumb, became obsessed with my mother, and rather than ask permission for her hand, he stole her away from Jast to Kaloma.” She paused. “Sort of fits doesn’t it. With Kaloma’s history.” She sighed.

“Started a war.”

“Among other things. Word is that is why he was cursed with only daughters and dead sons.”

“Why didn’t she run away from him?”

“Maybe she initially tried, but ultimately, my father convinced her to be his bride. She must have found something redeeming about him. And maybe she was carrying his first child by then.”

“The one that died?”

“One of many.” Keyanna stood. “I tell you the story to say that marriages are strange things. If they could make a marriage…” Her words faded as she looked at the sweetcake. “I don’t plan to marry, though if I’m able to remain queen, I realistically know I may not have that choice. It may become a necessity.” She returned to the window. “But I only ever knew my parents in love. Their inauspicious beginning might have predicted a tumultuous partnership, and I supposed it was initially, but by the time I was a child, I was witness to their deep mutual respect. Her death ruined my father.”

“Your point being that should I marry Lachlan, the lack of it being a love match doesn’t necessitate that love won’t eventually bloom.”

“You’re smart, Tarley. Lachlan will make you a queen. And queens have power, which I suspect is something you desire.”

“I desire the power to decide my own life.”

“Yes. I know.” Keyanna sighed and crossed her arms around her middle.

“Being forced to marry someone doesn’t feel like empowerment,” Tarley said, unwilling to hold her tongue on the matter.

The queen remained fixed at the window. Her silence made Tarley think she’d been dismissed, until the queen said, “I need you to marry Lachlan, Tarley. Kaloma needs it. If I have any hope of changing those barbaric laws and avoiding war, I need the backing of the people.” Keyanna turned and gave Tarley a pointed look. “And the backing of Jast. Do you understand? See the power in your hands to make a difference?”