Page 8 of The Shadowed Throne (Midlife Fairy Tale #4)
M ore blasted sun. Was this going to be every morning now? Anyka shook her head at the view through her windows. Yes, the blue sky was a welcome change from the constant gray that had been present her entire life, but the novelty had begun to wear thin.
It was so … cheery . Would a few clouds be that difficult? “Look at that, Galwyn. It’s far too bright, don’t you think?”
He was too occupied with the dried meat she’d given him to respond.
With a sigh, she tied the sash of her silk dressing gown as she turned away from the windows and went to summon coffee.
Last night with Hawke had been … good. She smiled, despite her mood.
He had shown his gratitude to a measure above and beyond what she’d hoped.
He’d done well. Pleased her greatly. Enough so that she had pondered the idea of making him her official consort.
He’d also agreed to help her find someone willing to act as an agent for her in Summerton.
There was a loud knock on her door. She frowned. The coffee couldn’t have come that quickly. She went to answer it, but the door burst open, and Beatryce rushed in.
Galwyn cawed at the intrusion.
“Shut up, you stupid bird,” Beatryce yelled. She glared at her mother. “How could you?”
Anyka blinked. “How could I what? Be quieter, Beatryce. It’s too early for this much noise.”
“I will make all the noise I want to,” Beatryce snapped back. “Because I’m a grown woman capable of making my own decisions. Especially when it comes to who I am going to marry.”
“Ah. So that’s what this is about.” Anyka rubbed her forehead. The coffee could not come soon enough. “Please, let’s go into the sitting room and discuss this.”
“There’s nothing to discuss. I am not marrying that troll.”
“I thought you were a grown woman? Shouldn’t a grown woman, who happens to be next in line for the throne of this kingdom, be willing to have a discussion about what’s best for her kingdom?”
Trog, bless him, reached in and closed the door.
Beatryce didn’t notice, but her volume lowered slightly. “You know I don’t care about the throne. I want to live a life that matters.”
“Being queen matters .” Anyka took a breath and tried a different tack.
“My darling girl, your life already matters. You are a shining beacon to the people of this kingdom. Your very presence brings them joy. They look at you and know that their kingdom will be in your very capable hands one day, and they take comfort in that.”
In truth, Anyka didn’t believe her daughter had the stomach to rule properly, but now was not the time for that discussion.
Beatryce frowned. “You don’t really believe that.”
“Of course I do. I cannot count the number of Grym who approached me at Willow Hall to tell me how wonderful you were, how they adored you, how happy they were to get to know their future queen. How they had faith that their future queen was a good and kind person. That you would do what was best for them.”
Beatryce seemed to deflate as she considered her mother’s words.
Anyka went closer and took her daughter’s arm.
“Do you really not want to marry a prince? Do you not realize the power this marriage will bring you? The wealth? You will be the jewel in the crown of Stoneholde. That kingdom will fall at your feet in adoration. You will be showered with gifts.”
Beatryce’s eyes rounded slightly.
Anyka went on. “And that’s before you produce an heir.
” She shook her head like it was too much to even think about.
“I cannot fathom the celebrations that will take place when your first child is born. I dare say there will be a statue erected in your honor, and knowing the trolls, it will probably be carved from some gemstone or created from solid gold. They do nothing by half-measures, my love.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“Bea, my dearest child, the trolls might be a warrior race, but they celebrate as enthusiastically as they fight. And they are enamored with fae beauty. I know you’ve never traveled to Stoneholde, but I promise you that when you do, you will grow weary of being admired.
You’ll tire of the jewels and dresses and baubles they heap upon you. ”
Anyka leaned in as though her next words were a secret she shouldn’t be sharing. “And Dren is not only handsome and strong, he is an expert horseman, and as the owner of one of Stoneholde’s most prolific diamond mines, he?—”
Beatryce blinked. “Dren owns a diamond mine?”
“Yes, and a sapphire mine.” Anyka sighed. “Shame the fruits of those will go to some other woman. I understand there’s a baron’s daughter in Yarne who?—”
“A baron’s daughter? He would pick a baron’s daughter over me?”
Anyka laughed. “Of course not, my darling, but he very much wants to be married, and if you won’t have him…” She shrugged like the rest was a foregone conclusion.
Beatryce frowned in such a way that it was just shy of becoming a pout. “I have to meet him first.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t expect anything less. He needs to see that you’re everything he expects. And the same for you.”
Beatryce’s eyes narrowed. “What does he expect?”
“A beautiful, clever young woman with impeccable taste and good manners, the kind of woman he can put his trust in, a woman with regal bearing and the sort of charm that will make him the envy of every other eligible male for miles around.” Anyka tapped a finger against her chin.
“You know, a few new gowns for you would not be amiss. And perhaps we should commission a new tiara. What do you think?”
Beatryce’s eyes sparkled. “It has been a while since I’ve had any new gowns.”
“I will speak with Seamstress Finefrock and arrange a fitting. But Beatryce, there is one thing we must be very clear on.”
“What’s that?”
“This … attitude you’ve had lately. The way you refused to come home with me from Willow Hall, your refusal to attend the banquet last night, the time you’ve been spending with that young woman from the village—these are not behaviors a man like Prince Dren will think becoming.”
Beatryce stood without speaking for a moment. Then she swallowed. “I can—I will do better, Mother. I promise. But I like Merylynn very much. She’s kind and sweet, and we have such a good time together.”
“But she is not your equal, my darling. And treating her as such is unfair to both of you. If you like her, then make her one of your lady’s maids. Or offer her a job in the kitchens.”
“What if I made her one of my ladies-in-waiting?”
“That’s a position reserved for nobility. Is Merylynn qualified for that?”
“Mother, you know she’s a commoner. Please, just this once, couldn’t an exception be made?”
This was good, Anyka thought. If she allowed this, Beatryce would owe her. And if Beatryce didn’t do what Anyka wanted, if she changed her mind about the marriage, or acted up again, Anyka could strike Merylynn from her role without hesitation.
Anyka sighed. “If it will make you happy, I suppose I can speak with the Minister of Protocol and see what can be done. Guidewright is strict, so no promises but I will do my best to persuade him.”
Beatryce grinned and hugged Anyka. “Thank you so much. You won’t regret this.” She headed for the door, then stopped and turned to face her. “I’m still going to live here when I’m married, right? Not in Stoneholde?”
“You are Princess Beatryce, First Daughter of Malveaux and the heir to the Grym throne. Your rightful home will always be Castle Hayze. Now, I’m sure you will have a lovely residence in Stoneholde for when you visit, but you will be queen of this kingdom one day.
Dren is the second-born. You are his superior.
You are in the direct line of succession. ”
A curious smile bent Beatryce’s mouth. “All right. Very good. I want to pick which apartment we take here. And I want to redecorate it to my taste.”
“Which is as it should be.”
A knock at the door was followed by, “Coffee, my lady.”
“Come in, Wyett.”
Trog opened the door for Wyett, as his hands were occupied with the tray. He bowed at the sight of Beatryce. “My lady, I did not know you were in attendance. I will return to the kitchen and fetch another cup.”
“No, it’s fine, Wyett. I’m on my way out. I have a million things to do. Bye, Mother!”
“Goodbye, sweetheart.”
Beatryce closed the door behind her. Wyett bowed to Anyka then set the tray on a small table near one of the chairs. “Good morning, my lady. Shall I pour?”
“It is a good morning, isn’t it? Yes, pour.”
He picked up the coffee pot. “All is well?”
Anyka smiled. “All is better than expected.”