Page 122 of The Throne Seeker

“Hello,” Queen Lenna said. It was the first time she’d seen the queen wear makeup since she’d been back. She almost looked like her old self. “May we come in?”

Her mother was the first to recover. “Oh, yes, of course.”

Rose stood up immediately, bowing.

“I hope we aren’t intruding, but I wanted to come give you this,” Queen Lenna said, holding out a large white flower that matched the one behind Harriet’s ear. “May I?”

Rose forced a nod as the queen placed the flower in the back of her braid, the perfect addition to a miserable day.

“Beautiful,” the queen said, smiling.

Rose gave her the best smile she could scrounge up. It must not have been very impressive because the queen faced Harriet. “Harriet, I know you and I should already be at the ceremony, but could you take Evelyn and stall for a moment? I need to talk to Rose.”

Harriet smiled, her dark curls framing her painted cheeks, bringing out her bright blue eyes. “Yes, of course. Evelyn?”

Rose’s mother glanced at her for confirmation. She gave her a nod, signaling it was all right—not that she could refuse if she wanted to.

Her mother conceded. “We’ll be just downstairs.”

With that, the two left her and the queen alone. Queen Lenna showed herself out to the balcony, walking into the sunlight to gaze over the sea. She followed, knowing that whatever this visit was for couldn’t be good.

“You know, I came here when I was about Harriet’s age—young and timid,” the queen said with a short ironic laugh, keeping her eyes on the horizon. “Coming here and meeting Henrik was practically love at first sight for me. There are times I still can’t believe I’ve lived such a full life—blessed with my soulmate and four beautiful children, blessed to be queen over such a magical land. Even with my illness, I’ve thrived. It was a blissful time… until you and your mother came along.”

There it was.

Rose’s insides twisted at the hurtful sentence. Nonetheless, she kept it hidden, staying silent as she waited for the queen to go on.

“You were just as beautiful as you are now.” The queen looked her up and down with a hint of a sneer. “I’ve always known someday I wouldn’t be the only woman in my sons’ lives, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Not when they were still children. As soon as I saw you, I knew things would change. You were young, but I knew what your mother and my husband were plotting, bringing you here every summer. And because of your mother’s close friendship with my husband, he acquired a soft spot for you both.” The queen paused. “You must think me cruel, and perhaps I have been, but I’m jealous of you, you see. Jealous my family adores you, that my husband loves you like a daughter, that Harriet sees you as a sister, that my sons care for you as they do.”

She didn’t believe a word Queen Lenna was saying. “You over-presume. Harriet can barely look at me and Tristan is the only one of your sons who cares for me.”

The queen gave her an impatient look. “Dear Rose, you can’t be that naïve.”

She didn’t believe it. Xavier’s and Roman’s distaste for her dribbled out of them like poison. And Harriet—she didn’t even know where she stood with Harriet.

“Which is why I’m so afraid of you,” the queen admitted.

Rose’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Afraid?”

“Yes. Because I know you have the power to break my family forever.”

Realization swept over her like a cold breeze. She had always assumed the queen couldn’t accept her for the same reasons as everyone else in court—her social standing, her lack of nobility, or some other notion. She’d never imagined someone with somuch self-confidence and power could be jealous of someone like her.

“I’m afraid things won’t get better for me.” The queen lowered her eyes as a twinge of pity poked Rose. “A chill has settled over the castle since you returned. I’m afraid for my son’s life. I’m afraid for yours. It frightens me that our enemy still lurks in the shadows despite all our efforts. Which is why, with all the gratitude in the world, I’m glad you were wise enough to let Tristan go.” Queen Lenna’s eyes warmed as they settled on her, becoming soft and genuine. “I know giving him up hasn’t been remotely easy for you, and I’m aware of how difficult he has made things for you. I’m sorry I didn’t foresee that. I wanted to reassure you that I’ll help you find someone better suited for you. I know you must think hope is bleak, especially today. But eventually, I think you’ll see what I saw—that you and Tristan were never a true match… You may resent me for saying so, but it’s true.”

Rose did resent her for it. “Do you despise me so much you can’t stand the thought of me being family?”

The queen shook her head. “On the contrary, Rose. Despite what I’ve told you, I like you very much.”

Rose had a difficult time holding back her glare. “Is that why you prefer Satin? Because youlikeme so much?”

She was sure the queen would be upset at Rose for speaking to her in such a manner, but she didn’t seem to mind. “She’s a good match for him. Nowhere near as beautiful as you, that’s for sure and certain, but she has the heart of a leader. She was born into royalty and knows what the life of it brings… But I didn’t come to scold you. I only came to thank you.”

Rose’s gaze went to the sea, fire rising from her words all the same. “I didn’t do it for you.”

When the queen didn’t respond Rose’s eyes shifted to her. The queen was observing her in admiration. “I’m starting to feelfoolish for not seeing what my husband has seen in you all along. You are quite the rare woman.”

Rose used to pray day and night for that vote of acceptance. Now, it seemed pointless.