The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1)(11)

I sat up straighter as Jameson began.

“Was it you who was saying something about the roads in Upchurch?”

Lord Seema flicked his eyes between Jameson and me. “Yes, Your Majesty. They’re in considerable disrepair.”

Jameson shook his head. “I am thinking of taking the Brites on progress, but I cannot do so if this pearl of a lady might be stranded on the road.”

“No, Your Majesty. With your permission, I could assemble a committee and survey the roads. Afterward, I could organize a proper budget, if you like. I’m very passionate about all the citizens of Coroa being able to travel easily, wherever they like, and would happily oversee it myself.”

“Granted,” Jameson replied quickly. “I’ll expect reports.”

Lord Seema stood there, stunned. “Yes. Yes, of course,” he stuttered as he backed away, mouth still hanging slightly open.

“What fun!” I sang. “I shall finally see all of our great country.”

Jameson kissed my hand. “All of Coroa. All of the continent, if you wish.”

Tick.

I settled back into my seat, looking over at Delia Grace.

She lifted her cup as her smile tightened. “Impressive.”

“Thank you.” I looked out at the mass of people, finding Lord Seema. He tilted his head toward me, and I did the same in reply. Maybe I could do this after all.





Five




WITHIN DAYS, MY WORLD CHANGED. Jameson was still sending flowers and trinkets to my room anytime he seemed to see something he thought I’d like, but now nobles left gifts for me as well. With all the new jewelry at my disposal, I truly was as Jameson said: as radiant as the sun. I had two chambermaids assigned to me, and when I walked through the palace, people would smile at me in passing, if sometimes a little tightly. I didn’t know if I had Lord Seema to thank for this or if my new attempts to be as regal and lovely as possible when I was with Jameson were finally being seen, but I certainly didn’t mind the attention. I had thought nothing could be as much fun as winning over the heart of a king, but I was wrong. It was much more thrilling to win over the hearts of countless people at once.

This thought filled my head as I walked with Delia Grace to the Great Room, graciously acknowledging courtiers and wishing them a good morning. Jameson seemed to have a special sense for when I was entering a room, and he would turn the full force of his attention on me when I came near. I was now greeted with a kiss on the cheek in the full view of the court anytime I joined him. And while I noted some disapproving glances when it happened, I took that as more of a challenge than a disappointment.

“You got my letter?” he asked.

“You mean the page of absolute poetry that ended with a request that I meet you this morning? Why, yes, I did.”

He chuckled. “You bring words out of me that I didn’t know existed,” he confessed, not looking the slightest bit shy about making such a statement with so many people in earshot. “Tell me, is everything well? Your new maids? Do you like your new clothes?”

I stepped back so he could see the full glory of one of my recent gifts. “They are the most beautiful I’ve ever had. And, yes, my maids are quite helpful, thank you. As always, you are too generous.”

At that he wiggled his eyebrows. “Those tokens will look like pebbles when—”

He broke off at the sound of hurried footsteps, and I turned, following his gaze. An older gentleman, one of Jameson’s many advisers, rushed in and bowed his head.

“Your Majesty, forgive me. There is a family here from Isolte seeking sanctuary. They come to present their case.”

It was customary among all the kingdoms of the continent to ask a king’s permission before settling in his land. If a family was found without a royal grant, well, on a good day they’d be removed. I’d seen what had happened on bad days, when Jameson’s father, Marcellus, sat on the throne.

His Majesty sighed, seeming put out to be drawn away from our conversation. “Very well, show them in.” As if the idea had struck him just then, his gaze came back to me. “Lady Hollis, perhaps you’d like to sit for the proceedings?” He waved his hand to the seat beside him. The gentleman in it, Lord Mendel, looked quickly between the two of us.

“Your Majesty, I—”

Beside him, Lord Seema gave a discreet nudge to his arm. Lord Mendel sighed but stood, bowing to both the king and me. I gave Lord Seema a grateful nod as I took my place.

I shot a look at Delia Grace, who was quietly smug on my behalf; she’d always known, hadn’t she? I heard disgruntled murmurs swarming around us—yes, I still had hearts to win over—but I focused my attention on Jameson. This was an opportunity to prove exactly what I was capable of. I could be demure and intelligent if the moment required it.

I sat up as straight as I could, keeping my chin down and my breathing slow. I wanted everyone to see me as poised, capable. Maybe then Jameson would be ready to make me his queen.

An older gentleman and his wife entered the room, her hand gracefully perched upon his. Behind them followed their four children, three boys and a girl.

The children all had pale skin and hair in varying shades of yellow, while their parents were starting to gray. The youngest boy was on edge, clutching his sister’s hand tightly, while she was canvassing the room in a much different way, her eyes suggesting she was looking for something.