Chapter 36

Chapter

Thirty-Six

JOHA

Y ou would think in a palace the size of Moonshadow, there would be far too much for the staff to do other than gossip, but you would be wrong. One hushed sentence can develop into a flame that burns throughout the entire palace, passed from whispering lips to open ears, changing and evolving each time. These rumours are just as dangerous as the daggers my assassin hides in her skirts, sometimes even more so. They have the ability to change public opinion, destroy those who have been scorned, and ruin futures, and they have in the past. Marriages have been broken, jobs have been lost, and even lives have been taken from the evil little whisperings, and now they have started again. Those keen, hungry eyes look at Alyx and the rumours aren’t good at all. They even reach me, which shows how quickly and widespread they have become.

It does not matter that Alyx and I have barely spoken a word since I accused her of murdering innocent people. She is still my wife-to-be and someone fighting on my side. I cannot let them tear her apart, which is exactly what they want. They want to rip someone who could be a problem from my side, and they are using everything they have to make that happen. It doesn’t matter that, on the outside, she has been nothing but a perfect, na?ve princess. She’s an unexpected problem to whoever is behind this, and they don’t like it. I knew they would strike sooner or later, and it seems now is the time.

Eyes follow me as I make my way through the palace grounds towards Queen Mother’s palace, where she invited me for tea. Usually, I would decline, stating Crown business, but I accepted today. I need to defend my fiancée as most would expect, but I also need to silence these rumours once and for all. If Alyx’s reputation is ruined before we are married, it could cause an outrage that would prevent me from marrying her, and then she would be torn from the palace. I need her here more than I would like to admit.

The doors to Queen Mother’s palace are open upon my arrival, her staff bowing deeply to me as I enter. I show no emotion, no greeting. The role is so comfortable to me now, it’s like a second skin.

“She is in the gardens, Your Majesty.” A lady’s maid quickly hurries forward, and I follow her through the living space to the open door leading to the back of the palace, which Queen Mother has turned into a private garden.

Rare flowers bloom in a variety of colours and sizes, perfectly placed around the grass and shaded under oak trees. In the centre lies a large table, and sitting in the chair under the shade is Queen Mother with a welcome smile on her face. The chair opposite is arranged to be in the sun to blind the occupant and leave them at a disadvantage. Pointing it out would be rude, but to endure it makes you weak. It’s just a game she likes to play, and it indicates how this meeting will play out. She came to remind me of her power here.

This is all a perfect ruse, but I’m done playing her games. I don’t move the chair or ask for a new one. I head straight to Queen Mother and bow. “Forgive my lateness, Queen Mother, but there is much to do as king. You must understand, as you saw my father in this role for many years. As important as our teas are, being king must come first.” I throw the first barb, stronger than I would have before, but I follow it up with a kind smile. “I do not suppose I could trouble you to stand for a moment, could I?”

Her eyes tighten at my remarks and quick change of topic before she can retort, but she rises elegantly from the table, one hand holding a teacup. “My king?” she says, and with a mocking smile, I take her chair and pull it around so it sits next to the one in the sun.

Petty, but funny.

“This way we can both enjoy the view of your beautiful garden and let the sun cleanse us of this horrid week. It seemed a shame to be the only one to enjoy it,” I tell her, my head tilted as I watch her.

She knows she cannot do anything, so with a flare of her nostrils, she rounds the table and sits, banging her cup down harder than necessary. “So thoughtful of you, Your Majesty.” The smile she gives me is filled with poison, and her lashes flutter as she tries to block out the sun that burns our skin.

If I burn, then so will she.

I am done being their fool. If they come for me, then fine, but if they come for my wife, then they better start running.

“I’m afraid I do not have much time today. I won’t bore you with the details.” I wave it away as I accept the cup one of the maids pours, but I don’t take a sip. I can never be too careful, after all, and it could be poisoned.

“Oh dear, I heard about the passings this week, a terrible shame. Please let me know if you need any help. I understand these matters might be challenging to deal with for someone so young.” Her hand touches my arm in a comforting gesture but tightens to the point of pain—point made, she’s calling me a young fool.

“You are the thoughtful one, Queen Mother,” I reply. “You wished to see me?”

“Oh yes.” Her hand flutters over her chest as if she’s embarrassed, and her voice lowers as if to prevent anyone from overhearing her words. “I heard a troubling, terrible rumour recently and thought you should hear it from me. I, of course, do not believe it, and I have instructed my people to never speak of it again.” She lowers her eyes, playing the perfect part.

“Please, do not keep me waiting.” I feign sincerity, despite knowing what she’ll say.

“Alyx was spotted by a member of the kitchen staff . . .” She looks up as she speaks, no doubt waiting for a reaction. “. . . kissing your guard. It is shocking and scandalous. It cannot be true, can it, my king? But of course, these rumours are dangerous, not just due to her reputation, but that of you and the Crown.”

I hold up my hand to stop her tirade. “I have heard these as well, Queen Mother. Rest assured, they have been laid to rest. No false rumours about my future queen will be tolerated or accepted within the palace, and anyone caught whispering such vile gossip will find themselves facing punishment,” I respond as if offering comfort, though it is a threat, and we both know it.

“Good, that is good. You truly are your father’s son. You know best in these ways. I just worry for the reputation of your father and the kingdom. As an outsider, she will face more obstacles than most, but with this . . .” Queen Mother shakes her head sadly.

“She will handle it with grace and understanding. We must do the same and offer her our support.” I stand, and with my eyes on her, I drain the now cool tea, showing her I am not afraid of her anymore. “Now, if you will excuse me, there is much to deal with. Do enjoy the sunshine, Queen Mother, while we are busy working.” I bow, and without waiting for a reply, I leave her to her tea and her flowers, glaring daggers after me.

I do not let them see me hurry, nor show any signs of anger. I make my way through the grounds with purpose and calm until I reach my palace, and then I take the back route into Alyx’s. She is in her rooms, lounging on her bed and throwing daggers into the ceiling. She heard me enter but didn’t even move.

“Is it true?” I demand, once again finding myself aiming my anger and jealousy at her.

“Is what true? You will have to be more specific,” she says without looking at me.

“That you were caught kissing Orion outside of the Scholars House.” Pacing back and forth, I glare at her as her eyebrow arches. Without waiting for a response, I begin to rant to her. “Do you know what that will do? They can ruin your reputation, use it to say you are not fit to be queen, and have you taken care of!” I throw my hands in the air, and it’s only when I stop that she slides softly from the bed, her dagger in hand as she twirls it effortlessly. She doesn’t stop until she stands before me.

“Why do you care?” she asks slowly.

Taking a deep breath, I try to slow my racing heart and swallow the bitterness in my mouth. “It will ruin our plans?—”

“I apologize. Why do you care so much to burst in here panting and shaking?” she questions, her eyes flashing with fire.

She wears an expression that both arouses and terrifies me, but I will not back down.

I clench my jaw, biting back retorts, and her hands press against my chest and shove. I stumble back, my eyes widening in astonishment, so she does it again. “Well, Your Majesty?” she says mockingly, pushing me once more. When she goes to do it again, I capture her wrists and squeeze them, reminding her I am not as weak as everyone assumes.

“Because I am jealous,” I admit. “Jealous that it could be true. Jealous that you kissed him.”

That fire in her eyes seems to grow as she watches me, the skirts of her dress swishing against my robes, but then it is as if she remembers she is mad at me and her gaze turns cold.

“I kissed his cheek. I am not sleeping with him,” she says carefully, almost softly. “I am attracted to him. I will not lie about that. I will be more careful next time.” She delivers it like a blow, and I thrust her hands away as I step back.

“Next time? You are going to ruin us.”

“There is nothing to ruin. You forget this is a farce,” she points out. “So what is there to be jealous of? You wouldn’t want a child murderer as a wife, would you?” She throws my words back in my face as she strides to the mirror near her bed. “You can see yourself out the way you saw yourself in. I have engagements to get to as your future queen, and I better not be late. As you said, I need to be without fault.”

I stare at her back, wanting to approach her and talk about this feeling between us, but I know now is not the right time. She is still angry, and I do not blame her. I have done nothing but berate and judge her for days now, and every time we speak, it is an argument. Instead, I turn and leave like the weak fool they call me, running away with my shame heating my cheeks.