47. Many Manipulations of the Monarch
A drian arrived earlier than expected at the Assembly Chambers. His father stood outside the room watching everyone file in. Most were vampires, but there were some tired-looking humans, many of them, as usual, grumpy to be up before dawn. From the quiet talk he heard, everyone was concerned with the wolves, the papers heightening the awareness of the tensions.
Face impassive, his father turned to him as he approached. Opening his mouth to speak, the King seemed to lose his words, sniffing the air instead. He smiled.
“You reek of sex. Must have made up with your flower.”
“Twice.” Adrian grinned. “No time to bathe.”
“No one likes a braggart, Adrian.” But his father chuckled. “Good thing no one will be close enough to smell you. I’m glad she’s come around.”
“She hasn’t. ”
His father stared. “I will not change my mind. The two weeks still stand.”
“And I will not give her up, even as much as to move her across the city.”
After another long moment, his father leaned in. “Do not cause waves today and I will . . . reconsider your position.”
Adrian thought he’d misheard. Part of him was shocked. Another part was enticed, though he should be appalled. Whatever the offer, it would be just another way to tighten the noose around his neck.
“Support me in this war and I will give you what you want.”
Adrian knew he should walk away. Yet, he found himself nodding.
Because publicly opposing his father would be political suicide. It would split the Houses and send the Council into a tizzy. Even without this offer, he’d stand with the King.
But he felt no small amount of dread. Because Rose would not stand for his reneging.
The mire he was stuck in sucked him deeper, and even granted extra time, he saw no way to pull himself out.
His father patted his shoulder. “That’s my boy.”
They walked into the Assembly together, taking their seats at the head of the room.
And began.
The first order of business on the secretary’s agenda was an update on the public garden. Lady Clearwater gave her report on stone paths, climbing roses, arbors, and baby’s breath while he listened with half an ear and watched the sky brighten with the approaching dawn through the large side windows.
After giving her speech, Lady Julianna smiled around the room and met Adrian’s eyes. Her smile faltered, but she said, “I hope all this pleases the Royal Family. ”
“I am sure it is quite beautiful, Lady Clearwater,” Adrian replied, ignoring his father beside him, grinning behind his hand.
“I am there every day if anyone has questions about the progress,” she continued, looking around the room again before stopping on Adrian. She gave a short curtsy before sitting beside her father.
“Does anyone have any questions or comments before we move on?” the King asked. There was nothing, so the discussion turned to the Queen’s birthday celebration. Adrian’s father went over traffic control and where and how the merchants scheduled to offer their wares would be set up. The general schedule was discussed. Someone brought up the masquerade aspect to which the King sighed.
“As we’re all aware, it is growing warmer out, so dress for comfort. And please use discretion in your choice of costume. Nothing too grotesque or lascivious. There will be law enforcement officials present to tame any rowdiness, lack of propriety, or unlawfulness.”
“What of the Queen?” someone called, drawing Adrian’s attention to her empty seat.
“She is unwell this morning,” King Florian answered. The response set off Adrian’s intuition, and he wondered what his father had done to her in retaliation to her meddling. “She should be fine by the weekend, but if not, the rescheduled date will be posted.”
The Merchant and Craft Guilds gave their reports. Things were agreeable all around. Prices were fair and steady, goods were selling, and everyone was happy.
That all changed when they moved on to the much-gossiped-about werewolf situation. The fair mood that had dominated the room suddenly darkened as the King’s expression grew solemn.
“I hate to tell you, friends, that my son’s visit to the Silvershade Forest and its werewolf pack was not, shall we say, genial . Upon arrival, he and his guard were accosted.” There was an immediate uproar, which Florian allowed for a moment before raising his hands for silence. “Greatly outnumbered, they were overcome and taken to the Silvershade Pack’s holding cells.” There was more yelling, a few vampires, some of Florian’s greatest supporters, rising from their seats. The King allowed it for a moment before again raising his hands for silence. “He had to negotiate for release and was forced into an agreement with the alpha wolf—a very lengthy and drawn-out agreement—which I have here.” Opening his folder, he pulled out the thick document.
“What’s it say?” someone called.
“Taxes shall be lowered in the cities where the werewolves reside.” Loud jeers erupted, causing the King to raise his hand again. “Please, citizens, wait until the end and then we shall discuss.” Standing to pace, he paged through, listing every item. The yelling grew worse with each, and though he asked for calm, he did not enforce it.
Keeping his mouth shut on his throne, Adrian thought of Aldric and his pack and the unsavory way his father was twisting things.
But he could not intervene. His hands were tied, his crown was heavy, and his lips were forbidden from speaking the truth.
Not to mention his father was extremely charismatic and had been swaying the capital to his prejudices for the whole of his reign. Adrian’s opinion, even if spoken, would be drowned out by the majority.
“Are we going to let them demand such favored treatment?” his father yelled.
“No!” the people yelled back.
“Are we going to rescind laws that protect our citizens in their towns?”
“No!”
“Will we give in to their threats of war?”
“No! ”
“Will we meet them on the field of battle and put them back in their place?”
“No!”
“YEEEEES!” the King bellowed, his red eyes shining. “Yes, we will, my fine fellows! We will meet them at arms! We will not give in to the bully! We will defend ourselves as my father did, and his father before him!”
There was cheering from many males on their feet, but some looked wary, understanding what was happening more than the others who were caught up in the energy. They knew what war meant and were not ready to run headlong into a fight where their families could lose their males, their sons, lovers, breadwinners, and money-earners.
“We must vote,” King Florian said, sweeping his hand through his hair that had become disheveled, his suddenly calm voice quieting the fervor. “War is no small thing, friends. We will lose soldiers. I will not lie; some will die fighting these beasts.
“But I believe it is the right decision. If they march on the capital as I fear they will, banded together as I believe they are, we must stand together and meet them.” His eyes scanned the Assembly. “I ask you now, who will stand and fight? Who votes to defend our city, to defend our people, to not allow them to dictate our actions?”
Hands raised and the secretaries counted.
“What says Prince Adrian!” someone in the back called.
Adrian scanned the crowd, but everyone looked at their neighbor, unsure who had spoken.
“Adrian will be on the front lines with me,” Florian replied. When he opened an arm, Adrian stepped up beside him, accepting the hand on his shoulder. The King then looked to the secretaries, who nodded. “The vote has passed. The Council shall vote tomorrow, but I assure you, it shall pass. ”
Adrian, recognizing the squeeze to his shoulder as his cue to speak, said, “We call every able-bodied male to enter combat training so we can be prepared for the coming assault. The barracks will be available day and night to accept new enlistees. All families of soldiers will be compensated.”
Though they hadn’t discussed it, Adrian knew this was what his father wanted. Florian’s subtle nod told him he was right.
The approval was bitter.
Questions erupted, mostly on timing, amount of compensation, and what would be expected of the newly enlisted. Adrian let his father answer, and they returned to their seats.
Eventually, the questions petered out and the Assembly ended.
“Good job, my boy. I am proud of you for stepping up like you did. That was exactly the response I wanted from our subjects—full support and no doubt. You did well, and your flower will remain safe and protected here as long as you wish.”
Adrian stood as his father did, accepting the pat on the back, but was unable to look at him. Instead, he watched the people leave. As always, a crowd gathered to talk to the King.
“I will leave you to your followers.”
“We will convene in my office in, say, thirty minutes. That should give you ample time for your followers as well.” A nod pointed out Benedict, Andrew, and Lady Julianna all making their way toward them.
Giving a short bow, Adrian walked to meet his cousin. When Benedict bowed, he inclined his head in acknowledgment. “Cousin.”
“Your Highness,” Benedict replied. “I heard your trip to the werewolf territory was more agreeable than this. I hadn’t the slightest clue war was on the horizon. ”
“Did you not hear all the talk of an alliance between the wolf factions?” Andrew asked, stepping up beside Benedict. “It has been rumored since last spring.”
“When I was in Silvershade,” Adrian said, “a message arrived from Alpha Benji of the Red Desert, so I believe even they are allied.”
“I’ve heard they are absolute barbarians,” Andrew said. “Hopefully, many recruits enlist, so we can outnumber them greatly.”
“Do you have any idea when they will attack?” Benny asked.
Adrian shook his head. “I fear it won’t be long. I believe they have been planning this for quite some time.”
“Well, I will leave you to the hard decisions, cousin,” Benedict said, offering a hand to shake Adrian’s. “I’ll be beside you the whole way and training harder with our family’s knights. You can count on us to support the crown, as always. Blood should stick together.”
Those words struck Adrian. Gripping his cousin’s hand, he searched his eyes, wondering how true that sentiment was. At Benny’s questioning look, Adrian dropped his hand.
The bravery that had risen, bidding him to chase the new idea, fell away.
“Good day, cousin,” he said with a short nod.
After another quizzical glance, Benny left.
“Shame it’s come to war, but we can’t let the beasts overrun us.”
Something about the way Andrew, one of his closest friends, said this, raised his hackles. The people had believed in his father’s propaganda for so long, and he had touted the same regime himself until recently.
But did no one have a brain to think for themselves? Would they be willing to be swayed if Adrian showed them a different way?
“Father couldn’t make it this morning,” Andrew continued, unaware Adrian was distracted, “but I’m sure it will be in the papers tomorrow. I’ll give him a full report as well. You know we’ll support you, as always. We’ll be in touch.”
“It is appreciated, Andrew.” It was true, but his thoughts were racing, buzzing so loud, that he hardly heard himself.
Lady Julianna approached him next, and he didn’t see her until she was upon him. He gave her a short nod as she rose from her deep reverence.
“Good morning, Your Highness.”
“Lady Clearwater.”
“Do you have a moment, Your Highness? My father wishes to discuss with the King”—she motioned to him waiting—“and I . . . Maybe I am being forward, but I have not gotten a reply from all my letters and have missed your company while you were on your travels.” As she nervously fiddled with the lace on the bottom edge of her bodice, Adrian smiled with reassurance.
Offering his arm, he pushed all other thoughts aside. “Fancy a walk out of doors?”
“That would be lovely.” They exited the chambers to stroll down the lane. “Your gardeners do a wonderful job on landscaping.”
“They do,” Adrian agreed, though he cared nothing about the plants that lined the drive or the condition of the palace lawns. Rose would, he thought. She’d likely adore the bushes with little red leaves and the small trees with drooping branches.
It felt like a betrayal to Rose to walk with Julianna on his arm, but the expectation of marriage outweighed it. It was a fucking mess, and he suddenly hated his life. He hated the lies and twisted schemes, the rules of the court, and the part he’d been raised to play. He’d never resented it before.
Not until Rose .
“War is a scary thing,” Lady Julianna said. “I-I am sorry your trip did not go more agreeably.” Pursing her lips as if she had more to say and was holding it in, she looked away.
“I am as well.”
“Do you think many lives will be lost in the fight?”
“Yes. The wolves are brutes, Lady Julianna. Make sure your father and Lionel train hard with your family’s knights. The battle will be bloody and ruthless.”
Lady Julianna’s face paled. “I will make sure to tell them. Per-perhaps you could come dine with us soon and advise on training techniques?”
Adrian looked at the few carriages rumbling past toward the main drive on the way out of the palace. “Perhaps at the next Assembly I will put together something. I do not think there will be time for fancy dinners with all the preparations.”
“Of course,” Julianna mumbled.
They walked, the gentle morning sun brightening the sky, both lost in thought. Eventually, Adrian said, “I heard tell of you and the Marquis Andrew Holt becoming fast friends.”
“Um,” Lady Julianna cleared her throat and looked away. “Yes, he is a friend. He is very charming and nice to talk to, a good dancer as well, and very complimentary. But”—her eyes flicked to him and away again—“there is another I feel more drawn to. I have felt this way for a while but am afraid to speak my heart, especially since this male gives mixed signals. There is great responsibility on his shoulders, which I understand, and many stresses he must deal with.” And she more quietly went on, “I am worried he has found another.”
Adrian weighed his responses and then decided on a new tact. “Do you believe in fate?”
She blinked, taken aback. “Umm. I’m not sure? ”
“It is a tricky thing, I think. I used to think it a foolish whim for dreamers. We make our own choices, do we not? Lead our own destiny?” Pulling her to a bench nestled in the bushes, they sat. “Lately, I have had a change of heart. You see, there is someone I have been pulled to from the day we met. All my efforts to resist were for naught. Propriety says we should not be together, and my family disapproves. The whole of the kingdom disapproves.”
Adrian was taking a risk telling her this, but he didn’t want to lie anymore, not to the sweet female next to him. “My heart beats for her, Julianna. It is lost to her, completely, and I feel an ass for playing the political game for the sake of maintaining social standing and . . .” He sighed. “Though I have not been forthcoming”—he turned to face her more fully on the bench and met her soft brown eyes—“I have always fancied you. You have always been my highest prospect for a bride.” Her eyes lit up, and she inched a little closer, all bright hope. “I planned to offer courtship this summer, with a proposal imminent before fall. My mother desires a glittery winter wedding.”
“Oh, Prince Adrian.” Lady Julianna sighed, her tone all romantic dreaminess. “I would wish for nothing more.”
And he felt like a cad.
“But you see my lady, my heart is not in it. I belong to another.” Her doe eyes dimmed. “She has taken hold of me, body and soul. So, before anything further happens with you, I give you the choice of walking away.”
Her eyes bounced between his as she considered his words.
“Our relationship would be a ruse if we continue. You would be Princess, and Queen when I secede Father, but my heart would never belong to you. Do you understand?”
“I . . .” Her eyebrows pinched together. “Why are you telling me this? ”
“Because I am tired of lying. I want to be free. And I think you deserve the true love you seek. That will never be me. I fear if I court you and we marry, you will turn bitter and eventually hate me. And her. There would be great discord, as there is with my family.”
“But . . .” Confusion marred her pretty face. “Your family is delightful. The King and Queen—”
“It is a ruse. All of it is a facade to keep the people pleased. Watch them more closely and you will see.” Letting her absorb that, he turned his gaze across the lawn. “I do not wish that to be us. You do not deserve such unhappiness. More than anything, I wish to change it.”
“For your love.”
He nodded. “I am not trying to hurt you. I am just so bloody fucking tired. This war, the war on my heart, all the godsdamn pressure and the plots . . .” Meeting her wide, shocked eyes, he sighed. “I apologize for such crude language, my lady. I desire change and do not know how to make it happen. My father is impossible to stand up to. And you are in the same position, are you not? Your family has the same expectations. I am certain the pressure on you to one day be Queen is quite as severe.”
Slowly, Lady Julianna nodded. “Indeed.” Biting her lip, she set a tentative hand on his arm. “You do not think you could come to love me in time?”
“The lady in my heart has a firm grasp of it. I would not be speaking these words if it was otherwise. Even if she leaves my sorry ass for being a lying scumbag, I will always be hers.”
Julianna looked away. “She sounds . . .”
“She is a magnificent creature.” When Julianna’s eyebrows pinched again, he took her lace-gloved hand. “You are wonderful, too, my lady, in your way.” The smile he gave her made her frown. “I think there may be one in your heart that you have not given notice to, one that draws you that you have been ignoring. That is my hope anyway.”
After a moment, he added, “I think you would make a fine Marchioness.”
“My parents would be so disappointed,” she whispered.
“Then they don’t truly love or want what is best for you.”
Bumping his shoulder, she gave him a small smile. “Who knew you were such a romantic?”
“I never used to be. It will likely be my downfall.”
Those words struck him, and he went still. Self-fulfilling prophecy, he thought, and was seized by panic.
But he had to do this. He had to try .
“Perhaps I will introduce you at Mother’s birthday masque.”
“You will go public?” Her eyes went wide. “I am not sure that is wise, Your Highness.”
“I’ve heard love conquers all. Who am I to not give it a fighting chance?”
“To you, my boy!” King Florian called cheerfully when Adrian entered his office. He handed Adrian their customary glass of cognac and tossed his own back. “Ah,” he said with a sigh, leaning back on his desk. “Things are going exactly as they should. The people are supportive, you are happy with your Rose, Eileen is put in her place, and things with my Colette are looking up. Everything is all falling in line.”
“What happened with Mother?” Adrian asked as they sat in their usual chairs.
“Nothing of note. She and Luc were put in their place for interfering. You needn’t worry about them.”
A chill shot down Adrian’s spine. “But she is well?”
“It will take time for the bruises to heal, but yes.” He chuckled, sipping more. “Now Luc . . .”
“And what of Colette?”
“What’s with the inquisition, my boy? You need not worry about such things.”
“One day I will be King in this same situation. Should I not plan how to handle such things?”
“Hmm.” Drinking more, his father considered. “You were seen walking with the fair Lady Julianna.” A slow smile spread, his fangs peeking out. “You are making progress?”
“Of course.”
Florian nodded. “Good. Then I will tell you that my Colette has recently been sick. I don’t know how yet, but your mother and her butler are responsible. Luc is in the basement furnace, and your mother has a purple necklace that should fade before the masque.”
As it had been doing all morning, bile rolled in the churning sea of Adrian’s stomach.
This reality would not become his own.
Yet it would if he didn’t stop the march they were all on.
“I see,” he said, staring into his amber drink. After downing the contents in one swallow, he said, “We have a full military briefing after the Council tomorrow.”
“We do. I expect things to go smoothly there. ”
Adrian set his glass down. “Is there anything else to discuss?” His father shook his head, so Adrian stood. “I will see you after training.”