Chapter 2 Keane
TWO
KEANE
Something about Lily’s office always soothed me.
This space, where she did most of her work or studied texts on how to rule Talador, offered fragrant scents and feminine touches, as if the whole room had taken on some of her essence.
A fire burned merrily in the fireplace and her soft furnishings created a cozy atmosphere, a bubble of warmth that I actively enjoyed being enclosed in.
She murmured aloud as she bent her head over the note she was writing to her sister, Rose.
More than anyone, Rose would understand today’s attack, and perhaps even be able to offer some advice.
From what I’d heard, Rose’s own magical ability seemed to grow by the day, surpassing even the expectations of her fae husband, King Raith of Ilidan.
“I don’t want to worry Rose,” Lily muttered. “But…”
She trailed off, probably taking the rest of her thought internal. She hadn’t actually been talking to me, anyway—nothing that required a response—as I stood in my usual spot just inside the door and watched her, ready to defend and protect her should the need arise.
Lily’s life meant more to me than my own after all my years at her side, and after years of guidance and training from my father—the Captain of the Guard before me—protecting her was as much instinct as it was my duty.
The attack earlier today had been troubling and unexpected, made worse by the fact that magic was involved. My fists clenched at the memory. I’d been able to stop the apparitions, but I had no fae blood myself, and could only do so much against magic. Extra vigilance was required.
Lily shifted and loosened her hair from its elaborate style, and I tore my gaze from the glimpse of her pale neck. She pushed her hair back behind her pointed ears, which she often concealed, except when we were alone. “That’s better. It’s hard to think with a headache.”
I could tell how stressed she was, and my throat tightened at the thought of all the worries she’d inherited after the death of her father.
We’d all inherited more responsibility since the loss of King Balsam—my father had retired and I’d been promoted into his place, but I loved my job. I loved protecting Lily. I loved…
I shook myself from my thoughts even as I stood perfectly still and alert in her presence.
I couldn’t think about Lily and all she meant to me, not when the attack this morning in the forest was still so shrouded in mystery.
Clearly, Lily wouldn’t be safe until we ascertained who was responsible and how they’d carried it out.
Fae magic was unfamiliar in Talador now that it had been forbidden for so long.
King Balsam had outlawed it after the disappearance of his last wife, and the penalties for anyone found to be practicing it were steep.
With her new role, Lily faced a decision.
Her own fae magic could be powerful. Rose’s was, after all.
But would she follow in her father’s footsteps and keep magic forbidden, or would she open her country back up to the fae?
I didn’t envy her decisions in these next few weeks and months, but I had faith in them.
Lily considered everything with great care.
She’d confided in me many times about how she wrestled with the best way to be a good daughter and a good monarch.
Now that her moment was here, she didn’t need to worry.
She would shine, and everyone in Talador would see her as I did.
At a sharp rap on the door behind me, I buried my thoughts and quickly stepped away, allowing whoever it was to enter at Lily’s quiet permission.
Even her voice stirred feelings in me that I didn’t have a right to possess.
The door opened, letting in a draft from the rest of the castle.
Princess Dahlia walked into the room, her quiet steps barely making a noise as befitted the wife of the leader of the Ravens.
She was also the King’s sister, and Lily’s aunt.
For many years, Dahlia had acted as King Balsam’s adviser and de facto queen, when the role lay vacant between his wives.
Lily rose from her seat as Dahlia swept a curtsy. “Oh, don’t do that. We’re family, and you’ve practically been queen yourself for years.”
Dahlia brushed back a stray piece of dark brown hair in the same shade as Lily’s. “Things are different now that you’re going to be the true queen soon. In fact, that’s why I’m here. We need to discuss some important matters.”
“I have some time now. Sit. Please.” Lily indicated the small chaise in the corner of the office with a delicate wave of her hand. She walked from around her desk to join her aunt, her message to Rose set to one side for the time being. “Is something wrong?”
“We need to discuss your future.” Dahlia took Lily’s hands as they sat together, their bodies angled toward one another, their knees nearly touching.
Both wore elegant dresses when they moved, Lily’s in a becoming shade of blue as it stretched across her breasts.
I averted my gaze as my trousers tightened, focusing out of the window, although awareness of Lily bat like a second pulse inside my head.
“My future?” Lily asked.
"Your coronation is fast approaching, but the nobles have been talking. Grumbling, more like it. Your father's death was a surprise. No one expected it so soon. They're worried you’re a bit too young and inexperienced to take on the role as queen."
Lily dropped Dahlia’s hands and sat back sharply with a frown. "I've been training and preparing for my role as queen for my entire life. Why do they doubt my capabilities?"
"There is much turmoil in the kingdom, even with the recent peace with Ilidan. Tensions with Mesner are still high, and relations with the other kingdoms are uncertain. The nobles are not sure you can handle the challenges ahead of us."
Lily’s lips pressed together, and I could tell she was upset but trying to remain calm. “Is this because of my fae blood? Is that why they challenge my rule?”
"No one is questioning your right to be queen.” Dahlia folded her hands in her lap, and I noticed she avoided answering the question.
“Some have suggested that I act as regent until you're ready, but I have declined.
I think you are more than ready for the role.
But perhaps we should do something to allay the fears of the nobles. "
"What is it you suggest we do?"
Dahlia looked Lily in the eye. “Something you won't want to hear, but something you know is necessary."
With a heavy sigh, Lily turned her head to look out the window at the snow-topped trees. “You wish me to find a husband.”
My chest clenched at the last word. Of course they would want Lily to marry. It made sense for the stability of the kingdom, but the very thought made my stomach heavy with dread.
"Yes,” Dahlia said. “I know your father urged you to do the same before he passed."
“He did, but I told him I wasn’t ready. I have so much to do, and still so much to learn. I have no time for a husband, especially if I’m trying to be a good queen to my people.”
Dahlia leaned forward. “I don’t believe you have the luxury of waiting on this. It’s important you’re crowned after you’re married, so your people can see a queen who is settled and stable and ready to rule.”
Lily stood and began pacing, something she did when she was frustrated. "I don't see why I should have to marry to solidify my right to be queen. No one asks such a thing of a king, do they?"
Dahlia looked down and sighed. "No, they do not.
It is unfair, and I do not wish this forced upon you.
However, I do think you should at least consider meeting with some suitors.
Simply show the nobles that you are open to the possibility of marriage with some of the people they suggest, and it will do a lot to get them on your side.
You don't actually have to marry any of them, if none of them suit you. "
"I have no intention of getting married anytime soon.
In fact, it's the last thing on my mind. I have to grieve my father and do my best to rule the kingdom as a new queen.” Lily paused and drew in a deep breath, then smoothed the front of her dress.
“But I suppose I can at least meet with some suitable men. Do you have anyone in mind?"
"I have a list of seven suitors prepared already. Some are suggestions from the nobles themselves, and some are nobles from other kingdoms. An alliance with one of the other kingdoms would serve us well, especially if we go to war with Mesner."
Lily tilted her head as though considering Dahlia’s words, but she didn’t speak.
“It’s even more important now, after the attack on you in the forest,” Dahlia added.
“We don’t know that was targeted at me.”
“It doesn’t matter. In times like these, as much as we may hate it, you need to be seen to have a man at your side.” Dahlia was firm but gentle, although I bristled internally at her words.
I’d always been the man by Lily’s side. I’d protected her and kept her safe for years now.
But even as I resented the idea Dahlia wanted another man to fill that role for Lily, a king or queen’s consort, bitter recognition trickled through me.
It was the difference between my secret love for Lily and her need to be the queen to her people.
My place was a pace behind her, not at her side, and it would always be that way.
Lily flicked her skirts in the way she always did when something had agitated her before she began to pace again, each of her measured steps brushing her long dress over the rugs on the stone floor. “You said seven suitors? Is that not a lot?”
“Yes, seven.” Dahlia lifted a delicate eyebrow. “Wouldn’t you rather choose your husband from a larger selection instead of one or two potential men?”
Lily returned to her seat on the chaise. “Are you quite sure this is the only way?”
“Quite sure. I’ve already started making arrangements, and all of the men are very happy to meet you.”
Of course they were. Who wouldn’t be happy to be considered for the husband to the Queen of Talador?
I realized my fists were clenched, and I forced them to relax.
I’d stood behind Lily on many occasions, listening to members of her family discuss her future husband.
I should have been numb to it by now, but I wasn’t. I feared I never would be.
Lily pinched the bridge of her nose. “I don’t doubt that you’ve found the most suitable men you can, but is now really the right time? If the castle is attacked again, are we not endangering these seven men too?”
“Yes, I was just about to bring that up. I can arrange for the suitors to meet you at your summer palace. It’s more intimate there. Safer, too.”
I stiffened. It seemed as if all of the arrangements really had been made already. Dahlia was right though, after today’s attack, Gilbrook Castle might be safer for Lily, at least while my people conducted their investigation of it.
“I hope they won’t be expecting actual summer there.
” Lily stood again, and I wanted to catch her in my arms and soothe her restless state away.
She stood for a moment by the window, looking down the hill we sat atop of, toward Ralston, the capital.
Then she turned back toward me, her face pinched, a crease forming between her eyebrows. “Captain Keane, what do you think?”
I cleared my throat at the unexpected question. “I agree it is wise to visit Gilbrook Castle for some time so that we may ensure your safety.” I paused, before adding, “As to the other matter, I could not possibly comment.”
“Thank you, Keane,” Lily said, before turning back to her aunt. “I can’t say I’m not reluctant, but I’ve always trusted your judgment and guidance. I will agree to meet with these suitors, though I can’t guarantee I will marry any of them."
“That is all I ask,” Dahlia said, bowing her head. “I have no wish to force you into marriage, I simply wish to strengthen your rule however I can.”
“I know.” Lily offered Dahlia a warm smile. “I'm grateful for all of your help, and I'm lucky to have you as my advisor, just as my father did.”
She sounded so regal already. How did she not realize she was already prepared to be queen? How did the foolish noblemen not realize that also?
And would any of her seven suitors see her as I did?