Chapter 72
Seventy-two
Edwin
James fetched his horse back. Valentina ran the second he had Titan under control, unwilling to stay nearby any longer.
James hadn’t tried to make her linger, as the stable hands had told the story well enough.
She had apparently come down to the stables with an apple in hand, trying to make friends with Titan.
He had taken one look at her, decided he hated her on sight, and let himself out of the stable in order to corner her.
Such excellent instincts from Titan.
James had taken him back to the stables, snuck him two apples for being a good boy, and then returned to me to report the whole matter.
Valentina hadn’t left her rooms since. Praise be.
I had other things to focus on besides a spoiled princess—things of national importance, no less. Like certain spells and figuring out why the ward over the demon portal was in such jeopardy when we were actively trying to fix the situation.
It meant a great deal of communication with the temples, naturally.
Priest Edes really, truly loved my notes.
Hand to the gods, I’d just written down information to help further things along.
I hadn’t thought he’d be using those notes like one would a holy script!
But apparently James’s knowledge of the past (future?) was a gold mine of information.
My note from Priest Edes promised the translation of the book was coming along very well, which didn’t surprise me.
Lila got tunnel vision when she had a new book to play with.
But his note also pleaded for more information, anything James had written down.
Although, honestly, aside from his timeline, he hadn’t written down much. And I really didn’t want that timeline in careless hands. Or worse, the wrong hands.
I compromised by sending him a note back saying I’d get James to write down things as we could, but I had nothing else to offer at the moment.
James really should write down his whole epic story, though. A memoir from him would be fascinating to read.
I was still settling into our office, but I had all the basics here now. I had no faith the office would be fully set up by the time I was crowned king, but maybe a miracle would happen?
No, wait, if I was going to use a miracle, I’d use it on something else.
Allen stuck his head in. “You gave orders to be alerted if Victor made a move? He is heading to the docks.”
Shit. I needed two of me. Or more. “Wait, I thought we were waiting on Ascor’s response before deciding where he went?”
Allen gave me a shrug and a hapless splay of hands.
Right, he was just the messenger.
I skedaddled before anyone could catch me with another question. I had to see Victor myself and get this straightened out.
I hustled toward the docks, acquiring knights as I moved.
Sir Collins and one of my new knights, Sir Seymour, to be precise.
I liked my new knights but found myself grateful to still have the presence of James’s knights for a while longer.
Familiar faces made for an easier adjustment to knowing I’d be followed for the rest of my life.
I was surprised to see Helena’s carriage at the docks when I arrived.
I wasn’t sure why she was here, unless she had her own people tracking Victor, which I could hardly blame her for.
I stepped out, scanning the area before spotting her figure on the pier.
Usually only the royal vessels docked there, so it wasn’t hard to spot her.
Also with her was Victor, who looked decidedly worse for wear.
He’d changed into clean clothes—not always a norm in Victor’s world—but he hadn’t done more than run a brush through his hair, if that.
The wind snatched at his words, but they became clearer as I approached.
“—two people! Only two people. How am I supposed to function?!”
Helena’s retort was icy. “You treat people like trash, Victor. Of course most of our staff would choose not to go into exile with you. I certainly wouldn’t.
The only reason you retained those two is because James offered them a significant pay bump if they did go with you.
Be thankful he did, or you likely wouldn’t have anyone. ”
Ah. So he was going to be short-staffed after all. No one would be surprised by that. Well, he’d have to hire more people locally, was all.
Victor glared at his sister like she was a viper sent to torment him. “And why are you the only one seeing me off? I’m a prince! I should have an entire party here. Our parents have just, what, handed the duty over to you?”
“No one handed me anything. I chose to see you off because I wanted to make sure you got on the ship. You’ve burned bridges with every other member of this family, brother mine. No one cares where you go or what you do. Is that really so hard to believe?”
It shouldn’t be, but Victor wasn’t known for his self-analytical skills.
Victor spied me, and his lips twisted even farther up into a sneer. “You. You came?”
“I came to ask what the hell you’re doing. We haven’t heard from Ascor yet—”
“I don’t fucking care what they want, I’m not marrying that bitch!”
Uh. What? No, seriously, I felt like someone just ripped a chapter out of a book containing vital context. “When did this happen? You were vowing you would marry her only yesterday.”
“Yes, well, seeing her flirt with James nonstop was disgusting. She has no loyalty. I won’t marry her. I got into a fight with her this morning, and she was completely unrepentant. I refuse to marry someone who won’t listen to me.”
It was bad when even Victor didn’t want someone. His standards were subterranean, after all. Funny how he loved to fuck around when he hated the find-out stage so much. Still… “And if Ascor demands it?”
“James will handle it. I’m going into exile. It’s not like you don’t know where to find me if you need me.”
I tried to imagine needing Victor. Failed immediately. Actually, I’d rather he be in exile. Fixing things without him here to throw tantrums would be so much easier. I made a snap decision. “Fine, you may go.”
“Don’t even try to act like you’re here to give me permission or you’re doing some noble thing by seeing me off. You’re here to gloat! You think you’ve won.”
It had never been a competition, but you know what? I felt like twisting the knife of insult because I was petty that way. I glanced down at my wedding ring and then flipped my hand over to wave it. “Why yes, it does seem like I won, doesn’t it?”
Fury stole over his face. He turned nearly purple, and I think if we hadn’t had four knights with us, he’d have attacked me on the spot.
After a long, painful moment, he gained hold of himself and sneered again. “Then again, all you did is spread your legs for him.”
Helena made a sound of angry disbelief, but I laughed. I knew very well James hadn’t married me for that reason, and Victor’s bitterness was amusing. “Victor, if sleeping with people could gain you a kingdom, you’d be king of the world by now.”
His rage flared again, and he spat out something I’d not repeat in polite company before spinning on his heel and storming off. He was up the gangplank and onto the ship without any hesitation, apparently willing to go into exile rather than deal with me any longer.
Good riddance.
Helena snorted, glaring after him. “What a bitter manbaby. I do not understand how he can still think he’s not in the wrong for any of this.”
“What, and take accountability? Victor would sooner die.”
“I’m glad you laughed him off. James didn’t marry you for something as base as sex.”
She seemed worried those words might be taken to heart somehow. I offered her an arm in escort. “I know, Helena. The way that man looks at me is proof enough of how he feels.”
“Truly.” She smiled as she took my arm. “I think James is quite convinced the world was created just for you.”
“I cannot disagree. Speaking of relationships, how is yours going? From what I’ve seen, Lucien Glass rather looks at you the same way.”
She lowered her voice, tone gleeful. “I think we can seriously talk engagement by the end of the year.”
“No! Really?”
“Things are going very well. I do enjoy smart, competent men. James did well in introducing us for that reason alone. But I finally got him into bed last night—”
I just about missed a step and stared at her with wide eyes.
“—and Lucien is very much a man who knows what to do with his hands.” She gave me a little smirk.
Right, so their relationship was definitely going well. “Absolutely do not let go, then.”
“Oh, I have no intention of doing so.”
“But really? You think you’ll be engaged by the end of the year?”
“I think so. We’re already beginning the stages of entwining our lives together.”
Ah. Yes, that stage. James and I had speed-ran through that stage. In fact, in some ways, we were still in it.
I chatted with her about possibilities, hopes, and dreams, and was so pleased to see her this happy. Helena had been my stalwart support since the day she realized James loved me, and for that, I’d always be grateful. Whatever support she needed for her own wedding, I’d provide in spades.
I saw her off in her carriage, then went back to mine, as we weren’t going in the same direction.
She’d return to the company to resume work, and I had a wedding and coronation to plan.
While riding back up the hill, I turned to look at Victor’s ship and found it had set sail.
I watched it go, feeling only a sense of relief.
It was sad no one was remotely aggrieved to see him go.
He’d always been so vocal about his power and authority, but his status as prince was a house of cards that had collapsed at the barest puff of air.
In the end, no one had even pretended to miss him.
The age of Victor’s terror was now over.