Chapter 2 #3
She looked up at me for a long moment, like she didn’t want to stop, and my lips slowly turned up into a broad smile.
“See something you like?” I teased.
“Ahem.” Carissa cleared her throat as her green eyes darted away from my face. “I think that’s probably enough for today. You’re doing very well in silencing your footsteps, Your Majesty.”
I narrowed my eyes at her as she slipped back into an overly formal tone with me. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out where we stood. She obviously enjoyed living in my castle and was developing strong friendships with my lovers, but I couldn’t nail down what she thought of me.
One second, I’d be certain she was openly flirting with me, and the next, she acted like I was worlds above her and she’d never belong at my side. It was confusing, but it also made me more determined to figure it out.
“I wanted to ask you…” I said to shift topics.
Carissa pressed her lips together like she was resetting herself and looked back at me.
“Will you come with us to the meeting of the royals?” I asked.
“What?” She looked actually shocked by my request. “You want me to join you?”
“Yes,” I said. “I value your knowledge and your opinion about people. I think you’d be an asset to the situation.”
“I…” She shook her head slowly, and her black waves bounced around her shoulders. “I don’t… I’m not sure it would be appreciated by the other royals. King Enken and Queen Doria, of course, wouldn’t mind, I don’t think, but I’m not your ambassador or anything like that. What would the others say?”
“I don’t really care what they’d say,” I said. “I consider you a friend, and since you’re of noble birth, I don’t think it would be inappropriate for you to come with us.”
Carissa pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and chewed on it in a pensive way.
“You value my opinion that much?” she asked.
“I do.” I nodded.
She looked up into my eyes, and I let the sincerity of my words show in my face.
“Alright,” she finally agreed. “But I insist on only being a member of your retinue. I hold no political or diplomatic power.”
“What’s the difference?” I asked. “I thought my retinue was advisors and the like.”
“Well…” Carissa’s lips quirked up in a half-smile.
“Your retinue includes your actual ambassadors and advisors, yes, but it also includes your personal servants and companions. So I could be a member of it without the implications that I hold any sway over the situation. Then, in private, if you want my opinion and advice, I would be happy to provide it.”
“Sounds like a ‘best of both worlds’ thing.” I cocked my head at her. “Unless I’m really misunderstanding it.”
“No,” Carissa giggled, and the sound was a beautiful, lilting melody. “That’s about the lot of it. Royal society is all about getting what you want by taking advantage of the labels and appearances of things.”
“Sounds about right,” I laughed. “Well, I would be honored if you accompanied me as a companion in my royal retinue.”
“And I’m honored to accept your invitation,” Carissa said with a bright smile.
Much of the rest of the days before we were set to leave for the meeting of the royals were spent planning and organizing a double coronation for Serra and Yori.
Neither of them wanted it to be an enormous occasion, but I insisted it still be an affair fit for the queens they would be. We invited all of my Masters and the ambassadors from Basstrum, as well as a dozen noble families of Nalatria who lived within fifty miles of the castle.
I’d arranged for an enormous celebration feast to immediately follow the royal ceremony, and I couldn’t tell what Yori was most excited for, the food or becoming queen.
On the morning of the coronation ceremony, we decided to enjoy a private breakfast together in the courtyard. My staff had moved the tables closer so we could all sit together while we ate.
As usual, my cooks had prepared a delicious spread of food for us.
There were three kinds of eggs, crispy fried bacon, perfectly juicy sausage patties, heaping piles of fresh-cut fruit, and bread that was still warm from the oven.
The scent of fresh coffee filled my nose, and I started with a cup of the good stuff.
“I can’t believe how much food is on your plate.” Serra eyed Yori’s plate with an almost queasy look. “My stomach is in knots.”
“You know Yori,” Tanell said. “She’s always hungry.”
“True,” Yori mumbled through a mouthful of bacon and eggs before she swallowed. “I can’t believe you’re not eating anything.”
I glanced over at Serra’s nearly-empty plate and frowned.
“You should eat something more than that,” I said.
There were four pieces of sliced fruit on her plate and a tiny pile of scrambled eggs that she hadn’t touched. The willowy woman was always very fair in complexion, but she looked especially pale that morning.
“Are you alright?” I murmured.
“I’m just nervous,” Serra sighed and popped a bit of melon between her pink-tinted lips. “I never thought I’d be crowned.”
“I don’t think she’s used to having all eyes on her,” Tanell said in an empathetic tone. “But don’t worry, Serra. Yori, Ken, and I will all be there with you.”
“I’ll be there, too,” Carissa said with a friendly smile. “Granted, I’ll be in the audience, but I’ll be sending all my support up there to you.”
Serra gave us a weak smile and straightened her back into a regal posture.
“Thank you,” she said. “That helps.”
She selected a strip of bacon and began to nibble on it, and after a few bites, her color improved.
“Have you had your final fitting with Miriam?” Tanell asked Yori.
I smiled gratefully at my queen for changing the subject to something a little lighter and more exciting.
“I’m going to her office after breakfast!” Yori grinned. “It’s so beautiful. I’ve never worn anything so nice before.”
“I’m dying to know what it looks like,” I said. “I can’t believe you won’t even tell me what color it is.”
“I want it to be a surprise.” Yori waggled her black eyebrows at me. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it.”
“I have to agree with her,” Serra said, and she finally smiled. “It’s beautiful.”
“I’m sure it is,” I said. “Miriam does fantastic work.”
“She really does,” Tanell agreed. “My gown is lovely, too, and it’s understated in the perfect way, so I won’t detract from the women of the hour.”
“That’s me!” Yori giggled like a little kid, and she smiled at Serra. “And you!”
“Don’t remind me,” Serra sighed.
I could see why Serra was so nervous about the ceremony.
She’d been raised to be a silent accessory to the king.
Her years of training and private tutoring had prepared her to navigate society on a much lower level than the position I was placing her in.
Queen had never been within the realm of possibility for her before, but she would be an incredible queen.
“You don’t have to speak or anything.” I reached over and took Serra’s hand in mine.
“Hold yourself with grace, which you won’t have any problem with because you’re grace incarnate.
It won’t be that big of a ceremony, anyway.
Then we’ll have a little celebration ball after, and you’re just incredible at that kind of thing. ”
“I appreciate your faith in me,” Serra said in a small voice, and she took a deep breath. “I’m sure it will be fine. I’m simply not used to being so front and center.”
“Let’s talk about something else,” Tanell suggested. “Everything is nearly ready for our departure tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, great,” I said. “Thank you for organizing all of that.”
“Of course.” Tanell smiled. “You’ve been so busy with everything. I was happy to help.”
“How many carriages are we taking with us?” I asked.
“Seven,” Tanell said. “And I believe your new carriage is ready for its maiden voyage!”
“Hell yes,” I chuckled. “That’s great news. That means you can ride with us, Carissa.”
“Oh.” Carissa’s green eyes went wide with surprise. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I said. “I don’t see any reason not to. There will be plenty of room in the new carriage Master Algan commissioned.”
“Well, alright,” Carissa said. “If you’re sure.”
“Yes, please come with us,” Serra said. “It will be lovely to have your company.”
“Besides,” I said. “If you don’t ride with us, you’d either be alone or you’d have to ride with the maids or supplies. And neither of those options sounds very comfortable.”
“Good point,” Carissa laughed. “Very well.”
“How long will it take us to get there?” Yori asked.
“Two and a half days,” Tanell said. “If we make good time. I built in an extra day in case we run into trouble on the road.”
“Two days.” Yori’s lip curled up in disgruntlement.
“Don’t worry,” I laughed. “Tanell has arranged for us to stay in some very nice inns along the way.”
“Oh, good.” Yori grinned.
We all laughed at the blunt honesty of my dark-haired lover. Yori always spoke her mind, no matter whose feathers it might ruffle. It was part of what I loved about her, and it was a stark contrast to how Serra was constantly trying to keep things smooth and pleasant.
“Your Majesty,” a footman politely interrupted. “I have a message from Master Dalgus.”
Dalgus was my Master of Arms, and I had a feeling I knew what the message was.
“Yes?” I asked.
“Eliath has completed the design for your crossbow,” the footman said with a hint of glee in his eyes.