Chapter 21 Kieran
Kieran
Seeing Gen in that meeting this morning nearly undid the composure I’m trying so hard to contain. She looked beautiful in a soft blue dress, accented with lace detailing. I wanted to pull her close and do wicked things to her that would have her moaning about the impropriety of it all.
That was all I could think about until the conversation began.
It was the same shit I’ve dealt with since arriving at Fairbright—the Ashcrofts’ inability to see that continuing a blueblood line is weakening these countries.
Then the insulting, vulgar way the Frostclaws openly demanded that Gen be willing to fuck Leland at his leisure.
I was so close to speaking up, to blowing my cover and letting go of this false ruse.
Until Gen spoke up.
Until she once again chose to go against her own desires.
I saw how she looked at Leland when they kissed, and I felt the difference in our shared kiss, in the way she was drawn to me last night in her bedroom.
I saw the dread on her face again when she pretended not to look at me as she agreed to marry a man whose touch makes her uncomfortable.
That’s why I’m waiting for Queen Kalise in my study, a room I use for charting geography, completing correspondence, and making business preparations.
I don’t know if I’m capable of staying here much longer.
I’m writing to my business manager to arrange my departure and to send a team to oversee the project without my presence.
A knock sounds at my door, and I call for them to enter. It’s Queen Kalise, as I expected. She’s alone, and I’m thankful for that. I don’t want to try to explain to Leland, or anyone else, why I need to leave.
“This is an unexpected request,” Kalise says as she takes a seat across from me, her gloved hands resting primly in her lap.
She wears a brown dress cut with a high neckline and long sleeves.
Although it would look drab on another woman, Kalise makes the dress look stylish.
Her short silvery-blonde bob nearly touches her shoulders, longer than she typically keeps it.
“I wanted your opinion on the state of things here in Naseria.”
She gives me a wry look. “Would you like my opinion on how they handle their kingdom or on whether the princess is terribly suited for Leland?”
I study her with as much disinterest as I can manage. I wouldn’t put it past Kalise to see that there’s something between Genevieve and me. Perhaps even Leland notices. That was the point, at least when I first arrived.
“The kingdom, of course. Your brother’s betrothal is of little consequence to me. Would you like a drink?” I move to a decanter of brandy.
“Yes, that would be welcome after this morning. But I know you well enough to see you are attracted to the princess—the dance you shared, your interactions, and how you saved her from the spreading rot. The way you could hardly contain your anger at that meeting. I think you care very much for my brother’s betrothed. ”
I keep my back turned as I pour. Steady. Casual. She doesn’t need to know my pulse quickens at the thought of Leland’s hands on Gen. I let out a harsh laugh as I carry the drinks back.
“Saving her from the rot is hardly a sign of attraction. You know how I feel about the abuse of helachite—I’d save anyone, even my worst enemy, from that fate.
As for the rest, it’s nothing. She’s an interesting woman, but ultimately she’s Leland’s fiancée.
I’ll never think of her again after I leave. ”
I hand Kalise the brandy, her silver glove brushing my bare skin. I’ve never seen the queen without gloves, never seen any piece of her skin other than her face. Rumors in Icelantica suggest she bears the marks of her gift, a delicate pattern like a snowflake.
Of course that’s rubbish. Still, it’s strategic—hide yourself so completely that even your skin becomes legend. She cultivates the image she presents to her citizens. I wonder who the true Kalise is.
She sips the brandy and studies me more closely than I’d prefer. Kalise has a way of disarming a person with her glare, and I’ve avoided it while working with Icelantica over the years.
“I saw you pull the princess away that day. When she returned she was disheveled and flushed. Leland considers you a close friend. If you harm my brother, I will be forced to hurt you back.”
The room grows cold, and the queen does something I’ve never seen her do: she slowly slides one glove off. As I suspected, there are no unusual marks on her skin—just alabaster-smooth flesh. Her hand cups the brandy glass, and immediately the brandy freezes solid.
Kalise looks at me with such frosty disdain that it stings. I nod. “You’ve made yourself clear. I value my friendship with Leland as well and have no intention of hurting him.”
That’s true. I never want to hurt Leland. I wanted to uncover the Ashcrofts’ ugliness, while also placing Naseria in capable hands. I can’t solve all the problems in this continent alone. But, it seems Leland and Gen may bring out the worst in both their powers.
Kalise sets the glass on the table and slides her glove back on. “I hope, for your sake, you don’t give me reason to cause you harm. It would be a terrible waste of a brilliant mind.”
“Of course not. Now—back to Naseria, the real reason I called for this visit. Your demonstration, however, has been enlightening.” I take a sip of brandy, savoring the warmth.
“What about Naseria?” She narrows her eyes.
“What are your opinions on how the kingdom is run? Do you find anything alarming?”
She drums her gloved fingers on the arm of the chair. “It’s not my place to say. Do I believe you should choose Naseria over Wylan for the railway expansion? Of course. Either way, you will struggle with how these kingdoms treat their miners—and eventually their railway workers.”
This isn’t new information. It’s something I’ve weighed carefully. I’ve purchased as many helachite mines in Wylan and Naseria as I could, and the conditions for both are terrible.
“Will the Ashcrofts allow Leland any influence? That was your purpose in agreeing to this arrangement.”
Kalise looks toward the door and lowers her voice.
“The current queen won’t allow any opinion but her own.
She treats her grown children like toddlers, and her husband is nothing but a pet.
I worry how Leland will fare in that family.
My deepest concern is that when Princess Genevieve takes power she’ll be a figurehead while her mother retains control. ”
It’s what I’ve suspected. Once, when we were younger, the royal family seemed happier—the queen more relaxed, more willing to hear dissenting views. That’s changed since I returned. One thing is clear: Gen will ruin herself without my lifting a finger.