Chapter 7 #3
“I need someone I can trust. Gustav suggested you, and I will be honest, I don’t really have any other options. Will you do it?” Avera bluntly asked. “Will you be my Duchess?”
Josslyn didn’t immediately say yes. Her lips pursed as she mulled it over. “It is a big task running a country. The amount of work would likely mean no more visits to my vineyard.”
“Only temporarily while I’m gone. Upon my return, we could ensure a schedule whereupon you could continue your work.”
“People won’t like it. Traditionally, the crown chooses a male for the role.”
“But it’s not a rule,” Avera pointed out.
“True. However, I feel like I should point out it will most definitely ruffle some and bring out belligerence in others.”
“Are you not capable of putting them in their place?” was Avera’s tart retort.
Josslyn’s lips curved. “That’s never been a problem, but the result will be some petulance that might turn into those unhappy whining to you.”
“I can assure you they’ll get no sympathy from me. I never realized how petty the lords and ladies could be.”
“You’ve lived amongst them your whole life.”
“Ignored for the most part,” was Avera’s wry rejoinder. “I miss those days.”
“I assume you would want an immediate start?”
“Or as soon as is feasible. I understand you might need time to delegate some tasks in order to take on this challenge.”
“I already have competent people in place so I could start shortly, but I don’t know if I even want the responsibility.”
“Would you feel better if we called it a trial run?”
“Maybe.” The lady tapped her lower lip. “You say you’d be leaving after the coronation in a few days. How long would you be gone?”
“Gustav seems to think we could complete the royal tour in about a month.”
“A month? It takes a carriage two weeks just to go to Seaserpent Bay unless you’re planning to skip it.”
“No, I’m visiting everywhere, but by horse, which is much faster.”
“Horse?” Josslyn’s eyes widened. “What of your luggage?”
“Not planning to bring much.” Avera’s lips quirked. “Have I mentioned I’m not very traditional about certain things?”
“So I’m beginning to see.” Josslyn cocked her head. “May I think upon it?”
“Yes. I understand this is quite the undertaking, especially since I don’t know what I’m doing.” Probably not the thing to admit.
“Neither did I when I inherited. Sometimes that works in our favor as tradition isn’t always the best method.”
“Agreed!” Avera exclaimed. “I do hope you’ll say yes as I need someone, but thus far, everyone I’ve spoken to is either about flattering me endlessly or trying to marry me off to a family member. I need honesty, even if it’s not pleasant. Someone I can count on.”
“You’ve given me much to think about, Your Majesty.”
“Please, call me Avera.”
“I couldn’t. Do you know what people would say?” Josslyn exclaimed.
“I don’t really care, but I guess you might. So how about in private you drop the formalities?”
A smile ghosted Josslyn’s lips. “I think that could be done. Avera.”
There was something about hearing her name that lightened her spirit. “Feel free to drop by if you have questions, or to accept my offer.”
“I just might. You’re not what I expected.”
“What did you expect?”
“I don’t know, really. No one seems to have a firm grasp of you. It’s as if you didn’t exist until you became queen. I’ve heard you called a dowdy mouse, which is obviously untrue. A shrill harridan, which again doesn’t seem likely.”
“You forgot murderous bitch, conniving harlot, and evil changeling.”
Josslyn’s eyes widened and Avera offered a rueful smile. “I’m well aware of what people think of me. Here’s to hoping I can change some of their minds.”
“And if you can’t?”
Avera shrugged. “Nothing. I can’t control other people’s thoughts, only my own actions.”
“You sound like my brother.”
Avera snorted. “Where do you think I learned that motto from?”
At that, Josslyn smiled. “It was nice to meet you… Avera.”
“Likewise. I hope to hear from you soon.”
As the lady opened the door, she tossed over her shoulder, “Most likely you shall. But first, I need to smack my brother.”
And she meant that quite literally.
Gustav stepped away from the door when it opened. Not far enough. Josslyn immediately cuffed him then huffed, “You didn’t tell her I was your sister!”
The usually stoic rook ducked his head, looking sheepish for a rare instant. “I wanted her to meet you and not choose you simply because we’re related.”
“You’re an idiot. Which reminds me, you haven’t been by for dinner in ages.”
“I’ve been busy,” he muttered.
“Get unbusy. And bring the queen if you can’t leave her side.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He saluted his sister.
She shook her head before leaning up to buss him on the cheek. “Be careful, you big idiot.”
The affection between them caused something in Avera to ache. How she would have loved the same relationship with her siblings, but they’d only ever looked at her with disdain, if at all.
She could have blamed her mother, but she had a feeling it wouldn’t have mattered.
The age gap and differences between them were too great and lamenting about it wouldn’t change the past. She could only look ahead and hope for a husband who might actually like her.
To children she would love. To a future where she would forge the family she always desired.
If she lived that long.