Chapter 6 #3
“But Your Majesty … I already work for you,” I said, utterly confused at his proposal.
“I mean that I’d like to hire you to sit on my council.”
I balked. The king’s council was composed of the finest stock in the kingdom; masters of coin, war, and trade who were educated at the most elite institutions in Valen.
Perhaps the world. They held nearly as much power as King Mordric himself, having a hand in all of his decisions. He must be mistaken.
“Why?” I asked. My eyes widened as soon as the word slipped from between my lips, and heat seared the skin of my cheeks.
The King chuckled. “Why not?”
He wasn’t serious. He couldn’t be. I searched his gaze, wondering if this was all some sort of bizarre jape. “I hardly think I’m qualified,” I managed.
His expression became serious. “Not yet, perhaps, but you will be. Not only do I possess some of the finest magic literature in the world, as you’ve already noticed, but I also have unparalleled access to experts in this field.”
My sheepish grin vanished as he clasped my hand in his. My heart fluttered pathetically at his touch and my eyes traced the tiny rivulets of black that stained the edge of his palm. Letlas save me, even his hands were beautiful.
“Believe it or not,” he said, bringing my attention back to his face.
“I think you may possess great power, Finn, and you may be just what I’m looking for.
” He paused, his words hanging in the air.
“If you agree, you will be trained by one of the foremost experts on magic in the kingdom. You will refine your skills, and soon be fit to sit on my council as an adviser. You will be paid generously, like the others, and your task will be to advise me on matters of state, no matter how trivial.”
My heartbeat raced as I considered his proposal.
The idea was preposterous. A seat on the council came with power and riches, things that had never been within my grasp.
I glanced down at my skirt. I had spent the last three years living in the shadows, thinking the worst of myself in the darkest hours of the night.
What could a king possibly gain from having someone like me on his council?
“I ask you to do this of your own free will,” he said. “It is not a command.”
I swallowed. “If I may, Your Majesty, I’m afraid that there’s a lot about magic I don’t know quite yet.”
He chuckled. “I wasn’t expecting you to be a fully-fledged witch. That would be unrealistic, knowing that you haven’t had opportunity to study the craft formally.”
“Oh?”
“I already wrote to the expert I mentioned, and he has agreed to tutor you in the subject. To help you hone your skills until such time as you are prepared to assume the role.”
“You already wrote to him?”
His eyes twinkled. “I was hoping you wouldn’t refuse my proposal.”
I ducked my head, my cheeks warming. “If I agree, when would I begin?”
“Tomorrow.”
My lips parted in disbelief. “So soon?”
“Is there any reason you would wish to delay?”
I hesitated. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to resuming my responsibilities as a chambermaid, and even if I had wanted to, I knew for certain that there was no returning to Wealdstone. The thought made my heart ache. “No,” I said finally. “No reason.”
“Excellent. The winter solstice is the day after tomorrow, and as I’m sure you’re aware, it is customary for the king to host a ball.”
I was only too aware.
“I would be grateful if you would allow me to escort you. It will be your introduction to society, as it were.”
My pulse quickened. “I can’t go to the solstice with you,” I stammered.
He frowned, a faint line creasing his smooth brow.
“Not that there’s anything wrong with you,” I added hastily. “I just don’t think you’re allowed to invite me. Invite a maid, that is.”
His lips curved upwards. “But you are no longer a maid. And I’m the king. I may invite whomever I choose.”
My gaze dropped to where my hands were curled around the fabric of my skirt. “I, er, I’m afraid I don’t have anything to wear,” I whispered, my cheeks burning.
“Ah,” he said. “I will have the seamstress gather some items and leave them in a guest chamber for you. My guards will escort you there tomorrow.” I tilted my chin up to see concern written plainly across his features. “Unless that was a polite rejection?” he asked.
“No!” I cried. “I mean, certainly not, although I worry that I’m not deserving of such kindness.”
“Think nothing of it. I shall take that as a yes and I look forward to seeing you there.” The King stood, pulling me with him. “One last thing.”
“Your Majesty?”
“You want answers about last night, and that’s understandable, but I would be a fool to allow you to go looking for trouble on your own. Please, promise me that you won’t do anything rash.”
I stared helplessly into his face, so inhuman in its beauty. I had no idea why he cared what happened to me at all, after knowing me for so little time. It had been so long since anyone had. But here, under the silvery light of the waxing moon, I found I didn’t care about his reasons.
“I promise.”