There is something I want to share with you, but it requires absolute discretion."
"You have it, my lord. Always."
She smiled faintly, something in it bittersweet and longing. It faded after a moment, and she somberly continued, "His Majesty is dying. Worse, the healers tell me he is likely to start going mad—has already, in very minor ways, but he is going to worsen exponentially, likely over the course of months, but possibly it will take only weeks."
Davrin inhaled sharply through his nostrils. That was an alarming bit of news for the crown princess to share with a minor, if respected, diplomat. "I assume you want my help regarding the matter?"
"Yes. First and foremost, it is vital you win this challenge. I will support you as much as possible, but there's only so much I can do without drawing attention and risking everything. I must have Tekker and Grayne dishonored and thrown out of court before my father begins to collapse entirely. I worry what power he will give them before I am able to wrest it all away. If you win, he'll have no choice but to throw them out, and that will solve a great many problems before they begin. Your timing is fortuitous, though I realize you did not do this for me."
"I have always believed strongly in efficiency, my lord. The more problems that can be solved by a single action, the better. Have every faith that Sir Cimar and I will fight to the death to see Ballior is avenged and those two left in ruin. What else did you need of me?"
She offered another soft smile, this one far warmer, a hint of amusement in it. "You, actually, my lord."
Davrin frowned. "I do not follow."
"I am being pressured to marry; I have been for some time."
Davrin's confusion turned to shock. "You cannot be saying what I think you're saying."
She laughed, muffling the sound with her hand. "I am saying precisely that. I need a good man to be my prince consort. Someone who understands the kingdom, and more importantly, understands people. Who can help me lead without attempting to cast me aside like some courtly decoration."
"You need no man to rule," Davrin replied. "Anyone who thinks otherwise is a bloody fool. I still don't understand why you're choosing me."
"You know people. You have connections around the world that are worth a kingdom all on their own. You are loyal, and ambitious without being greedy or foolish. I have faith you would rule with me, not for me. People like you and trust you, and many are holding you in awe right now for daring to go against Lord Tekker, which basically equates to going directly against His Majesty. I've had my eye on you for some time, but I'd hoped to approach the matter more slowly, give us both time to decide if that would indeed work for both of us. But I am running out of time, so I am afraid the question must be put to you now, and you will not be able to take more than a few days to ponder it."
"I'll have an answer for you tomorrow. How should I send it?"
Removing her gloves, Korena removed a ring that was far too big for her finger but looked as though it would fit Davrin just fine. "If you agree to marry me, wear that to dinner tomorrow night, or sooner if you decide more quickly than that. If you decide against it, stow the ring in some other object and have it returned to me."
"I understand, my lord."
"Good. We'll talk more later once your decision is made. I bid you good day, my lord."
"My lord," Davrin replied, and rose. Retrieving his horse, he retraced his steps out of the woods, mounting when he reached the town.
He rode off in a daze, half-convinced he was dreaming or had taken a severe knock to the head. Not if his life depended on it would he have ever guessed the crown princess had been eyeing him for marriage. At best, if he'd thought about her at all, it would be that she might appoint him to a council position once she was on the throne.
But marriage? Prince Consort Davrin Dweller-by-the-Sea? No, his name would change with marriage. He'd be Prince Consort Davrin Highrow, Duke of Starfast, Earl of Broken Cliff, and Voice of the Council. And so much more besides. That was a dizzying rise in power. He pulled out the ring Korena