The Queen's Line (Inheritance of Hunger #1) - Kathryn Moon Page 0,25

rooms will do," I said, resisting the urge to balk at the notion that he might have taken a room next to mine. Winter Palace or Kimmerian Castle, a steward had no place that close to his princess. I turned my chin to the guard at Sir Hubert's side, ignoring the older man's ruffled feathers. "And you are?"

"Cresswell Stark, Your Highness," he said, all velvet and low in tone as he bowed. "Captain of the Guard here in the North."

"And how long have you had your position?"

"Since to-today, Your Highness," he said, paling slightly.

I only nodded. "I'd like to speak with you soon, but not tonight. Perhaps you would join us for breakfast tomorrow. There will be breakfast tomorrow, yes, Sir Hubert?"

"Ye-yes, Your Highness," Sir Hubert choked out as Cresswell bowed to me.

"Good, then you may show us our rooms."

As the two men turned their back to me, I sighed and sagged slightly, looking over my shoulder at Thao. He grinned back at me and dipped his head lightly in approval. I didn't want a man like Sir Hubert deciding he could take a hand to me—to guide me politically or otherwise. It required me playing the part of high-handed princess more than I'd ever bothered doing in my life until now, but there was satisfaction in getting my way in something. And I didn't like to see a man like Sir Hubert dressed in furs and dripping in gold chains when I knew his people—my people—were starving, overtaxed, and dressed in rags.

Inside, at least, the palace showed a little less of its wear, especially as we traveled deeper in. Some of the chandeliers were lopsided, many of the candelabras were cold, and a few discolored gaps on the walls showed where a painting had gone missing. Overall though, the halls were clean if a little drafty. That could likely be repaired by winter.

Hubert led us to a hall at the back of the palace, pausing outside of a set of tall doors. "There is a meal waiting inside for you all, as well as a bath, and if you'll give me an hour—"

"Less than that," I said.

"Yes, Your Highness," he puffed. "A little time, I will arrange the second suite for…"

He trailed off, waiting for me to reveal who would be where.

"Thank you, that will be all," I said instead, ignoring his grimace.

7

Bryony

I resisted the urge to release a heavy sigh. I'd already indulged myself in many. Instead, I scooped a last cup full of fresh water over my shoulders, rinsing away the oils and suds from my bath, and rose up from the tub. There was a screen blocking the view from the bedroom, and I grabbed the towel draped over the top of it, patting myself dry before pulling on my night slip. And then remembering that I'd be sharing my bed tonight, I grabbed my silk robe as well.

Thao and Wendell had left for the second suite after eating with the rest of us, and I'd turned down the offer of help from the young maid who'd been barely brave enough to stick her head in the doorway. I could manage a bath for myself, and after two full days packed into the carriage with men, I was grateful to be alone in the tub for longer than the bath really required.

Now I slipped out from behind the screened washroom to find Owen and Cosmo reclining over the slightly moth-eaten covers of the enormous bed in my suite.

"Want me to start the water for you?" I asked Cosmo as he shuffled off the bed.

He smiled at me and shook his head, fingers already traveling to the buttons of his shirt as he walked past me. "I'm more than happy to manage my own bath. Are you sure you wouldn't prefer Owen or I to take a couch in the next room?"

"No, it seems silly with the size of that bed," I said, eyeing the almost miraculously large piece of furniture. It could've fit the three of us, and Thao and Wendell, and Aric too, and maybe even a few of the Chosen I'd dismissed days ago. "Anyway, the servants will be sneaking in and out of there with our luggage and I…"

Cosmo nodded and stepped behind the screen. "We're keeping up pretenses. I understand."

Owen peeked out from behind the pages of a book as I neared the bed, and I was so charmed by the sight of him, massive fingers holding its ornate binding, that it