The Queen's Line (Inheritance of Hunger #1) - Kathryn Moon Page 0,84

watch him pale faintly.

"My Chosen is correct. No one speaks for me," Bryony said, the words flat and firm. She gazed over the group of us on the main floor. "It appears I have three candidates for the position of steward. I should like to interview each of them."

"Your Highness, with all due respect," Lord Roderick started, but his voice stuttered as Bryony's eyes widened.

"All due respect? Lord Roderick, I understand it is the council's role to offer advisement to the queen's line to better allow them to tend to the Hunger."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"And you advise me to take on Daniel Farraque as steward?"

"We do, Your Highness."

"I acknowledge this and will now make up my own mind," Bryony said, staring down the head of the council until his head dipped, looking as though it physically cost him to do so.

Oddly, and for no clear reason, I suddenly found myself wishing Aric Martin was here too. He would've at least enjoyed the show while I was busy perishing of mortification.

"Let us move to the great hall, where you might each make your case privately," Bryony said, taking not one outstretched hand to help herself down the stairs and out of the hall.

"I'm sorry," Thao whispered.

I didn't answer, scratching my index finger over an aching hangnail on my thumb. Cosmo and Owen had escorted the council out through the gardens after Bryony's interview, and Rebecca and Prudence were alone in the room with the princess and Guard Stark now. There was the occasional soft laugh from inside that set me at ease. Bryony would choose Prudence, and the lady would make Bryony a perfect steward, if not an unconventional one.

"Wen," Thao murmured.

"You're lucky she's so—"

"I know."

I huffed, annoyed at the interruption, although I wasn't sure there was really just one word for what Bryony was. The door to the great hall opened, and I straightened, stepping forward as Lady Prudence appeared grinning.

"Oh, Wendell. I like her so much, don't you?" Prudence asked, eyes bright.

"Very much," I said, feeling myself soften at the thought.

Prudence hummed, and Rebecca Sanders followed her out the door, glancing at both Thao and I. "She's asked to see you both."

I stepped in without him, heading directly for the throne, prepared to bend down to one knee and apologize for the awkward position she'd been left in. But I wasn't quick enough. Bryony stood from the throne and skipped down the steps, meeting me in the center of the room. Her hand found mine, her face smooth, and she squeezed my fingers. Somehow, that only made me feel worse, my tongue tied in knots as Thao approached us with slow steps that echoed on the marble.

"Forgive me for my outburst, Your Highness," Thao said softly, bowing.

"Don't demure to me like that," Bryony snapped, and Thao straightened, red flooding his cheeks. "We are friends, and when we argue I don't want to have you suddenly treating me as a royal. That said, I am angry."

"I should have spoken to you privately on the subject," Thao said, a little less demurely.

"It should not be a subject at all," Bryony answered, and his eyes widened. She squeezed my hand again and looked up at me. "Do you want to be my steward?"

My mouth fell open and nothing came out for a moment, both their eyes on me. I swallowed hard and shook my head. "No." I swallowed off her title, not wanting to be chastised.

"I didn't think so," Bryony said, more gently and with a smile. It was gone by the time she looked at Thao again. "I understand that things have changed and that the role of a Chosen that I offered you may appear different now. But I consider you all equal, regardless of what shape our relationship takes privately. Thao, you will always be a prince, but in my court you are Chosen. Wendell is Chosen. Owen is Chosen. There is no other rank between you."

Thao was at my side, and his tension was like a vibration of energy against me as he listened to Bryony. I wanted to soothe him, but I didn't want to interfere with the weight of Bryony's words.

"The two of you have already proven your worth in helping me navigate this journey, but if you cannot accept your role and that I am your superior, then you won't be satisfied here. I am the princess. You are Chosen."

My heart broke in that moment. Partly for Thao. He was the youngest male heir in his