Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens #2) - Jody Hedlund Page 0,65

After all, they are family.” Since my mother was related to Queen Margery, Pearl and Ruby were my distant cousins, though family ties had nothing to do with why I wanted them to live in Scania.

“You are gracious to make such a generous offer. However, since both colluded in plotting treason, I must hold at least one of them accountable. Do you not agree?”

The queen’s attention flickered to a side room. Was that where she was holding Pearl? I had the urge to run over, throw open the door, and set Pearl free. But I held myself back. I had to use caution, or I’d cause more trouble for all of us.

“I know nothing about treason,” I answered. “But Princess Pearl has assured me of her desire to leave Warwick. She will nevermore consider returning and will live out the rest of her days in Scania.”

The queen’s keen eyes remained upon me as though trying to read my mind. “Princess Pearl is beguiling, is she not, Your Highness? Surely you can agree a beauty such as hers has the power to influence a man, even one as strong as you.”

I had to answer carefully lest I fall into one of the queen’s traps—one of the many she was setting for me with each sentence she spoke. “Princess Pearl is indeed beautiful. But she has proven her true power to influence comes from within.”

The queen sat back against her throne, a smile playing upon her lips. “She has already beguiled you.”

I shook my head. “No—”

“I see it in your eyes. You care about her. Dare I say you even love her and wish to take her back to Scania to be your wife?”

A part of me wanted to tell the queen the truth, that Pearl was already my wife. But would the queen be more agreeable to my bargaining if she felt as though she had more to give in exchange for an alliance, especially if she could offer Pearl as my bride?

I needed to force her hand now, in front of her court. Then we would have witnesses to whatever agreement we might reach. “I am prepared to provide you an alliance with Scania in exchange for both princesses.”

“You are but a prince and have no authority to make such a decision.”

“I shall be king.”

The queen smiled, but her lips were thin and her eyes cold. “What about Prince Vilmar? What if he becomes king instead of you?”

Something in the way the queen spoke baited me, almost as if she hoped I would be willing to work against Vilmar to eliminate my competition for the throne. I kept my expression neutral, unwilling to reveal that the bond with my brother went beyond our Testing and that I would never betray him.

“Vilmar may be charming.” I chose my words with care. “But he isn’t cunning enough to become king.”

The queen watched me, waiting for me to continue.

“I shall become king, and therefore you would do well to remain in my favor, especially because an alliance with Scania would be of great benefit to your country.”

She tapped her lips with one finger. “Perhaps.”

Before I could say more, she stood, and several servants rushed to aid her. She started toward the table that was already set with fine linens, crystal goblets, and silver dishes. Kitchen servants hovered in a nearby hallway holding platters and jugs. The waft of mutton and other roasted meats hung in the air.

I hadn’t partaken in a grand meal since the one in honor of our commissioning for our Testing the night before we left Scania. But I had no appetite for one today, not unless I could guarantee Pearl’s safety.

“I’m sure you are already well aware of the benefits of forming an alliance with Scania.” I could list them, but I didn’t want her to believe I was desperate—even though I was.

She paused near her chair at the center of the table. “Yes, but your father already spurned me, did not think Warwick was good enough for him.”

“I am not my father.”

“Then you love Princess Pearl?” She pinned me with a gaze that wouldn’t allow me to deny it. And why should I, when admitting it could seal the bargain?

“Yes. I love her.”

Chapter

21

Pearl

Mikkel loved me?

I sagged against the buttery door.

He loved me. The prospect was too great to comprehend, and I could only stare at the crack of light coming from underneath the door, illuminating the darkness.

He still believed I was blemished. He’d never seen me without my