Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens #2) - Jody Hedlund Page 0,66

veil. For all he knew, I was unbearably ugly underneath. And yet, he loved me regardless.

Warmth blossomed deep inside, and I couldn’t contain a smile. Though the circumstances were appalling and my body was still trembling with fear at what the queen would do to Mikkel, the realization that he loved me so unconditionally awoke in me a sense of belonging. Belonging together.

Though I’d clung to the notion of annulling our marriage someday, I knew now I never would have been able to make myself go through with it. Not when we belonged so perfectly to each other.

“So you think that by bringing Princess Pearl to Scania and marrying her you will forge an alliance with Warwick?” The queen’s voice was much too calculated.

Mikkel was silent for a long moment. Would he reveal that we were already married? I wasn’t sure that doing so would aid his cause in rescuing me. In fact, I suspected nothing would, not when the queen needed my heart for her alchemy.

I leaned against the door again and bowed my head. What had I expected now that I knew the truth about his love? That Mikkel and I would be able to live happily ever after together? Such endings only happened in fairy tales.

“Having Warwick’s princesses in Scania would give my country more reason to contribute to Warwick’s successes.”

“You have given me much to ponder, Prince Mikkel. I shall discuss the matter with my advisors and then decide. For now, let us enjoy the feast.”

The harp music began again along with the clinking of goblets and dishes.

I could only pray the queen would agree to Mikkel’s proposal of an alliance. But even if she did so here in front of her court so publicly, she was not as principled as Mikkel. While he was a man of his word and would follow through with a vow, the queen would think nothing of changing her mind. If she wanted my heart, she would find a way to get it, no matter what promises she made to Mikkel.

I brushed my hand against the layers of my best ruby gown studded with diamonds at my waist and all throughout the bodice. The servants had spent hours bathing and grooming me, fawning over every detail of my appearance, knowing that the queen would expect nothing less than perfection. They’d taken extra care with my hair, styling it with a few strands pulled up in order to show off my diamond earrings and necklace as well as a tiara of rubies and diamonds.

Why had the queen gone to so much trouble with my appearance? If she hoped to show me to the people as a traitor and rebel, why not leave me in my tattered travel garments?

I started to slide down to the floor, but at the rattle of the key in the lock, I straightened. Was the queen sending me back to my chambers? Would she kill me there while everyone feasted? While she distracted Mikkel?

I pressed my hands together, wishing I had my knife to defend myself, for I doubted this time I’d be so fortunate as to have a servant rise up to free me as the huntsman had done the last time the queen tried to have me murdered.

The door opened to reveal Lord Anise, one of Mother’s favorite young noblemen. “Your Highness,” he said with a bow. “The queen requests your presence at the banquet.”

“How kind of her.” While I might not understand her scheming, I did know she was never without an ulterior motive.

Lord Anise motioned for me to move ahead of him out the door and down the short passageway. As I stepped into the full light of the sconces, his eyes widened at the sight of me in all my glittering jewels.

“You look beautiful, Your Highness,” he said almost reverently.

I nodded but pressed my lips together. Perhaps the queen intended to show the people I was regal and grown up enough to be a contender for the throne. Would seeing me in such glory prove that her claims of my treason were true?

As I stepped through the arched doorway into the great hall, I was suddenly overcome with trepidation. Mikkel would see me without my veil for the first time.

Attention shifted to me and the conversation within the great hall lessened until only a few people were talking. I stared around the room, everywhere but at Mikkel. When I reached the few steps that led to the head table, I finally allowed