Besotted (The Fairest Maidens #3) - Jody Hedlund Page 0,47
admired, including kindness, humor, tenderness, and wisdom. We could converse easily about many topics, and we enjoyed each other’s friendship and company. I could picture us spending our lives together and drawing even closer.
“You may think you love him”—Chester found his voice—“but that doesn’t mean you will wed him.”
After the past weeks of Chester’s heavy-handed guardianship, I was nearly at the end of my patience. I couldn’t keep from narrowing my eyes. “I think you are forgetting one thing.”
“What is that?”
“You have no authority over me except that which I give you.”
“I abide by a higher authority than you, especially when you act like a foolhardy, lovesick young girl.” His voice swiftly escalated until he was shouting.
He stood rigidly, his arms stiff at his sides. He obviously wanted to say more but was holding himself in check out of respect for me as his queen, even though he viewed my feelings toward Kresten with contempt.
Aunt Idony nodded at the open door. “Why don’t you wait outside while I speak for a moment with Her Majesty.”
Without another look my way, Chester pivoted and stomped across the cottage, exited, and slammed the door behind him. When the reverberation faded, Aunt Idony pulled out the bench at the kitchen table and motioned me to the spot across from her.
With reluctance, I lowered myself. From her severe expression, I sensed she would try to change my mind. And I wouldn’t be swayed. I loved Kresten and intended to marry him. Even if he was a pauper, he would adjust and fit into court life eventually. In fact, the people need never know of his poor roots and his background. After all, he was more knowledgeable and cultured than most laborers.
“Your Majesty. After our last conversation about . . . well, about men, I thought I’d enlightened you regarding the stipulations for your spouse. As a queen of a powerful nation, you will be expected—nay, even required—to make an advantageous match.”
“I understand that. However, once my father and the other advisors meet Kresten, they will like him immensely and support my plans.” I clutched the scarf under the table.
“He is definitely likeable.”
“And quite handsome.” The second Aunt Elspeth uttered the words, she blushed and bent her head over the loom, fumbling with the bobbin.
I wanted to chorus my agreement. Of course, I hadn’t seen many men during my isolated life and couldn’t compare him with others. But he was of the caliber of man who rose far above the rest in every way.
“I love him, Aunt Idony.” I couldn’t keep the ardor from infusing my words. “I never thought I would fall in love, but I did.”
Aunt Idony picked up the pestle and twisted the blunt club absently in the mortar of half-minced herbs. “I already explained that your father has begun making arrangements. You are to be betrothed shortly after your return to Delsworth.”
“So soon? Why the rush?”
“The advisors believe Queen Margery will have a more difficult time challenging your right to Mercia’s throne if the people view you as mature and ready to lead.”
“Then I shall wed Kresten right away, once he comes back at the end of the month.”
“You cannot set aside their choice for you.”
“I assumed they were still deliberating, that nothing had yet been decided.”
Her voice softened. “Would it really make any difference if the arrangements are definitive or not?”
I knew what she was saying. Even if the details of my future husband had not yet been finalized, I couldn’t disregard the wisdom of the noblest men in the land and choose my own husband, especially one from amongst the lowest strata of society.
As Aunt Idony had indicated, the goal was to ensure that Queen Margery didn’t gain control of Mercia. Thus, the priority would be marrying me to a royal prince from a nation who could come to Mercia’s aid if Queen Margery ever decided to attack.
If I wed a pauper like Kresten, not only would we lose a strategic and important alliance, but I’d weaken Mercia and put the country at risk. By marrying a man of my own choosing, I’d also undermine the trust of my closest advisors, possibly even cause division amongst them.
Aunt Idony had taught me that a queen or king must work for the people and put the greater good of the nation above personal gain. I’d always agreed. And I still did . . .
“What shall I do?” My throat tightened with the need to cry. “I love