Besotted (The Fairest Maidens #3) - Jody Hedlund Page 0,90
friendly camaraderie, I couldn’t shake the unsettled feeling of needing Aurora. When my father, brothers, and the Lagting filed into my room late in the day, the feeling only deepened.
They circled my bed. The thirteen men from the Lagting wore their long, white robes trimmed with lynx and fox fur. Most had white hair and white beards—to reflect their age and wisdom. My father stood at the center, his rugged countenance, broad frame, and light-blue eyes so much like all of his sons. Even at his age, he was still an impressive and handsome man.
“You know why we have gathered here today, Prince Kresten?” my father asked solemnly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You outlasted your brothers in the Testing and so have earned the right to become the next king of Scania—”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty.” I pushed myself up farther in bed. I had to speak up now, or I’d lose the opportunity forever. “The Lagting was willing to bestow upon Mikkel or Vilmar the crown just yesterday. Why not today?”
My father’s brow rose. “You suffered from a sleeping illness.”
“But if the Lagting was willing to give the crown to one of my brothers yesterday, then they should also consider them yet today. Though they did not finish their Testing in the prescribed manner, they finished it in their hearts in all the ways that truly matter. And that is what the Lagting should consider.”
Mikkel’s brows shot up, making him look identical to our father, and I almost smiled. I squelched my humor, knowing no one would listen to me if I made this moment into a jest. And now, more than ever, I needed them to take me seriously.
“If I may speak freely, Your Majesty?” I asked.
My father cocked his head, as though seeing me, truly seeing me for the first time. “Very well, Prince Kresten. Speak freely.”
“Mikkel should be the next king of Scania. He is ready, willing, and able to take on the role. He was born a leader and will continue to make Scania into a great nation.” At my declaration, murmuring broke out amongst the men. Mikkel’s face registered surprise, and again I had to stifle my humor at his expression.
“Vilmar, on the other hand,” I continued louder, “is ready and willing to become an ambassador to other nations.”
Vilmar smiled slightly at my bold statement. I’d told him already that I’d heard everything he and Mikkel had spoken to me over the past weeks. His response had been to punch me in the arm.
“He will be a good ambassador, first to Warwick and then to other nations as needed. He is a born peacemaker and will make Scania proud.”
My father’s brows rose higher with each of my pronouncements. And the Lagting’s murmuring grew louder.
“I, Prince Kresten, was made to form an alliance with a neighboring country. With my marriage to Mercia’s Queen Aurora, I shall solidify the ongoing peace and prosperity between our two nations that Mother started when she married you.” Joanna, as the youngest sister of King Alfred the Peacemaker, had begun the alliance. And now I would be honored to continue it.
By the time I’d finished, everyone was talking. I sat back against the cushions at the headboard, attempting to look relaxed, but inside, I was twisted into a dozen knots. I’d already spoken to Mercia’s ambassador earlier in the day and urged him to wait to make a decision about cancelling the betrothal until I met with the Lagting. He’d been hesitant, since he’d been given strict orders to sail directly to Norland from Scania and make arrangements with one of the princes there.
After a few moments more of arguing, my father raised his hand. The Lagting’s discussion tapered to silence. And when he had everyone’s attention, the king nodded at me, a new look of respect in his eyes. “Prince Kresten has spoken wisely. We will do as he says.”
Most of the men nodded in agreement, and I released a soft breath of relief. The discussion continued around me, but I couldn’t focus, could only think of Aurora.
When the Lagting filed out of the chamber, my father stopped at the side of my bed and peered down at me with his serious eyes. “Let us be clear on one thing. I always believed you would make a worthy king for Scania. Your wise decision in this matter of kingship proves it. Now you must go and be a worthy king for Mercia.”