How to Catch a Queen (Runaway Royals #1) - Alyssa Cole Page 0,28

place on the throne.

“We will meet, if that is what pleases you, Your Highness,” she said.

“During the day, things will remain as they have been,” he said, seemingly talking to himself more than her. “But at night . . .”

“I will be of use to you, Your Highness,” she replied, making sure her voice was servile enough that he would continue to feel in control of the situation. She wouldn’t lie to or trick her husband, but in politics, subterfuge was just another tool. He hadn’t chosen her to be his bride. He’d ignored her for the entirety of their marriage thus far. Shanti’s goal wasn’t a doting husband—it was becoming a queen who helped those who needed good governance, like the people of Njaza.

“Is that what you want? To be of use to me?” There was definite challenge in his tone, and Shanti pressed her lips together to hold back her grin. This was the man who’d grabbed all of her attention at their first meeting. She wasn’t sure if this was the real Sanyu, or the brooding complacent king was, but she had a few weeks left to find out.

“Opportunity is a gift of the goddess, but Ingoka also rules the hunt,” Queen Ramatla had said once; the quote was on page twelve of Shanti’s “Field Guide to Queendom.” “A hunter waits patiently, but also knows when to run down their prey. Make opportunity your prey, and may the goddess rain blessings on your pursuit of it.”

She gathered all her years of training and stood. Curtsied low, holding the elaborate motion for so long that her thighs and abs burned. Even if he had only come for her ideas, and not for her, he’d finally given her the opening she needed to truly achieve her goal, and she was wedging herself in until she could bust the whole thing open.

She accepted that what Sanyu had told her was true—there would be no happily-ever-after here. But there would be change. She’d make it happen.

“Of course,” she said. “I am your queen.”

He nodded sharply. “Sula bulungi, Wife.”

Shanti almost replied “good night” in English, but instead forced herself to look up into Sanyu’s face and return the greeting in his native tongue. “Sula bulungi.”

She awaited his amusement, but instead he gave a grunt of appreciation and a nod.

“Perfect. Very good for a beginner.”

Then he turned and left.

Beginner. She could understand most everything she heard in Njazan now, even if her own vocabulary wasn’t amazing. But still, it was a compliment. After a conversation. She’d had neither from her husband since she’d arrived, so she’d chalk that up as a win.

Shanti stared at the closed door, her mind whirling and her emotions veering between anger and excitement, fear and frustration. Then she began wrapping her hair again, not letting Sanyu’s visit make her change her plans completely. He wouldn’t be back tonight—it would be like lightning striking twice.

His request was nothing more than politics. A king making use of his wife before sending her away. He didn’t consider her his equal—yet. He’d soon learn just what his queen was capable of.

Her phone vibrated just as she was heading toward the secret passage that led from her room.

They’ve been discovered. It was a worry that always rested at the back of her mind and sprang out now, but when she grabbed her phone she found a message from a stranger.

Unknown: Mellu!

Shanti stared at her phone, wondering who besides her parents would greet her in her own language. Homesickness blossomed like an eng flower in her chest at the bright yellow familiarity of the word, softening the edges of her resolve to be a good queen, to fight for what’s right, to help Njazans. Suddenly she just wanted to be home, where everything was familiar. But if she returned home, it would mean she’d failed her parents and herself.

Unknown: It’s Nya Jerami. Sorry if this breaks any Royal Messaging Protocol. I was just thinking of you and wanted to see how you’re doing.

Why would Nya want to see how she was doing? They weren’t friends. Was she gathering information? Was this some covert way for Thesolo to check on Njaza in the wake of their offer going unanswered? For Liechtienbourg to follow up, since Musoke had refused to send an update about the land mine removal charity funds?

Shanti remembered Nya’s kindness when the woman had visited Njaza—she’d been the first person who’d been excited to see Shanti since the wedding. It had been a