The Prince's Bargain - K.M. Shea Page 0,33

the more glad you requested her. Arvel, look at me.”

Surprised by the gravity that lined King Petyrr’s voice, Arvel met his gaze.

“I’m making you chief liaison because that gives you the power to fight back,” King Petyrr said. “The next time your mother tries to punish you in that way, you’ll have the power to refuse her.”

Arvel sighed.

“You’ll have to face her sooner or later,” King Petyrr said, his voice still unusually quiet and grim. “You’re my heir. Objectively, that means you have more power than her, but you won’t really have it until you take on more and more responsibilities. That will give you an arsenal to fight back. And you’ll need to, Arvel. I married a power-hungry woman. Even though you are her son, she’ll use you if it means securing what she wants. She’ll do her best to tame you into something she can use.”

Arvel rubbed his face. “Why did you ever choose Mother to marry?”

“I didn’t,” King Petyrr plainly said. “Ours was an arranged marriage forged by politics. It was fine enough at the start, but once my own parents passed on…” He shook his head and trailed off.

This could be my future, Arvel realized as he stared at his father. Even if I won’t have an arranged marriage, can I really trust that whomever I choose won’t marry me just for the power?

“Of course, you could always thwart her and find a lovely bride yourself.” King Petyrr’s voice had taken on a slightly petulant tone, but his jolly smile was back and his eyes twinkled once again.

Whatever seriousness he had allowed Arvel to see was gone.

“I’m not ready for marriage,” Arvel said.

“Nonsense! You’ve been the most responsible and empathetic of my sons since you were a child,” King Petyrr chortled. “But, of course, you must take your time in choosing a woman worthy of being the future Queen of Calnor—and my daughter-in-law.”

The puppy woke from its short nap and barked in joy, wagging its stubby tail.

Arvel carefully scratched under its chin. “Perhaps I’m just waiting.”

“Don’t wait too long,” King Petyrr warned. “Or I shall be severely displeased. Because of you I haven’t gotten any more grandchildren!”

“Because of me?” Arvel raised an eyebrow. “I object; that certainly seems more of a problem on Benjimir’s and Gwendafyn’s end. And you already have grandchildren.”

“Yes, but they aren’t here because Vincent and Claire are off visiting Peregrine as he fulfills his duties as Calnor’s foreign ambassador. I ought to just make that boy the minister of foreign affairs, he does so delight in traveling,” King Petyrr grunted.

“They’ll be back soon, and then you can encourage them to have more children.”

“I can, and I shall!” King Petyrr beamed, then shook his head. “I mean, no! I wish to see little half elves running around, calling me grandpa in sweet elven tones!”

“Then, as I stated earlier, that problem lies on the shoulders of Benjimir and Gwendafyn. You can hardly complain to me because they haven’t had any children,” Arvel said.

“Oh yes I can complain! You’re the reason why they haven’t had any children!”

Arvel mirrored his father and folded his arms across his chest. “How can I be the reason why they haven’t had any children?”

The king was momentarily distracted when the puppy tried licking his face. “I say, stop that you little rascal—though you are a cute scamp.” He shook his head and refocused. “That is to say, they’ve chosen not to have any children because of you.”

“What?”

“You’re the crown prince,” King Petyrr pointed out. “Yet you’re not married, so there’s not even the prospect of future heirs on the horizon.”

“And?”

“Benjimir and Gwendafyn are both very aware of their popularity. Well, darling Gwendafyn is popular. Given that she travels with the Honor Guards on select missions and is powerful to boot, the general populace views her as a warrior of the people. And the courts practically hang off her every word—as they should!” King Arvel stoutly nodded, and the puppy gave a little howl of agreement. “And everyone knows Benjimir is powerful given his position as commanding general. He’s greatly solidified our military powers, and with Gwendafyn at his back our dear allies have backed off considerably from their usual hostile talk. Goodness knows how much fun Peregrine has reminding our neighboring countries of their power.”

“I’m well aware that Gwendafyn and Benjimir create an amazing power base for Calnor, and I’m extremely thankful to them because it means for the first time in a long time we can focus on things