Questionable Queen

by Nancy S. Brandt

  Ursula sighed. "It's not the wedding night I always dreamed of."

  He shifted again to look at her. When he moved, the sheet covering him fell a bit. While he wore a long tunic that reached from his shoulders to his feet, in the process of getting into the bed, the fabric bunched up around his body. His right leg was now visible from just above his knees to almost his ankle, and Ursula gaze instinctively dropped.

  She had never seen that part of a man's body not covered by clothing. While, in some formal settings, the men would wear tight-knit hose that would show off their calves, it wasn't the same as seeing bare skin.

  Her mouth went dry as she pictured what the rest of his leg looked like, and from there, she wondered about the rest of him.

  "Teaching," he said, drawing her attention back to his face.

  "I'm sorry," she said. "I must be getting tired. I think I missed some of what you said."

  He lifted his eyebrows, reached down and adjusted the coverlet. "You asked what I enjoyed talking about. I used to dream of being a teacher."

  "A teacher? That's not a normal aspiration for a Prince."

  "I'm not a normal Prince, Your Majesty. Maybe you hadn't noticed, but most Princes are warriors or knights. I'm neither."

  "My brother Ramone has had knightly training, but he is more comfortable with his books," she said. "I think he would have made an excellent diplomat if my father would have let him train with any one of our ambassadors."

  "Perhaps you'll be in a position to see that happen," he said. "You're the Queen, and Heyton will need an ambassador from Valborough."

  Ursula smiled. The thought of Ramone and Victoria, with their daughter, being near her in the palace of Heyton made the anticipation of living there less frightening.

  "I have to say, Prince Gideon. You're not like any Prince I've ever met."

  "I take that as a compliment, Your Majesty. Or should I call you Aunt Ursula?"

  She had to laugh at that. "I think just Ursula will do. You're a bit older than my other nephew, and if I'm not mistaken, you're a year or so older than I am. Instead of being your aunt, I think I would like to be your friend."

  "I think I'd like to be your friend."

  As the two of them settled down to go to sleep, Ursula relaxed somewhat. As much as she dreaded leaving Valborough tomorrow, it would be less frightening if she had a friend in the Sapphire Palace. At least until she could find her own place there.

  "So you did it." Veronica poured some tea into a cup and handed it to her brother. "I heard from Josiah that the proxy wedding took place yesterday morning."

  Killian had been grinning since he'd walked into her private sitting room. "Gideon contacted me this morning with the news. The marriage has been blessed by an Elemental priest. All the rituals are over. She'll be here in a few days."

  He'd never even met the chit; what did he have to be so happy about? What if it turned out his new bride was a shrew?

  Veronica kept her head down as she smiled at that thought. It would be just what her brother deserved. Of course, circumstances were always changeable.

  The King took a sip of the tea. Then he studied the dark liquid in his cup. "Is this a new blend? I taste strawberries."

  His sister nodded. "I have been working on it since you announced your intention of giving Heyton a new Queen. I thought it fitting we present her with her own tea."

  "Made with our largest crop." Killian took another sip. "Appropriate, but I think it's a bit bitter. Perhaps you haven't gotten the blend just right."

  "Of course, Your Majesty. This isn't ready for the public, nor, I suppose, for your bride. I'll keep working on it. Thank you for your advice."

  "Veronica." He set the cup back on the table. "I know you weren't happy about this marriage, so I'm glad you've decided to do this for Ursula." Killian gestured toward the tea service. "I hope you'll make her feel welcome."

  Carefully, Veronica put her cup on the tray, folded her hands in her lap, and looked at her twin brother. "Make her feel welcome? So you would have me lie?"

  He blinked. "What are you talking about?"

  "I won't make your child bride feel welcome. I don't want her here, and I certainly won't bow to her as Queen. The entire idea is ridiculous."

  "She is my wife, and therefore, she is your Queen."

  The Grand Princess waved her hand as though shooing a fly. "You've never even laid eyes on her before. Your wife." She barked a humorless laugh. "As though some words said in a palace three days ride from here mean anything to me. How can you be sure the marriage is even legal?"

  "Veronica, what is wrong with you?"

  "What's wrong with me?" She gripped the arms of her chair. "What is wrong with you, Killian? Why are you so determined to keep my son off the throne? Why would you want to have children with the daughter of our enemy? Have you lost your mind?"

  Killian shook his head. "We talked about this. This alliance with Valborough would be the best thing for Heyton."

  "Fine. Bring the creature here. Set her in our mother's throne, but keep her out of your bed. I promise you, Killian, I will do whatever I need to do to make sure Josiah is King."

  Her brother's face reddened as it always did when his temper rose. "I am still King of Heyton, and I will decide who will come after me. If Princess Ursula should give me a son, you will accept him as my heir. There are plenty of rooms in the dungeon for people who threaten to overthrow the rightful succession."

  She got to her feet and stared at her brother. "You wouldn't dare. I am the Grand Princess, your sister, and for all intents and purposes, co-ruler of this country."

  "You are not Queen, no matter how much you wish you were. Any talk about interfering with the proper order of succession is treason. Don't test me on this, Veronica."

  "You little boy," she said. "I am the eldest. I should, by all that is right and just, be Queen. Mother wronged me by not changing the law when she had the chance."

  She took a deep breath to calm herself. Yelling at him would harm her suit more than help it. "I'm asking you to do the right thing. Josiah has been at your side since he was old enough to walk, learning to be a King, and you would set him aside for a child whose mother has never set foot in this palace?"

  Killian unclenched his fists. "There is no child, so why are we fighting? I know you wanted Mother to name you as Queen, but that's not the law. You've always known this, and I've done whatever I could to make sure your opinions were heard on every issue. This is my marriage, Ronnie. My private life. If I have a son, then by rights he will be my heir. Until that happens, we need to stay united."

  He was right about one thing. If she defied him and tried to put Josiah on the throne over any son he had with Ursula, she would be found guilty of treason and a room in the dungeon was the best she'd be able to hope for.

  This was something she'd known since Josiah was born. As the eldest surviving male descendant of their father, King Lucius, her son would inherit the crown.

  As long as Killian didn't have any sons that lived.

  After a moment, she said, "If you and Princess Ursula have a son, I will accept him as my King." She dropped into a deep curtsy. "Let me pour you another cup of tea as a sign of my devotion to you."

  "Thank you, Ronnie. I hate it when we fight."

  Veronica carefully poured the tea, slipping a small amount of a red powder from the little pouch hidden under the lace of her sleeve. The strawberries were put into the tea so he wouldn't taste anything odd when her special...embellishment was added.

  He'd left her no choice but to handle things this way. Josiah was far and away the best choice to be his heir. Any child that Valborough cow might produce would have to be trained and taught, and why couldn't Killian see he'd already done that with her son? Why did he want to start all over again? Didn't he understand how that would destroy everything she'd worked for, everything she'd done?

  "Here." She handed him the cup, then proceeded to pour herself a cup. "I hate it when we fight,
too."

  He took a sip of the tea, and she continued, her tone still conversational, "I hate it when you call me Ronnie, too. I'm the Grand Princess of Heyton, not a simple peasant girl. My name is Veronica."

  Killian blinked. "I never knew you didn't like that nickname."

  Still keeping her expression pleasant, she said, "Of course you didn't. You never pay any attention to anything I say. I'm just a woman, isn't that right?"

  "Where is this coming from? You're my sister. Of course I pay attention to you." His neck began to turn red.

  "Drink your tea, Killian. It will calm you. You don't pay attention to me unless you want me to act as hostess for official State functions. You have no idea all I do to keep this palace, no, this kingdom running smoothly, and you get all the credit."

  Sweat covered his forehead, and as he set the teacup on the table, his hand shook so badly, tea sloshed over the rim. She ignored it as she continued speaking.

  "I should have been Queen. I am older than you, and I would have been better than you. I would never have let Valborough humiliate us the way they did and then bend over to let some pig farmer's wife make her sister our Queen. You're weak, Killian, and I'm not going to let you take away my son's right to the crown."

  "Ronnie, I...don't feel well." Killian tried to stand but he stumbled to his knees. She watched, calmly, as he slid, as easily as a length of silk, to the floor in a near puddle.

  "Hmm." She had to step over him to carry the rest of his tea to the window, where she dumped it in the bushes beneath. Then she knelt next to him to arrange the cup and saucer where they would have landed had he held them when he collapsed.

  "Help," she cried, clutching her hands to her chest. "The King has taken ill. Someone, help."

  Chapter 16

  The shoreline was not inviting. No pristine white sand glistened in the clear sunlight to tempt visitors to walk barefoot, savoring the sensuous feel of the warm grains tickling toes hidden through the long cold winter. In fact, there was no clear sunlight to indicate warmer weather was on its way.

  Instead, jagged boulders jutted out of the water like menacing teeth belonging to some horrible creature waiting to rip unwary travelers to shreds.

  Powerful, uncontrolled waves crashed against the rocks as though trying to force the sharp stones to retreat, but the immovable crags ignored the pounding, guarding the caves and grottoes under the cliff behind them.

  The gray clouds that hung low in the sky seemed to press on Ursula as she sat, mesmerized, by the violence of the sea. The roaring as the ocean rushed toward the rocks and the explosions of foam and water mirrored the whirl of emotions swirling within her.

  In the midst of the noise, chaos, and confusion, the new Queen of Heyton felt alone and small. All she could think of as she stared at the sea was the reason she agreed to this and wonder what would happen now.

  An hour ago, a carriage bearing a royal crest had arrived at their camp just as the footmen were cleaning up from breakfast and other servants were breaking down the tents.

  "What is Aunt Veronica doing here?" Gideon spoke almost under his breath and instantly, Dashiel handed him the cane and helped the Prince to his feet.

  "She might have come to welcome the new Queen," the valet said, but his tone told Ursula he didn't believe it.

  Gideon shook his head and turned to look at her. "It's the King's twin sister," he explained as the carriage came to a stop and three footmen hurried to place a step at the door. "This might not be pleasant."

  She stood and gathered to herself all the strength she'd learned from years of dealing with people whose words were carefully honed to cut and wound while sounding sweet and soothing.

  Rebecca hovered nearby, wringing her hands. "I wish we had time to change your dress. I didn't think we'd meet the royal family until tomorrow."

  Ursula looked down at the plain beige and white travel dress. "It's fine, Rebecca. She caught us on the road. If she wanted to see me in my finery, she should have waited until we got to the palace after I have a chance to clean up and change."

  The Lady wouldn't be reassured, but Ursula didn't have time to think about her because Dashiel came into the shelter.

  "The Grand Princess wants to see you." The valet's back was to the carriage. "Don't let her frighten you. You're the Queen, not her."

  She nodded but schooled her features into one of serenity as they walked to the carriage.

  Gideon had exited the vehicle as she approached. His face was pale, and she noticed he seemed less steady than she'd seen him before.

  The Grand Princess was not here with happy news, but there was no way for Ursula to ask before she climbed the two steps and found herself face to face with Grand Princess Veronica of Heyton.

  Sitting as straight as if she sat on a throne with a crown on her head, the older woman regarded Ursula like she was some ragged animal one of the servants found in the pantry.

  "You are Princess Ursula?" The Grand Princess made it a question, and Ursula raised her chin.

  "I am Queen Ursula, wife of King Killian of Heyton."

  "Bold words from such a young thing, especially given where you come from." The Grand Princess adjusted the impeccable lace cuffs of her dark blue and gray gown. "Unfortunately, we won't be seeing you in the Sapphire Palace. My brother is dead."

  Ursula gasped but she forced herself not to sit. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness. What happened?"

  "His heart," the older woman said without a trace of emotion. "It was something that often kills men of his age." Princess Veronica raised her eyes to Ursula. "So, as you see, you have no place in the Sapphire Palace now that my brother is dead and my son is King. I won't demand you give up the royal carriage and the wedding gifts right now, but I do advise you to return to your peasant-loving sister and her pig pen husband as soon as possible."

  "I beg your pardon?" Ursula couldn't believe what she had heard. Why would this woman speak to her this way? "I believe I may have misheard you. Certainly, you did not insult the Queen of Valborough, my sister?"

  "Perhaps my information was incorrect." Grand Princess Veronica pursed her lips. "Your sister was not the product of an illicit liaison between the King and one of my father's subjects?"

  "My sister is the daughter of the former King of Valborough, and by right of the law of the kingdom, the strongest Sensitive and therefore rightfully Queen."

  "I see. And the Grand Prince? He was not a...pig farmer?" Veronica said the words as though she tasted the muck one associated with those animals.

  Now Ursula silently thanked the Elements for the truth of Orlando's parentage. She could play the court gossip game as well as the next Princess.

  "My brother-in-law is a member of the nobility and a Blood Sensitive, Your Highness. He did, in fact, own land that was worked to raise pigs, but his father is a high ranking member of the noble class. Grand Prince Orlando is a strong Sensitive in his own right."

  The expression on the Grand Princess's face showed she had begun to question the validity of the information she'd gotten on Mariana and Orlando. Even if what she'd said had been correct, all Ursula had hoped to do was show the older woman she might not know as much as she thought she did.

  Perhaps whatever spies the Grand Princess was using would be less effective now.

  "I have no intention of returning to Valborough, Your Highness." To Ursula's relief, her voice sounded strong with no hint of the whirlpool of emotions and anxiety that swirled through her. What was her status now? More importantly, could she still get the prisoners released?

  "You're not going to the Sapphire Palace." It wasn't a question, and the Grand Princess's fingers curled into fists around the fabric of her skirt. "I won't have it."

  "I am the widow of the King of Heyton. I have every right to attend his funeral and see the treaty with Valborough is upheld. Specifically, I plan to see the prisoners are released as King Killian promised."

  Several tense moments passed in silence, and then the Grand Prin
cess's face softened into something near sympathy but Ursula had grown up in royalty, so she wasn't fooled. This was a mask, an attempt to make her think Veronica had changed her attitude.

  "Of course, Your Majesty. I was insensitive. Please forgive me. My brother's death has, naturally, been quite distressing, and I temporarily forgot my manners. You are, of course, welcome in my home when you and your attendants can come. If you'll excuse me, though, I must get back to begin making arrangements for Killian's funeral."

  "Of course, your Highness." Ursula tipped her head to the older woman, ignoring the breach of protocol. Veronica should be the one curtsying to her, but Ursula was too eager to leave the carriage to push the point.

  As Ursula's carriage continued on toward the Sapphire Palace, the countryside passing by the window was different from anything she was used to. The road ran along the coast, and as the clouds of the morning melted away, golden shafts of sunlight tickled the top of the waves. The sparkle was more brilliant than any jewels worn by noblewomen on the fanciest occasions in Valborough.

  Maybe it was her Water Sensitivity, but Ursula found herself wishing she could stop the carriage and just spend the day staring at the water. No wonder Prince Gideon seemed to calm as they'd sat on the bluff.

  The carriage took a turn which put them closer to the water, and Ursula gasped as she saw fish tails flash above the surface. She edged closer to the window to get a better look.

  "Be careful." Prince Gideon's voice drew her attention. "Those doors could come open, and you'd fall out. Do you have any idea how much trouble I'd be in if you ended up at the bottom of the cliff? I'm responsible for your safety."

  "I would think your aunt would be glad if I didn't arrive at the palace."

  He sighed and stretched his arms over his head. "I'm not particularly motivated by what makes her happy."

  "Well, it's nice to know you won't push me out of the carriage for her benefit then."

  Gideon chuckled and closed his eyes again. "I wouldn't do that. Besides, I would miss you if you fell over the cliff."