The Cyber Chronicles - Book I: Queen of Arlin
Page 43
Tassin turned her smile upon the Prince as the door closed behind Sabre. “Do sit down, Victor; the maid will bring tea.”
Victor seated himself, and she sank onto a chair opposite as the maid left. Tassin clasped her hands to hide the tremors of rage that the sight of Sabre’s chains had provoked, gazing at Victor.
“It seems my situation here has become unpleasant,” she said. “Torrian is on his way to take me prisoner.”
“Surely not?”
“Indeed he is. I fled my kingdom to avoid an unwelcome marriage, and now I will be handed back to my enemies.”
Victor squirmed, studying his shoes. “I am distressed to hear that.”
“I know it is not your doing. Your brother has made a deal with Torrian, and undoubtedly he stands to grow richer from it. I have a proposition for you, which I pray you will consider.”
The Prince fiddled with his cast. “If I can help in any way….”
“You can. If I am already married when Torrian arrives, his plans will fail, and I shall be able to return to my kingdom.”
He looked blank for several moments, then his eyes widened. “I am deeply honoured.” He jumped up and paced around the room.
Tassin’s heart sank. “Will you consider it? It would be beneficial for our kingdoms. A strong bond, a blood tie such as most kingdoms share. Olgara has long been left out in the cold, so to speak. There have been no royal marriages between us for several generations. Your Queen Mirrial is the King’s cousin, and there are no Olgaran ladies of high station for you to marry.”
Victor stopped and gazed out of a window. “I cannot accept. My brother holds the power here. I cannot go against him.”
“What can he do? You will be my consort, almost his equal, a far higher station than a prince. He does not have to know until after it is done. You can arrange to take me to a church, and we can be wed this very night.”
The Prince turned to her, his expression bleak. “He will hate me. He will disown me, and I shall be unable to ever return to my homeland. I do not want to live in a foreign country for the rest of my life.”
“If you do not agree to this, I shall break the alliance between Arlin and Olgara, and your brother’s kingdom will suffer.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed. “Blackmail? It ill becomes you.”
“This is what I have been reduced to.” Her voice developed a hard edge. “Your dear brother thinks he has all the cards, for once I am married to Torrian, he will rule Arlin.” Victor looked relieved at this, and she went on, “But that will never happen. If I am forced to wed Torrian, he will not outlive the wedding night, and I will rule both kingdoms. Then Olgara will suffer.”
“It is my brother’s decision. I cannot go against his wishes.”
Tassin stood up. “If you are so spineless, and content to remain a princeling for the rest of your life, so be it. You have my permission to withdraw.”
Victor paled at the blatant insult, reminding him of his lesser status, then bowed and marched out, almost bowling over the maid as she entered with the tea. Tassin stormed into her bedchamber and slammed the door.