The Kingdom Chronicles Box Set 1

by Camille Peters

  Future husband…my stomach knotted. How could we marry when I knew almost nothing about him? I knew I should at least be grateful my parents cared enough for my welfare to allow me to get to know him before the wedding, but deep down I knew I really had no choice, despite the illusion I did. Which meant I’d have to learn to care for Briar.

  Hopefully he wasn’t as sullen as I remembered.

  Elodie was looking at me expectantly, awaiting an answer.

  “I’m pleased for the chance to renew our acquaintance.” It was a diplomatic answer that didn’t reveal my true feelings on the matter. “I’m sure he’s amiable. I remember him being rather…proper.”

  Just like Aveline. My gaze darted towards her as she hovered over her embroidery. Why wasn’t Briar pursuing her? The two would make a fine pair; their temperaments seemed better matched, not to mention she was more beautiful than I was.

  Everyone is more beautiful than you are.

  While my sisters were oblivious to my apprehension, it wasn’t lost on my brother and his wife. Liam and Anwen had been watching me carefully, Liam with protective worry, Anwen with compassion.

  She leaned forward. “Are you alright, Rhea? You seem nervous.”

  I forced a tight smile. “I’m fine.” Liar.

  “Of course you’re not,” Liam said. “How can you be when you’re expected to marry someone you hardly know? Having narrowly escaped a similar scenario myself, I greatly sympathize.”

  “We’re not going to force a union between Rhea and Briar,” Mother said.

  He lifted his eyebrows. “So no contracts have been signed?”

  “Not yet.”

  Liam relaxed back against his seat. “Lucky break, Rhea. In that case, there’s still time to wriggle out of the arrangement. Do you need any tips? Because I have plenty. You’ll certainly need them; Briar isn’t exactly a basket of fun.”

  “Don’t try to influence her.” Aveline finally looked up from her embroidery to glare at him. “And don’t encourage her to abandon her duty. She’s not you.”

  He lifted his hands in defense. “I had a perfect excuse for my actions: I was engaged to Princess Lavena.” His mouth twisted on her name. “Duty isn’t strong enough to stomach that match.”

  “It all worked out,” Aveline said.

  “Only because a miracle occurred.” He gave Anwen a snuggle and the two shared a smile.

  My heart lurched at the sweet display, for it was a reminder that my dreams of someone falling in love with me would never occur. I’d always known a love match was impossible. Despite being a princess, I was entirely average, a fact that meant I would never secure any man’s affections, let alone a crown prince’s. We’d undoubtedly have a loveless union. The most I could hope for would be amiability between us, children to cherish, and the opportunity to make a difference for the Malvagarian people who’d soon become my subjects.

  Some of the nerves I’d been attempting to mask must have shown on my face, for Elodie rested her hand over mine. “Don’t worry, Rhea, I’m sure it’ll be alright.” She frowned. “Although as handsome as Briar is, there is a downside to your match, considering he’s supposedly cursed.”

  “That’s just a rumor, Elodie,” Mother said. “Please assure me you have enough sense not to bring up such a thing when our guests are visiting.”

  “Of course I won’t.” But Elodie’s smile was rather wicked. Oh dear.

  Anwen tipped her head back to look at Liam. “I’m not aware of such a rumor.”

  Liam leaned closer and lowered his voice to a loud whisper. “It’s said that all four Malvagarian royal children are cursed in some way. Nobody knows exactly what Prince Briar’s curse is, but you can be sure I’ll investigate during his visit in order to discover not only his, but the rest of—”

  “Please, Liam.” Mother’s plea cut him off.

  Liam winked at his wife. “I’ll share the rest of the gossip later.”

  “I still don’t understand how someone as odious as you ended up with the sweetest woman,” Aveline said sourly.

  Liam grinned. “It was undoubtedly due to my incredible charm. Isn’t that right, darling?”

  “You are rather charming,” she said. He kissed the top of her head and she smiled up at him before turning back to me. “Please don’t be nervous; I have no doubt Prince Briar will see all there is to admire in you. You’re such a compassionate person.”

  “As always, my wife is right,” Liam said. “Briar would be a fool not to see what a wonderful woman you are; the trick will be getting you to fall in love with him.” He wrinkled his nose. “Unfortunately it won’t be difficult; you’ve always demonstrated kindness to all you meet—the servants, our grumpy old tutors, even rabbits.”

  Anwen furrowed her brow. “Rabbits?”

  Liam chuckled and I fought my own smile. I knew which story he was about to tell; it was one he told often.

  “Rhea and I spent most of our childhood frolicking in the orchard. One day we happened upon an injured rabbit. My taste buds immediately started to water as I imagined taking it to Cook so she could prepare rabbit stew.”

  Anwen covered her mouth to suppress her smile. “Oh Liam, you didn’t.”

  Liam’s grin was unrepentant. “Believe me, I nearly did, only Rhea refused to allow it. Instead she felt sorry for my supper and insisted on bringing it home in order to nurse it back to health. She kept it as a pet for years, and it lived to a ripe old age. If she feels sorry for injured rabbits, she’ll undoubtedly feel sorry for a crown prince who lacks a personality and marry him out of pity.”

  “Really, Liam.” Mother gave him a scolding look and he lowered his eyes in remorse. “You shouldn’t—”

  Elodie’s excited squeal interrupted her. “The Malvagarian royal carriage just rolled through the gates. They’re here!”

  “Then you’d best not be seen gawking from the window,” Aveline said wryly.

  Elodie sighed but obediently settled beside me, poised like a proper princess, with no sign of her previous restlessness. Aveline set aside her embroidery and we all turned our attention to the door, waiting in silent anticipation for the footman to announce our guests.

  I clenched and unclenched bunches of my skirt. Perhaps he’ll be better than you remember. Perhaps you two will be well matched after all. Perhaps—

  The footman entered with a bow and my breath hitched. “Announcing Her Majesty the Queen of Malvagaria and her son, the Crown Prince Briar.”

  We all stood. I held my breath as the footman stepped aside and the queen swept into the room, followed by the most serious-looking man I’d ever seen.

  The Queen of Malvagaria was striking in her beauty, with a youthful face despite her advancing years. She wore a crimson traveling gown that matched her lips, and her raven-black hair was adorned elegantly, making her look as if she were attending a ball rather than having just finished her third long day of travel.

  I shifted my attention to Prince Briar, also dark-haired and dark-eyed, and wearing a blooming red rose pinned to his lapel. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression stoic as he listened to the exchange of pleasantries and inquires about their travels. I perused his face hungrily, trying to discern his personality, but the only thing that stood out were the dark circles beneath his eyes that made him appear exhausted.

  In the first lull, I stepped forward for my own greeting. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you. Thank you for traveling all this way for a visit. I hope your time here is pleasant.” I curtsied.

  The queen stared at me, and in my paranoia I was certain she was scrutinizing me for flaws. I shifted beneath her perusal.

  Her expression quickly smoothed into a smile. “The pleasure is ours, dear. My, aren’t you a darling little thing.” Her smile widened, showing unnaturally straight and white teeth. The queen turned to Briar and tipped her head in my direction, beckoning him to step forward. “Isn’t Princess Rheanna a charming girl?”

  Prince Briar gave me a bored
look but said nothing. My heart squeezed. We’d only just met and already he seemed unimpressed with me.

  Are you really so surprised? You’re entirely unremarkable.

  It was one thing to believe that, but quite another to have my self-assessment confirmed, and by my intended at that.

  The proper introductions made, Mother had a servant show our guests to their rooms, announcing that dinner would be in an hour’s time after they’d had a chance to rest.

  The queen gave a smile in return while Prince Briar looked entirely indifferent. The moment Prince Briar’s back was turned, Liam raised his eyebrows at me with a look that clearly indicated he wasn’t impressed, meaning his invitation to come up with an elaborate escape from the union was still open.

  “He’s rather…serious,” Elodie whispered to me the moment the door closed behind the queen and Prince Briar. Dread pooled my stomach.

  Perhaps he’s simply tired. But I didn’t believe my attempt to cheer myself up. The small bit of hope I’d been secretly clinging to faded. Had I really expected anything else?

  I wish this evening were over so I could escape.

  But that wouldn’t be the proper thing to do. No, instead I was expected to sit here and die a slow, torturous death. I was seated at the table next to Prince Briar and across from the Queen of Malvagaria, a seating arrangement that would allow me to begin getting to know my future family.

  The problem was I didn’t know how to begin such an overwhelming task. I frantically searched for something to say, but my shyness choked the words before they’d even formed, keeping me silent.

  Around me, my family conversed with our guests with ease, asking for further details about their travels, the picturesque scenery that was a trademark of the long journey, and how things were faring in Malvagaria. I tried several times to join the conversation, but each time the words died in my throat.

  Liam, who sat on my other side, patted my knee, his silent communication that he was aware of my struggles and his sweet encouragement not to allow them to overcome me. I gave him a small smile, which he returned with an understanding one of his own. I could always count on Liam.

  Prince Briar didn’t talk much until Elodie engaged him in a short conversation. I watched, envious of her ability to converse with charm and ease, just like Liam could. Surely she’d be a better match with Prince Briar than I would. Why then had I been chosen instead?

  You can’t just sit here mute, Rhea; say something. Heart beating wildly, I took a wavering breath and turned to our guests. “How were your travels?” My voice shook, betraying my nerves.

  The Queen of Malvagaria’s smile tightened. “As I said before, the journey was long but quite pleasant. Draceria’s countryside is unparalleled.”

  My breath hitched. As she’d said before? Too late I remembered she’d already spoken of their trip. Oh dear. My cheeks warmed. I resisted the urge to bury my humiliation in my hands.

  “Draceria is quite picturesque,” I continued shakily. “From what I remember, Malvagaria is lovely as well.”

  The Queen of Malvagaria tilted her head, as if inviting me to say more, but I wasn’t sure what else to add—my mind remained stubbornly blank. My indecision stretched on too long, making a belated reply almost more awkward than not continuing at all. I lowered my eyes to my lap. Once again, my attempts at a conversation had failed.

  “Tell me, Rheanna, what are your hobbies?”

  The queen again. I stole a peek up at her before glancing sideways at Prince Briar. Shouldn’t he be the one asking me such questions? But he was still focused on his roast duck and parsnips.

  I took a steadying breath. “I like—” I faltered. Most of the my pastimes were rather unexciting, but it would never do to admit such a thing. “I like to take long walks.”

  “How lovely.” The queen replied smoothly. “Briar enjoys the outdoors as well. He spends most of his time in the gardens. Don’t you, Briar?”

  The prince looked up, his gaze meeting first his mother’s, then mine. I searched his dark eyes for any sign of emotion, but his expression was flat, indifferent, and tired. “I find the outdoors quite pleasing. I hope you and I can spend some time exploring the gardens during my visit.”

  He returned to his food, finished with our conversation before it had even begun. Prince Briar was just like Deidric, who hadn’t made much of an effort to converse with me either. Clearly I was a boring conversation partner. As if confirming my silent assessment, Prince Briar pressed his hand to his mouth, suppressing a yawn.

  Liam squeezed my knee, a gesture that calmed me enough to make another attempt at conversation. I began speaking of the activities we had planned for their stay. My efforts felt forced, as if each word were being excavated. The queen’s tight expression became more and more strained as I struggled. She obviously wasn’t very impressed with me.

  Stop jumping to conclusions.

  But I couldn’t help it, not when I felt like each passing moment in Her Majesty’s presence was a test, one I was failing miserably. Why else would she be watching me so attentively? It wasn’t just me who had captured her shrewd attention, but Liam as well. Surely she couldn’t find any fault with him, not when he was so jovial and charming as he carried out his big-brother duty of trying to dispel the awkwardness I was silently suffering from. However, despite his friendliness and frequent jokes, Prince Briar never cracked a smile.

  My brother frowned at him in disapproval before he leaned towards me. “The man is impossible,” he murmured out of the corner of his mouth. “I’ve seen suits of armor make better conversation than him. Perhaps my favorite story will finally crack Prince Boring’s hard shell.” He winked at me as he straightened and lifted his goblet towards Prince Briar. “I see you’ve all been admiring my goblet.” Liam slowly turned it in his hand so the candlelight glistened off the jewels.

  Prince Briar glanced up with a raised eyebrow; he’d obviously taken no notice of Liam’s goblet. He seemed to wrestle with himself before, like any proper prince, choosing the polite path. “Indeed. Is there a story behind it?”

  Liam smirked, his eyes flashing in triumph that he’d gotten Prince Briar to ask. Beside him, Anwen smiled indulgently, knowing exactly what was coming next. For the first time all evening, I felt the beginnings of a smile on my own lips. This was one of Liam’s favorite stories, and even though I’d heard it dozens of times over the years, I never tired of hearing him tell it.

  “Funny you should ask, for there is. I’ve always been fascinated with the reigns of past kings. Years ago, I read an account of one of the ancient Dracerian kings who had the uncanny ability of making enemies wherever he went, which resulted in many attempts to poison him. Determined to thwart his would-be assassins, he sought the help of a renowned alchemist to create a place setting that would be immune to any poison. His request was granted, and for the remainder of his life, this king only ate from that place setting and enjoyed a long and healthy reign before dying of old age.”

  Liam paused with a look that invited questions. I fought my emerging grin. While Liam relished the opportunity of telling a good story, he loved an eager audience even more, one who asked follow-up questions that encouraged him to keep sharing.

  Prince Briar said nothing for awhile, but then, as if realizing he was expected to, he asked dully, “What does such a fantastic story have to do with your goblet? Are you claiming this is one of the pieces made for the paranoid king?”

  Liam’s grin grew. “Indeed it is. The complete setting mysteriously disappeared after the king’s death and hasn’t been seen since, even though past kings searched for it for centuries. But my ancestors’ failure was no deterrent for me. I spent years combing our palace’s many passageways, several of which lead to ancient treasures hidden within the walls. I encountered many obstacles—fire-breathing dragons, weeks spent lost in the labyrinth of tunnels, decoding secret maps, battling assassins and fellow treasure hunters—”

  From down the table, Aveline rolled he
r eyes, while Elodie whispered, “Ooh, this story gets better each time he tells it.”

  “It was a worthy quest that, after many years, finally paid off.” He held the goblet up. It was solid gold and encrusted with jewels and intricately carved designs, far too elaborate for casual dining. “Do you know where I finally discovered it?”

  He gave Prince Briar an expectant look, prompting him to speak. After a moment of clear reluctance, he humored him. “Do tell. Where?” he asked without any enthusiasm.

  Ignoring his audience’s blank stares, Liam leaned closer and lowered his voice mysteriously. “Within one of the many labyrinths I discovered a hidden alcove, one which I must have passed dozens of times. Inside was a single bookshelf packed with dozens of books, likely hundreds of years old and shrouded in cobwebs. I investigated and found a secret panel, behind which I discovered an ancient map. Etched in fading ink was a message: ‘The secret to a long and healthy life can be found hidden within a tomb.’”

  He wriggled his eyebrows and Elodie giggled. Prince Briar’s expression remained impassive.

  “I puzzled over the riddle for weeks before the answer came to me—hidden within a tomb was a play on words. I scoured the bookshelf and discovered the goblet within a hollowed-out tome entitled Burials of Ancient King.” Liam sat back in his seat with a pleased grin.

  Prince Briar didn’t respond. Liam frowned, for this was the first time his story hadn’t received some reaction. At Liam’s expectant look, Prince Briar quietly sighed, as if he found his duty to humor our crown prince wearying. “And you’ve been using it ever since?” he asked dully.

  Liam grinned widely. “Indeed. This goblet is my lucky charm. Ever since I started using it, I’ve never even had a cold.” The look he gave it was almost reverent. “No one ever drinks out of it except for me.”