by Auryn Hadley
"Me, too." She sighed. "Commoners who fall into debt can be sold into the games for the cost of what they owe. Current laws say it only has to be three months behind, for any amount."
Connall paused, his head jerking up. "What?"
"Yeah. That's how Tristan ended up there. That's the story they used to get me onto the sands."
"That's not right!"
She touched his elbow lightly, reminding him to keep walking. "I know. I want to change it, but the whole thing is interwoven into much of our economy and judicial system. I'm worried that pulling one thread will tighten a knot somewhere else."
"I'd be happy to look through it." He chuckled at his own presumption. "Regardless of who you choose to become Prince Consort. Highness, selling our citizens to die for money? That's more barbaric than even Rhia."
"Kinda what I thought, and it's Leyli."
"I thought only your Secor was allowed to use that." He gestured to a bench at the side. "From what I've seen, the rest of the world calls you Highness or Princess Leylani."
She took the chair, moving over for him to sit beside her, then pointed at Temotio. "They're good. Like this, you'd never know that they not only call me Leyli, but also cheat at Go, refill my glass a few times too many if they think I'm not watching, and are willing to tell bawdy jokes to make me laugh."
"Friends, huh?"
"The only ones I get."
He nodded, turning slightly to see her better. "As Prince Consort, would I get my own guards?"
"Yes, but typically three."
"Mm." He glanced at Temotio again. "Willing to share the secret of making them into friends? I'm a little short on those, right now."
"Be honest." Shifting her sword, she folded her leg to face him on the bench. "Is your brother always that much of an ass?"
"No," he assured her. "This is Einri being polite. My father is worse. My mother passed away six years ago. Officially it was vapors or humors, or something else they claim women are known for. In truth, she kept drinking her sleeping tonic until she stopped waking up." He sighed. "Child number two is my sister. She's married to Sanlien's second boy. Three and four were more girls, also sold off for their ability to breed. Then me."
"How old are you, Lord Connall?"
"Please. If you insist on Leyli, then I insist on just Connall. And I'm twenty-four."
"Why didn't you marry sooner?"
He chuckled, trying to make light of it. "Because my brother needed to find a wife first, or so my father said. When it came to you? Well, Lord Proinsais felt that it was a good risk. If his younger son could become a well placed noble, Moyloch could claim ties to the throne, and my worthy brother would still inherit the lands."
"Why not the navy?"
"My father will tell you I'm a coward. I'll make it even more clear. I do not fare well on the ocean. I assure you, no naval officer made his career spewing his guts over the rail."
"So what about carriages?"
He shrugged weakly. "I do well enough riding, but after a few hours? A carriage will turn me a bit green." He rubbed at his mouth and glanced away. "I did warn you that I'm not much of a man."
She decided to simply be blunt. "So what do you do? Why would I choose you over all the men who made a bid?"
Connall's smile suddenly returned. "Tell me, Highness, if Rhia attacks tomorrow, hitting the border of Rochdale, how long will it take to mobilize your units?"
"I'm not sure off hand."
"Three days, if you're willing to strip Oberhame of all protections. Five if you aren't. You'd need to call in your liens from Lenlochlien, Sanlien, Bretonvale, and more. Then you'd have to feed them without starving the populace."
She stared at him blankly, shocked at the enthusiasm in his voice. Connall's true passion was knowledge, and it showed. He didn't need to be on the front lines to be useful. He also claimed to be fascinated with the laws. "So, do you know how we could lower taxes without running the coffers dry?"
"It would require a long term plan, but altering a few of the civil services the crown offers could do it. Why?"
"And, if the original survey of a farm plot is lost, how do you determine the owner of a section of land?"
"All deeds are required to list landmarks as well as metrics. So even if the crown survey is lost, it could easily be replicated from the description on the deed. Why, Leyli?"
A grin was spreading across her face and she shook her head at him. The more he talked, the more perfect he seemed as a ruler of Norihame. Leyli reached over and patted his leg. "A wise man once told me that it doesn't take a pair of balls between your legs to be strong. He said it's something deeper, something you can see in the eyes." She took a long breath. "Connall, I think I finally understand him. Don't ever say you're not a good man again, ok?"
"Tristan?"
She nodded. "He told me that after I made it through my first games just to become his pet. I was convinced that he'd rape me and that my father would never want to speak to me again. Instead, he just wanted a partner he could trust to fight hard enough to keep us both alive."
"So the two of you are close?"
Leyli looked up, trying to find the meaning in his words. "He's my best friend."
"I'm sure. You also have a very fine lion on your hand. You didn't have that the last time we talked. I'm not asking to judge, Leyli. I just want to know where you expect me to fit in."
"I need a husband to sire my children, so the throne of Norihame will be safe from those who think it's little more than a treasure chest. I would like that man to be good to the country."
"No, you don't." He glanced up at Temotio, then grabbed her hand, his fingers on the small gold lion. "There are plenty of men who will sire your children. You need one willing to claim them, Princess."
"Men typically prefer to claim their own."
Connall shrugged slightly. "I'm not that picky. Is your man truly out of earshot?"
"I doubt it."
He laughed, accepting that easily. "Do you trust him?"
"With my life." She lifted a brow, wondering where he was going.
Evidently, her answer was good enough. Connall glanced at him one last time, then leaned closer and lowered his voice. "In order to get out of this damned keep, and get their hands off the leash around my neck, I'll even learn to swing one of those swords. I'd much rather find a friend I can enjoy spending time with, regardless of the titles we have, and wish her well with the man who seems to look at her just a bit too intently."
She tensed. He was too close to the truth. "Are you insinuating something improper?"
"I'm saying that if something improper is happening, I will swear that it never did. Leyli, I'm no fool. I know this marriage you're seeking isn't about love. It's not really about money. All you want is to make sure you can keep your father's nation safe until everyone starts calling it yours." He lifted a hand before she could interrupt. "I also know that until vows are said and titles are traded, neither of us wants to share our secrets, because the world could use them to destroy us."
Leyli pressed her hands to her temples, wishing she knew what to do. "I don't understand you, Connall."
"I'm being honest, Leyli. You suggested it was the best way to make true friends. I'm aware that many people aren't comfortable with it."
"Yet you expect me to believe that your pride would handle all of that? You blatantly suggest that I would have an affair. We both know that I'm not about to set aside my weapons, not while there's a crown depending upon my ability to stay alive. You try to make it sound like you would accept all of this, but what would you get in exchange?"
"Pride? Oh, I know what you're thinking. I keep trying to discuss the realities of a loveless marriage with openness, then speak of pride, right? What you're forgetting is your own character, Highness. I doubt you would ever make a scene of cuckolding me. I bet the only people who would ever be sure of it are those who would die before betraying you. That means the rumors have no more strength than those abo
ut any other marriage. The difference is you think my interest in laws, strategies, and analytics are impressive, not embarrassing."
"I think I could learn a lot from you."
"And I from you," he assured her. "But the idea of being respected, even if it's for an empty title and a tiny little crown given to me by my wife, sounds pretty nice after two decades in Moyloch. Knowing that my father would kneel when I walk into a room? It's worth the threatening glares your Secor has been throwing at me since you arrived."
"He has not," she insisted.
Connall chuckled and nodded emphatically. "He has. Temotio is a little better, but not much. He doesn't glare, he just stares. The one with the curly hair? Gregori? I swear he'd mime cutting my throat with that dagger if he thought it would put me in my place."
Leyli giggled. "He probably would. Gregori is a bit of a rogue. I wouldn't put anything past him, but I also know that if I need him, he'll drop everything for a simple favor."
"Mm, like a terrier, huh? Willing to chase anything to make his master happy."
Temotio turned quickly, but his choked laugh could still be heard, and it proved that he could understand every word. Instead of being angry, Connall laughed, gesturing at her guard. "See? It's obviously true."
Temotio just lifted his hands and backed away. "Sorry, Highness."
"Think we should get him a collar?"
"Oh yeah. And tags. Sounds like a set for Lord Connall might be fitting, too." Temotio smiled at the lord to take the insult out.
Connall turned to lean back against the bench. "Saying I'm already too obedient?"
Temotio tilted his head slightly. "More like a dachshund, my Lord, and less like a terrier."
"A ratter?" Leyli asked.
"Long and solid?" Connall asked at the same time. Then he tried to bite back the words with a groan. "Sorry."
It was too late. Leyli was already laughing. "Pretty sure dogs aren't hard, though."
Connall's mouth flopped open as he turned to her. From the volume of Temotio's laughter, she wasn't the only one amused at the look on his face. He blinked, then pressed his hands to his eyes. "I'm not sure if I should try to counter that, or just pretend like I didn't hear it."
That's when Temotio decided to help him out. "Even more impressive when it's long without the hard, Leyli."
"I'm sure there's a point where it becomes excessive, thank you very much!"
Connall groaned and dropped his head. "Just tell me that the Secor won't geld me for this conversation?"
"He'll never hear it," Leyli assured him. "No way Temotio would admit that he slipped up. I think his pride is almost as sensitive as yours."
"Let's just say that I understand the line he's walking," Temotio said, moving toward them. He looked at Connall quickly, smiled, then back to Leyli. "Astrid will want to get the dust off you before we dine with the keep."
"Time's up, huh?"
Temotio nodded. "Yeah. Regardless of your reputation, Highness, we do not need to give the nation any reason to gossip. I like my head right where it is, thank you very much."
"Me, too," Connall agreed, offering Leyli a hand as he stood. "May I walk you inside?"
She dared to reach up for his arm. "I'd like that, thank you."
Chapter 34
Dinner with the Boier of Moyloch was going to be tedious. Leyli could tell by the expressions on the staff's faces. It wasn't just trying to impress royalty, they looked as if their paranoia was deeply ingrained. That's why she decided to take both of her guards and wear formal clothing. She didn't need to give the Boier some empty reason to be offended anymore than he already would be.
When the meal was announced, she made her way in proudly. Tristan and Temotio once again wore her weapons. They also took their places behind her without complaint. Seated at the Boier's right, Einri was placed across from her, and Connall would be at her side. An older couple sat beside Einri and an aged man was on the other side of Connall. The rest of the table was empty.
When her suitor arrived, he paused first to address her guards. "The staff will have a selection of finger foods on the table behind you. Feel free to help yourselves."
Tristan ducked his head, his expression bland, but Temotio spoke up. "Thank you, my Lord, but we will eat after her Highness."
"I understand. You're welcome to change your mind, otherwise I'll have a proper meal sent up for you both." Then he claimed the chair at Leyli's right. "A pleasure to see you again, Highness."
"It's been almost a whole hour," she teased.
"And a very long hour it was. Do you have plans for this evening?"
She glanced back at Tristan. His jaw was clenched but his face was smooth. "None that I know of. Have something in mind?"
"We have a small pasture to the north that is suitable for riding. Besides that, I'm afraid that the only other activities of interest involve our navy. We're very proud of it you understand." The corner of his lip lifted slightly.
"Histories, I assume?"
"Many of them."
Leyli smiled, ducking her head slightly as the servers began to make their way around the table. "I would love to see those. I know almost nothing about shipping." Then she turned to Lord Proinsais. "I must admit, the trade offer is a very tempting one."
The Boier gave her with a lazy look, almost as if he was shocked a woman had addressed him. "I'm sure, Highness. Tell me, do you think your father would be willing to exchange the horses in your dowry for gold? Or is he adamant on the terms?"
She reminded herself that women rarely had as much control of their life as she did. A year ago, she would have thought his question was perfectly acceptable. "Lord Proinsais, I would be happy to exchange the horses for their value. My father gave me full control of this decision when he appointed me his heir."
"I see, and who controls your wealth?"
"I do."
The man's nose wrinkled slightly, like he was trying hard not to sneer. "No wonder you're in such a hurry to be married. Find you a capable man before you squander it all. I must admit, I thought more of King Aravatti than that."
Leyli heard the men behind her shift. She turned enough to catch Temotio's hand on Tristan's arm, and caught her lover's eye. With a slight shake of her head, he relaxed. Connall saw as well, and leaned forward to draw his father's attention.
"Tell me, father, do you think that insulting the King at our table is as foolish?"
The Boier's head snapped around to glare at his son. "Connall, do not take that tone with me."
"There is no tone, my Lord. It was simply a scholarly question."
Einri chuckled, lifting his glass. "As if that's any better, Connall. Tell me, Leyli - "
"Highness," Temotio corrected.
"My apologies. Highness. I was wondering if your skills with finances are similar to your skills with a sword."
It was almost a compliment, even if he was trying to save his pride. Leyli smiled politely at him and chuckled. "No, Lord Einri. I assure you, I'm well trained in managing both the palace and the nation's finances. I'm still learning to control my combat skills. It was kind of you to hold back, this morning. I'm afraid my instructor didn't spare me for it, though."
Lord Proinsais turned to his eldest child and lifted a brow. "I thought I told you not to make problems."
"Oh it was no problem," Leyli assured them. "If Lord Einri hadn't been willing to spar, I most likely would have been forced to stand against the Lion." She made an overly dramatic sigh. "I can assure you, I would prefer to avoid riding home with bruises."
"Bruises?" Lord Proinsais looked at her guards. "I thought your job was to protect the Princess, not beat her."
"Ilario made it very clear that I was to school her until she could fight off the entire Rhian army," Tristan replied, sounding almost bored.
"You mean the King?" Lord Proinsais gestured for Tristan to correct himself.
Tristan's jaw tensed slightly, then he forced a smile. "Yes, my Lord, that Ilario. I was unawa
re of another."
"Most commoners refer to him as His Majesty."
Tristan ducked his head. "I'm aware of that, sir. Most commoners are not wearing the Flame of Oberhame, nor claim the title of Secor. I do both."
Leyli decided it was time to lighten the mood. She turned quickly to Connall and clasped his arm as if she'd just remembered something. "Have you ever had a pie before?"
"Yes, Highness," he replied around a chuckle. "I take it you're fond of them?"
"My nurse makes the most amazing. I don't know how I missed such a treat."
Connall leaned closer. "There's a chance I could ask our cook to prepare one for tonight. Do you have a favorite, yet?"
"No, I seem to like them all. My guard says that my tastes are plebeian, but I refuse to be ashamed of it."
"Then we'll have to find something truly common to impress you with." He gestured to her glass. "I hope the wine isn't too fine."
Leyli let herself giggle. "Wine is one of the few things my palate has been schooled in. I think I could identify most vintages by taste."
Connall tilted his head slightly. "Do you? We may have to test that. I'll have you know that Moyloch has an extensive wine cellar."
"I'm up for the challenge."
With just a flick of his eyes, he glanced back. "So which of your guards would chaperone for that?" He slowly pulled his finger under his lip, making it clear he wanted his family to see it as a flirtation.
"Certainly not the Lion, if I want to have any fun." A tilt of her head and a soft smile turned her words sultry. "Maybe I should invite my maid, instead?"
"I thought your maid was his sister."
"Oh, she is, but Astrid is much less restrictive. I think Tristan has a direct line to my father's wishes."
Connall leaned closer and dropped his voice, making everyone else at the table strain to listen. "Then maybe we should save that for this evening? I hear wine does go well after dinner."
"It's a date," Leyli promised.
After that, Connall returned to the perfect gentleman. The rest of the meal was filled with more nearly insulting comments and more questions about her place in the succession. By the time lunch was considered finished, Leyli was ready to bolt. She didn't know how Tristan could stand it. She also needed to apologize for flirting so shamelessly before him. It wasn't fair and she hated it, but this was what her peers expected. It was the only way for her to secure her place.