by Cheryl Oblon
“Fine. I expect weekly calls like this to make sure you don’t forget where you come from. You will personally contact your mother and siblings later to explain. We will call this a diplomatic exchange, though I’m not sure who I want to babysit from your country.” The king nodded. “We must go.”
“I understand. Thank you so much for understanding. We’ll talk later,” the queen said.
The screen went blank. The queen hit the button to be sure.
“I said silent,” the queen said.
“I couldn’t help it.” LeFawn looked at me.
I pulled free of Nemal’s hands. “It was the only explanation he’d believe and we could live with. You’re not going to marry him. We have at least two years to change the dynamic.”
“It was brilliant,” Faldar said.
Remmy nodded. “Minn the king wouldn’t believe, and Mother wouldn’t allow. He didn’t believe Kimess was high enough born. Not worthy of his son.”
The queen sat in her chair. “He needed a princess. This is insane.”
“But the king is happy. He sees it as access to our supplies. Less chance of war. He doesn’t seem like he wants anyone right away in return.” I shrugged.
“He will. It’s not an exchange if he doesn’t get a high profile guest to show off to his people. But Faldar and Remmy are safe.” The queen nodded. “Nemal, take Kimess to her quarters. I need to calmly go over the details of this act with Faldar, Remmy, and LeFawn. Minn, you will observe.” The queen pointed for the four of them to sit.
“I should be here to help,” I said.
“You have done enough. I need a little peace from your surprises.” She waved us off.
We left, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It had actually worked!
“You are brave and a little crazy,” Nemal said.
“Don’t ever call me crazy! There was no other way. I don’t think she’s mad at me,” I said.
“Remmy is her son. It’s hard to argue with his feelings. She’s a good mother,” Nemal said.
“I never said she wasn’t. I just wish she’d let me go home. Let my cousin watch over me. She doesn’t need more kids. Hers are enough trouble. Minnette nearly married an assassin, and this deal isn’t going to be easy.” I shook my head.
“LeFawn might be mad at you.” Nemal grinned.
“She won’t marry him. It’s a short-term solution. She loves Remmy enough to play her part in it until we find another way. Hopefully, a way without war,” I said.
“You want it easy. Those aren’t the lives we landed in. It seems you’re stuck with me. Mother thinks I’m a safe chaperone for you, and you need an extra eye or two on you,” he said.
“I know we can’t rely on the other guards until they’ve all been interrogated. You can trust me. I don’t need a babysitter.” I folded my arms. “I can protect myself better than anyone else.”
“This wasn’t my idea. She wants it, for now. Argue with her, please,” he said.
“There is one other problem,” I said.
“What?” he asked.
“We’re not good keeping our hands off each other.”
“I won’t slip again,” he said.
I stopped in an empty hallway and mentally pulled him to me. “I might.”
“Abusing your powers?” he asked.
“Practicing. The queen ordered me to practice more.” I gave him a quick kiss and headed back down the hall.
“That power is going to your head,” he shouted.
“If I’m stuck here, I might as well have fun.” I twirled my way down the castle’s royal hallway to the chambers of the Royal Seer.
The End
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About Cheryl Oblon
Cheryl Oblon is a Chicago girl who writes YA…currently Realistic Contemporary and Fantasy with Magic and Tiaras. She loves meeting readers, binge watching TV shows, wasting time watching You Tube, writing as much as possible, and making up stuff.
Cats over dogs. Chocolate over vanilla. Lime over lemon…gotta make decisions!
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