The Indentured Queen

by Carol Moncado

  The man he was deep inside.

  With a heavy sigh, she pushed up from the bed and went to get ready for the day. No matter what she thought about who she really was, the world knew her as the queen of Eyjania. She couldn’t curl up in the chair where Benjamin found her the night before and take a nap or read a book.

  Katrín knew she’d probably have to wear a tiara, if past parties were any indication. Her picture would show up on best or worst dressed lists around the world. She doubted she’d have any more say in the dress she was to wear than she had for her own wedding.

  She took a shower and washed her hair, dressing in a shirt that wouldn’t require lifting over her head after her hair was finished.

  With a towel wrapped around her head, she wondered about exiting into the main portion of the suite. Before she could decide the door opened. Benjamin entered, pushing a cart with a silver-domed tray on it.

  “Thor had breakfast sent up. Nothing too heavy, he said.”

  “Thank you.”

  A small table to the side gave them a place to sit and eat without going out into the main room.

  “How did you sleep?” Benjamin sat in the chair across from her.

  She shrugged as she took the dome off the tray and stashed it in the bottom of the cart. “Fine, I guess. I didn’t get to bed as early as I would have liked. I didn’t work hard like I usually do, which can make it hard to get to sleep.” Did she want to go on? “And I’m not at all used to having someone in the bed with me, which made it a bit more difficult to get back to sleep when I did wake up. You?”

  He gave her a half-smile that she recognized as an attempt to humanize himself. “I can’t say that I remember waking up at all until about ten minutes before I spoke with you.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “There is something I wanted to discuss with you. There’s a dinner with several members of Parliament next week.” He broke off a piece of the pastry he’d selected. “I’d like you to attend.”

  Katrín tried to contain her rapid blinking. “Me? With Parliament?”

  “Some of the leaders, not the whole group. It will be a fairly formal meal, followed by cocktails and mingling for a short while, then a meeting at which you are not allowed, I’m afraid. It is tradition for the consort to attend the dinner, but more than that, I would like you to be there.”

  She tried to take it all in. “Sure. I guess. If it’s something I’m supposed to do, I’ll be there. What kind of meeting is it?”

  “Budget proposals for next year. That’s what I’ve been working on finalizing the last few days.” He popped a bit of pastry in his mouth. “By law, I’m required to submit them next week.”

  “I didn’t realize you set the budget.” She took a bite of the bagel she’d selected.

  Benjamin gave her a real smile as he chuckled. “I don’t. I make suggestions. The different parts of the government send me their budgetary proposals. Usually, they’ve already been discussed with Parliament. I take them, make changes I feel necessary both to increase or decrease funding. Parliament is then free to do what they want with the money, though there are some limited situations where I can overrule them.”

  Katrín swallowed her bite. “I had no idea.”

  “I doubt most people do.”

  A knock on the door interrupted whatever thought she was having. Katrín found herself whisked away, into her sisters-in-law’s suite where her make-up was done, her nails polished, and her hair arranged just so before she slipped into a dress she prayed was appropriate. Surely the stylists knew what kind of attire was expected, even if it was still more suited for her mother-in-law.

  Back in her own suite, she waited for Benjamin to emerge from the bedroom. This time he wore a morning coat that looked both more formal and less uncomfortable, at least to Katrín’s untrained eyes.

  He gave her another real smile and offered her his elbow. “You look lovely. Shall we?”

  Katrín slid her gloved hand into his arm and took a deep breath. Her first real appearance on the world stage, and she was wearing stilettos.

  Too bad she didn’t convince the stylist to let her trade for silver Converse. At least in those she knew she probably wouldn’t trip.

  They would emerge out the front of the building in full view of anyone waiting outside for a glimpse of the royals from around the world in town for the former king’s birthday celebration.

  Katrín took another deep breath as the doors opened. She could do this.

  She had to.

  25

  “Can we get it delivered tonight while the Parliamentary leaders are here for dinner?” Benjamin tapped his pen on the notepad in front of him.

  “Unlikely.” Chamberlain swiped the screen of his tablet. “If you want a custom one, it will take quite some time.”

  Benjamin thought about that. “What’s the best brand we can get today? Is it worth it as a temporary substitution for a custom one? If so, make it happen. If all we can get is something cheap then perhaps one can be moved temporarily.”

  “I will see what I can do. The queen is joining you for the dinner tonight?”

  “Yes. She needs someone to go over who everyone is and proper protocol. I simply don’t have time today.”

  “If I may make a suggestion, sir.” It wasn’t a question. It never was.

  Benjamin motioned for him to go ahead.

  “Take a few days off and take your wife with you. Go somewhere else. Perhaps a secluded cottage somewhere. It would be good for you to take a real vacation, as much as you are able.”

  “I’ll take that under advisement.”

  “I mean it, sir. You need a break. You’ll wear out just like anyone else.”

  “You know what my schedule is like. It won’t be anytime soon, but keep an eye out for several light days over the summer and perhaps we can go to San Majoria or Ravenzario for a few days.” It shocked him to realize he would enjoy a couple of relatively uninterrupted days with Katrín, getting to know her. Maybe she’d trust him with the secret about the circumstances around her indenture to the palace, why she took over for her mother. There was more to it than just her brother’s ongoing care.

  “I’ll make sure she’s briefed on what to expect this evening.” Chamberlain stood. “I will also see what I can find out about the other thing.”

  “Thank you.”

  After Chamberlain left, Benjamin turned back to the papers he needed to go over - again - before the dinner in a few hours.

  When he’d gone over them all several times, he went back to his suite, changed into a suit and went to the outer sitting area to wait for Katrín. He skimmed another document.

  “Are you sure you need me to go? I might throw up on someone important.”

  Benjamin looked up to see Katrín looking a bit queasy. “I’m sure you’ll be fine.” He closed the cover on his tablet. “Ready?”

  She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “No. I’m really not.”

  He walked over until he stood in front of her. “Why not?”

  “It’s the top four or five members of Parliament. I’ve never met important people. I tend to make a fool of myself.” It surprised him to see she really looked nervous.

  “You basically told me off the first time we met.” Something he needed to apologize for some time soon. Sincerely.

  “That’s different.”

  A smirk crossed his face. “You do know I’m the king, right? Kind of the definition of an important person around here.”

  “But you were being a jerk. It was easy not to get nervous.” She smoothed her hands over her stomach. “I don’t think I can do this.”

  He cupped her shoulder with one hand. “You’ll be fine. If you really feel like you’re going to puke, signal me.”

  That drew a small smile from her. “You’ve never said puke in your life, have you?”

  This time he gave her a full-fledged smile. “No.” His hand slid down until it captured hers. “And you look nice.”r />
  “I look like your mother.”

  Benjamin stilled. “What’s wrong with my mother?”

  “Nothing. She’s classy and elegant, and everyone should want to look like her.”

  He sensed more to it. “But?”

  “I spent quite a while with your mother this afternoon, and I think she’s wonderful, but she’s a long-time widow in her late-40s. I’m a newlywed in her early-20s.”

  Comprehension began to dawn. “And my mother’s style, while impeccable, isn’t yours.”

  “Exactly. I found a few things in what someone bought for me that I like for me, and I’ve been able to make do, but most of them are like this dress. It’s nice, classy, elegant, but not me.”

  “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

  She dropped his hand and crossed her arms across her chest. “Like what? ‘Sorry, Benji, I don’t like any of the probably thousands of dollars of clothes someone bought me. Get me new ones because I’m broke.’ That would have gone over so well.”

  “Probably not, but you have a stylist. Did you talk to her?”

  “I like Rosalie, but she takes orders from your mother’s stylist and doesn’t dare try to step out of the box.” She let her arms fall to her side. “Let’s just do this. We can talk about it later.”

  She started for the door, not waiting to fall in next to or behind him. It startled Benjamin to realize it didn’t bother him, though he knew protocol would be followed once they were around others. He liked that she was comfortable enough with him to ignore protocol.

  By the time they reached the dining hall, she’d fallen back and slid her hand into his offered elbow. They stopped before the two giant doors with doormen waiting on either side. He nodded to them.

  “You’ve got this,” he whispered to her.

  “I’m glad you believe in me,” she whispered back.

  The doors opened before them as a voice boomed, “Their Majesties, King Benjamin and Queen Katrín of Eyjania!”

  Chairs scraped back from around the table as those already assembled stood.

  “I’ll seat you,” he whispered to her. “Just be pleasant to those near you, and you’ll be fine.”

  “If you insist.”

  Her seat wasn’t far, so in just a few steps, he held it for her as she sat down, before going to his seat on the other end. As he sat down, everyone else did, too.

  Dinner was served as chatter began to fill the room. This time was more for unofficial posturing and networking. After dinner would come the official political discussions regarding his proposed changes to the budget. As king, he had no real authority to do anything but propose changes. Parliament would take his suggestions, toss them out with the bath water, and do what they wanted, but there was one item in particular that caused him great concern.

  There was a reason why he’d invited his mother-in-law and brother-in-law to the beginning of the reception after dinner.

  They wouldn’t know what hit them.

  Katrín made it through dinner without losing any of it. She didn’t taste any of it either. The Queen Mother had walked her through what was going to happen and who everyone was. She did her best to be polite and diplomatic, brushing off questions deemed too personal.

  All too soon, Benjamin stood at the other end of the table. Everyone else joined him, though she’d been told to remain seated until he reached her side. A moment later, he was there and she managed not to let her shoulders slump in relief.

  They walked out a different door into a reception hall of some sort. Not as big as she feared it would be, it was still too big for the dozen or so people in attendance.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t believe my wife has officially been introduced. May I present to you, Her Majesty Queen Katrín of Eyjania, Duchess of Schmansk, Countess of Húskavník, and Lady of the Auroras.”

  She had all those titles? Katrín tried not to let her shock show, but nodded slightly as everyone in attendance bowed or curtsied.

  Talk about surreal.

  “I’ve invited a couple other people to join us,” he told them, turning to the side. “My wife’s mother and brother have some unique insight into at least one of the items on the agenda later tonight.”

  Katrín turned to see them enter. A smile crossed her face and her heart skipped a beat. Her brother looked so handsome. Had she ever seen him in a suit before?

  Benjamin dropped his arm to give her mother a kiss on the cheek then shake hands with Allen. Katrín followed in his footsteps to give her mother a hug and clasp Allen’s hand. What was this all about?

  Servers circulated with glasses of wine and small desserts. Katrín took a glass when it was offered, but didn’t do more than sip.

  “Your Majesty.”

  She looked up to see the Prime Minister staring intently at her. “Good evening, Mr. Prime Minister. I hope you enjoyed your dinner.”

  “It was delicious, but then every meal I’ve ever had here has been.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear.”

  He moved to stand to her side, using his glass to point at her mother and brother on the other side of the room. “Why exactly are they here?”

  “I’m afraid you’d have to ask my husband about that.”

  “He didn’t tell you?”

  Katrín gave him a polite smile that she prayed didn’t look fake. “Is that what I said? I didn’t mean to imply he didn’t tell me. I merely meant that it’s not my place to interpret my husband’s actions for others when he’s chosen to keep his reasons to himself for the time being.” She wished she knew what the reason was so she could obfuscate better.

  Benjamin stood next to her brother, talking with the Minority Leader and one of the leading members of a smaller party.

  Her brother sat as he always did, tilted heavily to the left side of his chair. His legs had never fully developed, with his feet barely hanging over the edge of the chair. His upper body more than made up for it. Allen would never be the solid mass of muscle Benjamin had turned himself into.

  Yet... In a room filled with a king and national leaders, her brother outshone them all.

  His face lit the whole place. He motioned with his hands, as animated and passionate as she’d ever seen him. The more he talked, the more of the group gathered around them.

  Her mother stood off to the side with the second most powerful member of the majority party. Katrín drifted to her side.

  “What’s he talking about?” she asked quietly when it was just the two of them.

  “What do you think?” Her mother slipped an arm around Katrín’s waist.

  “Conditions in some of the facilities.”

  “Got it in one. They’re talking budget cuts, you know.”

  And that was why Benjamin had invited them.

  “My mother used to work for the king.” Allen’s voice drifted back toward them. “She quit to take a job where she would have more flexibility to care for me when I was so neglected. It wasn’t the nurses or aides. They couldn’t take care of everyone like they should. Things haven’t improved.”

  “Not me,” Benjamin interjected. “Or not in the same role for long anyway. She was my father’s meal server for many years and performed admirably, but with any change in administration, there’s often changes that trickle down. She had more flexibility in her new position, but not what she needed when Allen required more care. She was greatly missed.”

  Like he would know that. He obfuscated well. She’d learned that word a few days earlier and it stuck with her. To bewilder or stupefy. Benjamin did that well, all without lying.

  Conversation drifted to other topics, until Katrín heard the Prime Minister challenge her brother.

  “What kind of future can someone like you have?”

  Katrín saw red and lunged forward, but her mother’s hand gripping her arm stopped her.

  Allen just laughed, causing the Prime Minister to frown. The question hadn’t been asked out of genuine curiosity, but with derision. “Some
one like me? Really? What exactly can you do that I can’t besides get tired walking from place to place?”

  The Prime Minister’s mouth opened and closed twice.

  “For instance, what exactly would disqualify me from being Prime Minister?” Allen stared at him, his ubiquitous smile suddenly gone. “The requirements are fairly simple and straightforward. Subject of the Eyjanian crown, willing to swear allegiance to the same and the Eyjanian Documents of Governance, and at least thirty-seven years old. That is, literally, the only thing that keeps me from being eligible, at least for a few more years.”

  “You’re in a wheelchair, clearly disabled.”

  Allen actually laughed. “And the fact that my legs don’t work precludes me from understanding government? From intelligence? From setting my sights on your job someday? I kind of hate to tell you this, but walking doesn’t exactly make you uniquely qualified for anything. Pretty much anyone can do it.”

  Katrín glanced over to see Benjamin hiding a smirk behind his wine glass as he took a sip.

  Then he winked at her.

  26

  Benjamin didn’t know what he’d expected when he invited Allen and Mrs. Jónsson. All he’d wanted to do was make sure Allen and those who struggled similarly were fresh in the minds of the leaders in Parliament when they discussed budget cuts. He’d known the Prime Minister wasn’t particularly inclined toward keeping that line item in the budget, but hadn’t expected him to confront Allen about his abilities.

  “It’s nice that you’ve found your passion in helping those like you...” the Prime Minister started.

  “You presume an awful lot, sir. Yes, I’m passionate about helping those who don’t have other resources, but that’s not what I’m most passionate about. Tell me, Mr. Prime Minister, how is your relationship with Christ?”

  The Prime Minister sputtered.

  Benjamin wanted to hear the discussion, but Chamberlain approached to tell him the other project had been completed. He took another sip of his wine and smiled. Good.

  “Ladies and gentlemen.” Benjamin spoke up. “I believe it’s time for us to adjourn to the Council Chambers. Since my wife has not yet been approved as a member of the Council, it’s time for us to take our leave of my bride and her family.” He motioned toward another door. “I believe you all know the way.”