Part 42 (2/2)

”I hardly think that's the same thing.”

The queen's expression sharpened, as well. ”It's more training than I have.”

She held Talia's gaze with her own steely one. ”You are the only one who carries the blood of my son and my father... and me, inside you. Don't you see, Talia? You are the only one.”

Talia shot to her feet. ”You don't even know me! How can you trust me with

something like this?”

'You're my sister. You are a Dalwyn, Talia. Perhaps not purely, but what is not Dalwyn is Trahaern, the most trusted servant to a Dalwyn. How can I not trust you?” She held out her hand once again. ”I must trust you.”

Talia stumbled back behind the chair. ”I need to- I need to think. I can't think.”

Catriona lay there pale and wasting, and yet the fierce light of determination remained as powerful as ever in her eyes. Talia saw the strength then, the strength of a woman who had somehow managed, despite her youth and failing health, to rule a country. Talia was in awe of her. And completely terrified that this same woman would place all her hopes and dreams on Talia's so eminently unqualified shoulders.

Suddenly the queen's a.s.sistant was beside her again. She hadn't even seen her approach.

”Marietta, see Talia back to her room.”

”But-”

”You can do this, Talia,” the queen said, fatigue clear in her voice now, as was the pain. ”We will speak of it again later. For now I must have rest.” Talia felt as if her world were spinning and indeed it was as Marietta helped her from the room.

Chapter 22.

Archer sprawled on one of the lounges, his demeanor deceptively casual as he watched guards oversee the clearing of the supper service that had awaited them upon Talia's return from seeing the queen. He was deeply worried about her and still trying to absorb the bombsh.e.l.l she'd dropped.

All dozen of them, from the apparent involvement of Emrys and Catriona's late mother, Her Royal Highness Gwendolen, in Eleri's death, to Talia's royal blood tie to Catriona, to the stunning request of the queen that Talia take her place and raise her child. He could hardly take it all in. He had no idea how Talia could be handling all this.

She was pacing in front of the fireplace, her food mostly untouched. Once the guards and palace personnel had finished and left, he rose and caught her in mid-stride, rubbing the shoulders she held so rigidly. ”What can I do to help you? Tell me and I'll do it.” He'd never felt so helpless, or so angry. Angry at Catriona for the horrifically unfair position she'd placed Talia in. Had he had any idea that was the fight she'd intended when she rang for Talia...

Talia turned to him, lifted her hands, then dropped them to her sides again. ”I have no idea. This is all way too much for me to deal with. I... I didn't come here thinking-” She broke off with a harsh laugh. ”Obviously I didn't come here thinking, period.” She paced again.

Archer grinned, trying to lighten the mood. ”I always thought you carried yourself like a royal. I guess I had it right all along. Do I have to address you as 'Your Majesty' now?”

Talia made a face at him. ”Very funny.”

Archer held on to his smile, but it cost him. Not only was he dealing with the astonis.h.i.+ng turn Talia's life had taken, but also the devastating death of his last remaining fantasies of somehow making things work with her. He understood now why the queen had been so concerned about his feelings for Talia. In fact, he was surprised she hadn't tried to separate them. Likely she realized Talia needed him now to steady her. And despite the fact that he felt wholly helpless to do anything for her, he wasn't above wanting to nurture that need.

She sank down onto one of the lounges. ”I have a sister,” she whispered. She'd alternately worried about the burden the queen had placed on her slender shoulders... and remained astonished by the fact that she had family living.

Archer took her hand as he sank down next to her. She looked up at him, her

eyes luminous despite the worry and fear. ”I honestly can't believe it.”

”It's a gift. No matter what happens, Tali, you can believe in that. You have family now.”

Her face crumpled. ”A family that is going to die. Leaving me with a child I

can't possibly be a mother to.”

They'd already gone over this. There was nothing left that he could say to convince her. Not that he honestly wanted to. The idea of leaving her in this pit of political vipers made his stomach knot. He simply couldn't see her raising a royal, either. Not that she wasn't capable of mothering him, but this wasn't the life he'd envisioned for her.

For them?

He shut that vision right down. Instead he tipped her face to his and kissed

her. He felt her relax and sink into him a bit. ”Maybe we should let this go for the night. You're going to have to talk a great deal more with Catriona before any decisions are made. Which can't happen tonight. So why not leave off and come to bed with me.”

When he stood and pulled her with him, she whispered, ”Thank you,” a smile

rising to her lips.He wondered how it was possible for a heart to both swell and break at the same time. He squeezed her hand and led her silently to the bedroom. She came easily into his arms, as if she'd been born to fit there. But even as she gave herself over to him and allowed him to take care of her, making him feel as if he were the only one that could... he knew she'd been born for another role entirely. One that had no place for him.

The following morning Archer summoned the guard before the queen could summon Talia. She'd tossed and turned all night and was paler than he'd ever seen her this morning. He hadn't forgotten the mission Catriona had asked of

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