29 Proposals II (2/2)

Queen Heloise noted the sudden change in manner and nodded sideways. ”Hm,” she said. In that, Leal understood that she conceded what he said to be true. ”But did he have to risk YOUR life to make this offer?”

Some of his own brand of humor showed in Leal's eyes.

”I suspect he thinks, if I can't keep myself alive in an ocean of hostility, I would not be worth the years he spent raising me.”

The Queen looked away at that. Shaking her head minutely, she muttered under her breath, ”Fathers…”

After a while, she turned back to Leal and narrowed her eyes at him.

”You are very candid, considering who it was that raised you.” When she shook her head a second time, it was more pronounced, and the sentiment behind it was unmistakable. ”But to actually come in person for a bride that's being bargained for with information – something that could have been shared in good faith. You'll understand, even that much casts your character in doubt. Why did you agree?”

'Because,' Leal wanted to have answered, 'before this day, none of it meant anything to me.'

But those were not words he was free to say at present.

Instead, he hedged, ”Perhaps it is also a matter of upbringing. I had not been shown or told growing up that I had any choice in how my life will be – at least not until I am King.”

”Hm,” the Queen said again, the sound more laugh-like than the one before. ”Perhaps not even then, Prince.” She gave him a considering look that he fought not to flinch from. ”And which princess did you come for, may I ask?”

Though he had known the question was coming sooner or later, it still managed to rattle Leal. 'It would depend on who you ask,' was his private answer. 'My father or myself – the names we each give will be different.'

Queen Heloise's smile became harsh and cynical the longer the young prince hesitated.

In a falsely solicitous tone, she asked, ”Are you meant to decide after you've also acquainted yourself with the Princess Gisela?” She scoffed. ”Well. Not completely without a choice, after all.”

The young man's eyes widened. ”No – Queen Heloise, that is not—”

”It doesn't matter, Prince. I would spend neither of those coins on your Kingdom.”

It was probably the first time in Leal's life that he was completely and utterly at a loss. Granted, there were many firsts for him that hour alone, but even before the Queen had spoken those words, he had been painfully aware: the second-biggest obstacle to the future he and he alone had started to envision for himself was not his father or his plans – it was this monarch's judgment and those of the country she represented.

That she happened to be an elder sister as well was doubly unlucky for his cause. He also had one of these creatures; he knew just how formidable they were even under ordinary circumstances.

It occurred to Leal to wonder… Queen Heloise's deep dislike of King Madelon – was that another reason his father didn't even bother considering the Queen's sister as a match for his son?

Leal composed himself. He still had a task to do.

”Please permit me to say, Queen, that though my King's methods may be questionable at best, he IS making this offer in good faith. He fully intends to throw in our kingdom's lot with that of Arnica.” He hesitated as another new consideration came to him. ”My… presence, I would venture, is perhaps the best proof he could give of his sincerity. I would personally wish to remain alive, but even were something to happen to me or to any Lysean here, I do not believe my father would place blames or retaliate.”

”We will have to see about the truth of that, won't we?” said the Queen after a loaded silence. She continued lightly, ”Though one of us might no longer be around then.”

The young man fought back a grimace and stoically nodded agreement.

”Another thing, Queen Heloise…” he began, hoping against hope that this time around, the bait would catch. ”Upon further negotiation, King Madelon is prepared to include as a bride price Flieder, formerly your Queendom's domain.”

He probably didn't need to include that last part, but it had the desired effect. The Queen's eyes had widened the slightest bit.

She was about to respond but an angry series of knocks interrupted her. She and Leal turned expectant eyes on the closed study door.

”It's me, Queen,” said a familiar voice, raised and muffled behind the thick divide. ”It's Hilde,” the speaker then clarified, though there was no need. ”May I enter?”