Fernando
“Valeria,” I called.
My sister turned toward the sound of my voice, but remained seated at her desk. She’d been practicing Lisairean with her tutor, but he bustled away when I entered.
She wore only black, a small way to grieve our father’s passing. While she didn’t blame me, nor our brother, for his death, she took his loss hard. Luca suffered the most, though we kept him ignorant of the details. Despite the sadness, all three of my siblings enjoyed their mother’s company out in the open.
All this time, I thought she chose confinement. And I ridiculed Lorenzo for it. I vowed to be a vigilant ruler, and not allow cruelty to run rampant in my estates. But I’d have to be more attentive or important issues would stay hidden.
I grasped Valeria’s cool palm as I sat next to her.
“How are you?” I asked.
She rested her gaze downward and shrugged her shoulders. “Practicing new vocabulary is a pleasant distraction.”
I caressed the back of her hand with my thumb.
“That’s a clever realization, though to say it’s enjoyable seems a bit over-the-top.”
A hint of a smile played on her lips.
“Valeria, I’ve been misled about my intended’s age.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. She’s not much older than you.”
A small laugh sounded deep in her throat. “I could have told you that. She is young, like me, or…” She exhaled out of the side of her mouth and continued, “Is there another option? I’m blind, but even I can tell.”
“Then it would make sense for me to not marry her, correct?”
My sister’s eyebrows scrunched together.
“But the marital contract between us and her father that you signed?”
“He drafted it while I contributed less than I should have. And I ascended the throne before I married her, so now I wish to amend it.”
“It’s an odd idea,” she said with a small shake of her head. “But why are you asking me? My opinion doesn’t really matter about this, does it?”
“What you think matters a great deal to me. A few betrothals might strengthen the political relationships between all the northern kingdoms, maybe even the southern ones, if they’re interested.”
“As long as you aren’t sending me off like Diedre’s father did to her.”
I patted her now warm hand. “I said we’d build connections, not send captive brides.”
“Then tell me your plans.”
***
“You need better dresses.”
Princess Diedre shifted in her chair across from me. She wore a modest cream colored dress with clear beads that caught the sunlight. The elongated sleeves widened at the wrists to nearly sweep the floor. The northern style was impractical in Astralind’s climate.
She pursed her lips and inhaled. “You asked to break our engagement yesterday morning, and now you insult my clothes?”
A servant with long brown hair passed in the hall, but in my mind’s eye it was Stella. I’d set her free. Of course she left. But I missed her and looked for her even though she was gone. My throat tightened and the mug of warm herbal tea no longer soothed my senses. The cup clattered when I put it down harder than I intended.
It startled Diedre, and a shadow of fear crossed her expression.
I forced a smile, and her tense posture relaxed.
“Forgive my poor choice of words. I meant to say that I have arranged for a tailor to take your measurements and sew several clothing items that suit the weather here.”
She rearranged the lacy cuffs of her sleeves before asking, “So you want to keep me after all?” The impetuous question sounded sweet in her whispery voice.
“Yes, but I’ve sent word to your father that I’d plan to alter the contract between our kingdoms.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Why? That’s unheard of!”
I pressed my hands against my knees as I formed my answer. “Because we can form stronger alliances with the sovereigns between our countries if we amend it. Lisaire and Trestaine will soon be linked through a royal marriage. This may cause them to separate Astralind completely from the North if they cut off the merchant routes or build barriers between neighboring realms. They could tear the seven kingdoms apart, and if your father and I collaborate, we might avoid such an outcome.”
“I don’t think they’d restrict trade between all the territories like that.”
“They would if they feared the conflict between the Northern Clans and Damai could flow south and include them. You’ve had an excellent education. Tell me, how often does a local skirmish expand to villages, cities, and then across borders?”
Her cheeks flushed as she turned away from me.
“I’m a king now and I read all the letters and decrees sent by other royals and upper nobles.”
“And your father did not?” I asked in a tremulous tone.
“If he did, he refused to share his responses. Diedre, listen to me.” I grabbed her hands.
She stared up, her juvenile face creased with anxiety. “War is coming, but we can prevent it, or lower the probability of it, with strategic marriages.”
Her throat bobbed. “So, you’ll marry me after all.”
“No,” I responded softly. “I’d like to betroth you to Lorenzo.”
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