ChapterOne
“Mice!”
Ollie squealed and jumped backward as a tiny creature spilled out of a split in the side of an old mattress, disturbed by the bed frame that had been thrown atop it.
Mother Jones laughed, entertained by the sight of his lanky stable lad leaping a foot in the air like a scandalised maiden. “They’re only tiny, lad! Don’t tell me you’re afraid of amouse?”
Ollie wiped his hands down the front of his shirt and jutted his chin out. “No! I see them all the time in the stables. I was just surprised, that’s all. Who expects mattress mice?” He stepped close to the cart and, as if to show he wasn’t afraid, shoved the bed frame more firmly into place on top of the mattress. No more mice emerged, and he let out a sigh of relief. “That’s the last of it then?”
“Yes, lad. Now we just have to finish cleaning before the new groom arrives.”
“When does he get here? Who is he? Do you know him?”
“Day after tomorrow, and no, I haven’t met him. Chancell—Prince ConsortMattias hired him, and he comes from Koroslova. That’s all I know.” Mother put his hands on his hips and turned his face up to the sun, stretching out his back. The cottage had been vacant since its previous occupant, Felix—Prince Consort Felix of Lilleforth, now—had abandoned it to go and stay in the castle with his lover the king, and it had taken Mother and Ollie most of the day to set it to rights. They’d wiped away cobwebs, removed the thick layer of dust that had coated every surface, scrubbed the kitchen clean, and taken out the old furniture, which Prince Felix had declared not up to standard. He’d been particularly insistent that the bed be replaced.
Apparently, it squeaked.
Ollie rubbed a forearm across his forehead, leaving a streak of dirt behind. He really had worked hard. Healwaysworked hard, and Mother made a note to give him a day off once the new groom arrived. He was just about to send Ollie off for some hot water and a stiff bristled brush for the floors when Ollie’s eyes widened. He straightened up and gasped out, “Your Highness!”
Mother turned and found Prince Felix sauntering towards them, his hands shoved into the pockets of an oversized coat. Underneath the coat, Felix was wearing an embroidered peacock blue doublet and fitted trousers, and he looked every inch a prince, which led Mother to suspect that perhaps he wasn’t meant to be here.
“Sire,” he said, ducking his head in a slight bow.
“Don’t call me that,” Felix said. “I’m still just Felix.”
“That might be so, but you’re also the prince consort. And that carries a title, sire.”
Felix wrinkled his nose, but his expression brightened when he saw the cart full of old furniture ready to be hauled away. “So, you’re done then?”
“Almost. Just the floors and a last clean through.”
Felix wandered over and stuck his head in the cottage door. “It looks good. When does the new man arrive?”
“Day after tomorrow, sire. Prince Consort Mattias chose him, so I’m sure he’s good at what he does.”
“Either that, or he’s a total disaster and Matty hired the lad to help him out, but hopefully he’s actually competent.” Felix’s voice held the hint of a smile, and Mother couldn’t deny that there was truth to what he was saying. The former chancellor was known for hiring people who needed help escaping a bad situation, although they usually turned out to be excellent at their jobs. He hoped that was the case here, because he could certainly use the help, having taken on the duties of caring for the royal mounts when Felix had moved to the castle. It occurred to Mother that this new groom would be the last person Mattias appointed before he moved to Evergreen with his new wife, the Princess Sophia.
It also occurred to him that today was the day of the farewell luncheon.
He cocked an eyebrow at Felix. “Speaking of which, isn’t there an occasion that you’re meant to be attending,Highness?”
Felix’s brow furrowed again. “It’s not fair,” he grumbled, scuffing at the ground and dirtying the toes of his dress boots. “We avoided all the bollocks with our wedding by having a handfasting, but it turns out Istillhave to observe the etiquette of being a prince because apparently, it’s a diplomatic faux pas not to have a big farewell for Sophia and Matty. I’ve had to be polite to guests for aweek.”
“Well, you did marry the king,” Mother reminded him gently.
Felix’s mouth curved up into a soft smile as he held out his left hand. The afternoon sunlight glinted off the band of gold there. “I did, didn’t I?”
“So perhaps you need to accept that this is part of your life now, sire.”
Felix’s lips gave a rueful twist. “Perhaps I do. Still, it shouldn’t be too difficult to adjust.” He grinned. “I’ve been dealing with horseshit for years. This is just a different flavour. And it’s worth it, for Leo.” His expression went soft and dreamy like it always did at the mention of his new husband, and Mother envied him that, the ability to care so deeply for someone that he was willing to turn his whole world upside down.
As if summoned by the mention of his name, King Leopold of Lilleforth came around the corner into the small yard, his strides long and his expression set. “Felix!” he called, obviously impatient. “Are you still here? I swear to the gods, if you make us late for this luncheon, I’ll put you over my knee and spank you pink, and not in the fun—” He broke off when he saw that Felix wasn’t alone. “Oh.”
“Sire,” Mother said, ducking his head to hide his smile and pretending he hadn’t heard a thing. He’d learned it was generally for the best where the king and his new husband were involved.
“Leo!” Felix said. “I was just coming to find you.”
Leo raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
