Finn relaxed back in his chair, feeling some of the tension he’d been carrying ease just from having his brother there. “It’s going well. Really well, actually.”
“The castle is buzzing about it.” Jericho’s eyes were bright with the promise of gossip. “I figured you wouldn’t have heard, which is why I’m here. Most people seem pleased that you’re making the king happy. Apparently, he’s been in better spirits this week than he’s been in months.”
“He told you that?”
“I didn’t speak to the king directly – besides, I got told he’s been in meetings all morning. But I’ve heard it from at least six different people. The kitchen staff is delighted because he’s actually eating proper meals instead of working through dinner. The stable hands mentioned he’s been whistling. And one of the advisers - Thomas, I think - told me that Darragh hasn’t complained about a single meeting since you got here, which is apparently unprecedented.”
Warmth spread through Finn’s chest. “He’s been good to me. Better than good. He’s...” Finn trailed off, not quite sure how to explain what Darragh was.
“You like him.” It wasn’t a question.
“I really do.” Finn ran a hand through his hair. “I told you before I left Winrone. That’s the problem.”
Jericho shook his head. “Only you would say that. How is liking someone a problem? Isn’t that the point of this whole week? To see if you and the king could work together?”
Finn had the urge to pace, but he ignored it. He had no idea how long Jericho was staying, and he trusted his brother to give himgood advice. He always had. “It’s a problem because liking him makes the stakes higher. If I didn’t care, it wouldn’t matter if I messed up. But I do care, and I’m terrified of letting him down.”
“You’re still worried about formal situations?”
“Of course I’m still worried.” Finn turned back to his brother. “No matter how much he enjoys my company, and I know he does, Darragh needs someone who can help him with all the other kingly stuff. Someone who can make polite conversation with visiting dignitaries and be seen as someone worth respecting. I can’t do any of that.”
“You could learn.” Jericho leaned back in his seat. “I’ve got faith in you.”
“Thank you.” That was an unexpected kindness. He and Jericho had a more joke-filled relationship growing up. “But in five months? Before the World Council summit?” Finn shook his head. “I don’t want to go on about it, but I can’t help being worried either. What if I embarrass him right when he needs to make a good impression?”
Jericho studied him for a long moment. “Can I ask you something?”
“Always.”
“Do you think the king is stupid?”
Finn blinked. “What? No, of course not. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.”
“Then why do you think he’d choose someone who would embarrass him?” Jericho stood and crossed to crouch beside Finn’s chair. “Darragh knows exactly who you are, Finn. You told him yourself, and he chose you anyway. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
“Yes, that he values honesty, which we already knew.”
“It tells you he sees something in you that you don’t see in yourself.” Jericho put a hand on Finn’s shoulder. “Everyone with working eyes knows that Darragh is really keen on you. The advisers have stopped suggesting other candidates entirely. The castle staff is already adjusting to the idea of you as king consort. The only person who doesn’t seem convinced you belong here is you.”
Finn looked over Jericho’s shoulder. “What if I’m not enough?”
“What if you’re exactly what he needs?” Jericho countered as he used Finn’s shoulder to push himself upright again. “From what I’ve seen and heard, the king had dozens of polished and politically perfect people to choose from, and he chose you. A person, who just happens to be my brother, who’ll challenge him, work with him, and be the first one there with a hammer when things break.” He squeezed Finn’s shoulder again. “That’s you, little brother.”
“I’m not that little. You’re only eight years older.”
“And yet infinitely wiser.” Jericho grinned. “Case in point - I was smart enough to nominate you for this position.”
“You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?”
“Never.” Jericho’s expression turned more serious. “But truly, Finn. What’s really holding you back? Because it seems to me like you and Darragh could have something good here, if you’d let yourself have it.”
Finn looked at his brother. “It’s that darn summit. All those important people from other kingdoms, and me standing next to Darragh, probably saying the wrong thing or using the wrong title or…”
“Or maybe you’ll surprise everyone by being exactly what Safe Harbor needs,” Jericho interrupted. “A king consort who doesn’tplay political games. Who says what he means and means what he says. Who reminds everyone that competence matters more than polish.”
“That sounds like something Darragh would say.”
“Then maybe you two are more compatible than you think.” Jericho sat back in his chair. “Do you know what Father told me this morning before I left?”
