“Oh, how wonderful!” She beamed at him. “You’ll be perfect for His Majesty, dear. You’re such a good boy, always helping everyone.”
“That’s very kind, Mrs. Weatherby, but…”
“And you’re honest, which is so important in a marriage. My Harold, bless his soul, was always honest with me. Even when I didn’t want to hear it.” She pressed the plate into his hands. “You’ll do wonderfully, I’m sure of it.”
Finn accepted the cakes because arguing with Mrs. Weatherby was impossible. “Thank you. These look delicious.”
“You’ll tell the king I said hello, won’t you? I met his father once, lovely man.”
“I…yes, of course.”
Trent waited until they were out of earshot before bursting into laughter. “You’re doomed.”
“I’m aware.” Finn bit into a honey cake, the sweetness doing nothing to ease the knot in his stomach. “Everyone’s going to expect me to actually try. To make an effort.”
“You could, you know. Make an effort.”
“And then what? Actually succeed?” Finn shook his head. “Trent, I’ve seen the king from a distance at festivals. He’s…he’sKing Darragh. Loud, confident, completely comfortable in his own skin. What could I possibly offer someone like that?”
“Apparently, your brother thinks you have plenty to offer.”
“My brother is delusional.” Finn finished the cake and reached for another. “The king wants someone who won’t bore him. I’ll bore him to tears within the first five minutes.”
“By talking about roof repairs?”
“By being completely honest about how unqualified I am for any of this.” Finn gestured broadly. “I don’t know court politics. I don’t know how to host fancy dinners. I definitely don’t know how to help organize something as massive as the World Council summit. Can you imagine me trying to make small talk with King Mintyn of Marinkaw? ‘Oh yes, Your Majesty, lovely weather we’re having. Did you know Mrs. Weatherby’s roof was leaking?’”
Trent snorted. “You’re catastrophizing.”
“I’m being realistic.” Finn sighed. “Look, I’ll go. I’ll meet him. I’ll be polite and honest, and then I’ll come home, and everything will go back to normal. Jericho will owe me for the rest of his life, which is some consolation, but that’s it.”
“If you say so.”
“I do say so.” Finn brushed crumbs off his shirt. “Now come on, we still have to check the Hendersons’ fence before dinner, and apparently, I need to make myself presentable enough for Mother instead of having a bite to eat at the pub tonight, which was my intention.”
They walked back through the village, and Finn tried not to think about the fact that his life had just gotten infinitely more complicated.No, it’s not. It’s simple. Meet the king, speak my piece, and that will be the end of it. Please let that be the end of it.
Just thinking about trying to navigate court life made Finn worry he might break out in hives.
Chapter Three
“Your Majesty is so wise to consider the economic implications of the harbor expansions.”
Darragh resisted the urge to bang his head against the ornate armrest of his throne. Lord Marcus - or was it Martin? - smiled at him with what was probably meant to be an admiring expression, but looked more like he’d eaten something that disagreed with him.
“The harbor expansions were finished three years ago,” Darragh said.
“Oh.” Lord Marcus-Martin blinked. “Well, yes, of course. I meant the...the ongoing maintenance of those expansions, which is equally wise. Very forward-thinking.”
Kill me now.
“Thank you for your time, Lord Marcus.” Darragh stood, which was the signal that the interview was over.
“Martin, Your Majesty.” The man bowed deeply. “And may I say what an honor…”
“Noted.” Darragh gestured to the guards, who smoothly ushered Lord Martin out.
The doors closed behind him, and Darragh turned to where three of his advisers sat at a small table to the side of the throne room. Helena looked pleased. Aldric was taking notes. Thomas was nodding thoughtfully.
