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“Don’t lie.”
“Ha! Well, isn’t that an interesting statement.”
Bennett stopped in the middle of the cobblestone road. “What are you talking about?”
“I just find it interesting that you failed to mention you were the prince of Vesper!”
He shrugged off my statement. “I didn’t think it mattered.”
“Running an entirely different kingdom when your father expects you to run Veladis one day kind of matters. Why do you think you can’t trust me with something like that?” I said, hoping the hurt in my tone didn’t come through.
“First of all, I don’t care what my father’s expectations are of me, and I’m telling you this now, my loyalties lie with Vesper. This is my kingdom. I will return to Veladis with you because there are some things I need to sort out with my father and Miles, but once that is done, I will return to rule over Vesper.”
I turned back, getting slightly irritated at Bennett for the lack of information. “How did you even step into this role? No one just waltzes into a kingdom and is suddenly on the throne.”
“I wasn’t always on the throne; I didn’t take on this role until about two years ago. I was appointed this position by the late king. He never had any children so there was no official heir. He took me in once I told him my story about being banished from Veladis, and crazy enough, apparently he knew my mother, too.”
My eyes widened “He knew Gianna?
Bennett nodded. “Since my mom is originally from Vesper, that means I am of Vespen decent, which is why I was able to see the kingdom, unlike outsiders.”
“How did she end up in Veladis? Married to Pater?” I asked, a million different questions now running through my brain.
“She traveled to Veladis around our age with some of her friends. I’m guessing that’s when she met my dad. I doubt she thought he would turn out the way he did, and with the spell binding the Vespens to keep the kingdom a secret, she could never advocate for them.” The corners of his lips turned down. “I don’t really know the full story, I’ve just put bits and pieces together, but I’ll never get the chance to really know.”
I took his hands and squeezed them, trying to provide some reassurance.
“I just wish she was here. Stars, I have so many questions for her. Obviously when I was a kid, I never knew she was from Vesper. I’m sure she would’ve told me one day, but I understand why she didn’t. I was twelve, and you already know how fast word spreads in that castle.” He sighed and shook his head. “Sometimes I’ll walk the streets at night and wonder, what part of Artem Square did she visit? Did she have a favorite festival or dance she looked forward to attending? Why didn’t she stay here?” He looked up at the stars as if asking her for himself.
I didn’t know who would ever want to leave Vesper. It was the most beautiful kingdom I’d ever been to, and knowing the queen grew up here made it all the more special. Something occurred to me. “Maybe she felt called there?”
That seemed to peak Bennett’s interest. “What do you mean?”
“Perhaps it was a part of her fate. She had an impact on a lot of much needed change in Veladis and sparked a lot of conversation. Maybe she was destined to be the one to inspire those to seek justice and equality. Perhaps she was exactly where the stars needed her to change the lives of those around her.”
Bennett was still for a moment. “Perhaps,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Thank you, Rhia.”
I held onto Bennett’s arms as we continued our stroll, a comfortable kind of quiet resting between us as we continued to take in the sights of the city.
“So,” Bennett said, clearing his throat, “There is a festival tonight, would you like to accompany me?”
My eyes lit up at the idea of getting to see more of Vesper while butterflies swarmed my stomach at the formal invitation. “Is that even a question?” I asked as I turned to let him see my excitement. “Let’s see if the Vespens know how to party.”
Bennett let out a playful scoff. “Oh, Veladis has nothing on Vespen celebrations, you’ll see.”
I smiled, seeing that Bennett had gotten his spirit back. My insides squirmed a bit in anticipation for the party. I adored going to festivals, and I couldn’t help but wish Miles and Amica were here to experience this with me.
