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King Louis lifted his head to meet my eyes. “I’m delighted to find the rumors of your beauty all true.”
My smile widened. “You are too kind. I see the ones about your daughter’s beauty are true as well.”
Louis’s green eyes studied me. This was the first time I had ever met this man. Why was I so nervous? I felt almost afraid of him. The way he carried himself, spoke, and studied my every breath. He had that certain light around him that drew people in like moths to fire. I had no doubt that this man was as cunning as they came. Someone who should never be left unobserved for too long.
“It is an honor Her Majesty thinks so. We can’t help but marvel at your stunning castle. The South truly is the golden kingdom, isn’t it, Gabrielle?”
Gabrielle rose slowly from the curtsy she’d been holding. “It is indeed, Father. How wise it was to take this castle as an inspiration for the expansion of your own.”
“I’m honored to hear that my humble kingdom served as inspiration for such a mighty king. I can’t wait to hear all about it after the reception has ended.”
King Louis leaned over toward me. “You shall be the first ruler worth waiting out the lengthy and boring reception ceremony to speak with.”
I was taken aback by this. Was he being flirtatious? Or should I be honored?
“You have nothing to worry about. I shall stand by my word,” I said, unable to hide the insecurity in my voice.
King Louis nodded, satisfied. “You remind me so much of your mighty father. I am so very sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.”
Lingering a moment longer to study me once more, King Louis bowed, then he and Gabrielle gracefully walked into the feast hall.
I exchanged looks with Wimfred and Dieter. Who the hell was this man? Was he truly just a king, attending the crowning of a neighboring royal? Something deep down told me otherwise. My father had suspected him of scheming for more power. Now that I had actually met him, I couldn’t help but agree.
There were several more kings and queens after him from smaller kingdoms, such as the East, which was broken into several small houses. There were even two sultans from the East. I truly enjoyed meeting them all. Their clothes looked so exotic and beautiful, the way they spoke and carried themselves as if their kingdoms held secrets and treasures I had never heard of before.
“King Algar of the North and his son Yutrik of the North,” the footman notified Wimfred, who made the formal announcement. My hand clenched the scepter so tightly, I could feel the diamonds poking into my flesh. I narrowed my eyes at the tall, bearded man and his son. They looked so strange next to each other. One so large and strong, the other so skinny and weak. Yutrik had the face of a man who would always look like a teenage boy with pimples. I wondered if he was even able to grow a beard.
“My Queen,” Dieter whispered to me.
“I’m fine,” I lied, realizing for the first time that my hand was shaking. I buried it in my lap to hide it.
With every step he came closer, the brighter my flame of hatred and rage burned. My stomach twisted and turned. I scanned the crowd once more. Where was Alrick?
“My Queen, thank you for inviting us,” King Algar said in a low voice as he lowered his head in a small imitation of a bow. I almost saidI didn’t invite youbut was able to swallow the words back down.
Yutrik gawked at me with a face tight with contempt. His long, skinny fingers were playing with his shirt like a child. I could almost taste the disappointment Algar must feel for this man; it was like a musk hovering in a thick cloud around them. Algar and I waited for a brief, awkward moment, but when Yutrik still didn’t bow, Algar leaned over to him and growled something I couldn’t make out.
Yutrik’s face turned white, and he quickly bowed.
“My Queen, I thank you for inviting us,” Yutrik muttered. “Your castle is as beautiful as they say. Is that real gold paint on the doors and mirrors?”
He pointed in the direction of a mirror behind me. Some of the people in the crowd giggled. What a childish thing to ask. But watching Algar’s face fill with anger and embarrassment almost made me like Yutrik. I grinned, first at Yutrik, then Algar.
“It is, Yutrik. I’m certain you must have many golden mirrors at your own castle?” I mocked, as I knew all too well that they were financially ruined from the war. The look Algar threw me, his blue eyes narrow and filled with hate, told me that my punch had hit its mark.
Yutrik opened his mouth, but Algar stepped forward before he could speak.
“We thank the Rhine Queen once more for her hospitality. We are delighted that the queen decided to favorusto represent the true North at this crowning.”
My smile vanished. What did this murdering snake just say? A faint grin hushed over Algar’s face as he bowed once more and grabbed Yutrik by his arm, pulling him into the hall with the feast.
My eyes followed them both. The way he’d saidfavored us. I scanned the crowd for Alrick again. Where the hell was he?
“Where are the rebel noble families?” I asked Wimfred. If they were not welcomed like all the others, the message that would send to the world would be devastating. It communicated my approval of King Algar. Some might take it as a sign that I believed the rebels killed my father. Such rumors would be impossible to stop.
“I...I’m not certain,” Wimfred said and waved the footman over. He grabbed the paper roll out of his hands and read over it. “They are not on the list either.”
Curious mutters erupted at the interruption of the reception.
“Gunther,” I mumbled loud enough for Wimfred and Dieter to hear. I turned to Dieter. “Find the rebels and bring them here, and have the North King and King Louis closely monitored. I rely on you.”
Dieter nodded and left.
I faked a smile and faced the crowd. “Let us continue!”
