Only Her (Mated Queens Book 1) by N. Slater

Author:N. Slater [Slater, N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-15T16:00:00+00:00

SERAPHINA

The day drags on slowly as we are allowed to explore the first level. I spend most of my time in the gardens, even bringing my lunch out there, away from the other royals. I have nothing against them but speaking with them only seems to bring out the worst in me. I’m sure that’s some point against me in this race for Daniela’s hand but I’d rather not start a war.

One of the groundskeepers freezes when he sees me and then smiles, bounding over to my side. It’s hilarious how comfortable they are with me. “Heyyyy, Fifi!” Arthur is much younger than the other staff, probably 20 or 21, bright eyed, and his whole future ahead of him. He’s like the little brother I never had.

I throw out my arm and let him lean against my side as I ruffle his hair with my other hand. “How are you holding up?” His father passed away a few months ago, the kid distraught but it’s nice to see how far he’s come.

“Good but how are you? I didn’t think you’d actually do it.” His eyes sparkle as he snuggles a little closer. “None of us did. We saw you with the princess’ insignia but…” Arthur pulls away and looks up at me. I expect to see disappointment but there’s only excitement and hope.

“I didn’t think I would either but if I never try, we’ll never know.”

“Right. Always the facts. Loosen up a bit, Fifi. Everything will be fine, and we know that Daniela will choose you in the end.”

“And we both know it’s not Daniela who chooses.”

The boy stands up and runs his hands down his pants before shrugging. “Whatever you say.” He skips off around the back of the castle, most likely heading to the stables, leaving me a little confused. Is it really her decision at the end? That can’t be right. Daniela would know. She would tell me that, right? Ignoring the little bite of pain now spreading through my chest, I head inside and to the throne room with the other prospective mates.

Each is facing the throne, the Kusovanian king and princess sitting side by side as the king offers the first question. I’m not surprised by it but the simplicity of it makes everything seem too easy. However, easy just means that this is a test and as much as I want to make my accomplishments seem more, the call to be genuine is greater.

“Should you be chosen to take my daughter’s hand, what will you bring to Kusovania?”

The participants shuffle nervously, except for King Colton, Queen Helvania, and me. The male warrior moves forward, bowing, and then showing off his riches and kingdom’s accomplishments. He boasts of the times he’s been to war and the victories he’s secured. Moments later, he clicks his tongue, and two guards arrive to place a stack of papers which must outline the accomplishments in painstaking detail.

Daniela looks unamused but even more so, the king doesn’t so much as glance at the papers, merely nodding and moving to the next.

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