A Clash of Queens by L J Higgins & L.J. Higgins & Michelle Bryan

Author:L J Higgins & L.J. Higgins & Michelle Bryan [Higgins, L J & Higgins, L.J. & Bryan, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-02-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Princess Alyce.” Egret’s voice woke me from a deep sleep.

Prying my eyes open, they struggled to adjust to the bright sunlight pouring into the room from the open landing. A fresh breeze wafted through the window, cooling my face. I sat up, much more interested as a delightful smell tickled my nose.

“Breakfast in bed?” I questioned as I noticed the tray of food in her hands. I could see eggs, bacon, toast, and what looked like the fluffiest stack of pancakes I’d ever seen. Man, I could get used to this life. Aunt Lucy would never dare let me eat in my bed. Might lose a crumb or two in my sheets. Life altering.

Egret smiled. “You have slept rather late and missed official breakfast. And since the queen wishes you to join in her morning game of croquet, I thought I would bring you some energy.”

A smile broke across my face. Croquet. Something familiar in this strange world. Fluffing my pillows up at my back, I dug into the mound of food as soon as Egret placed the tray across my lap. After everything I had consumed last night, I shouldn’t have been the least bit hungry, but I ate like it was my last meal. Must be all the fresh air.

Finally sated, I threw back the sheets, watching as Egret searched through the wardrobe and brought out a simple red sundress.

She helped me get the layered material on properly, fastening a black ribbon around my waist. She brushed out my tangled hair before twisting it into a long braid then handed me a pair of black closed-toed shoes.

“You’re ready to play,” she said, beaming at me like she’d just created a masterpiece. Her smile slowly faded away. “Just one warning…”

“And that is?” I asked.

“I’m not sure if you played croquet where you’re from, but the queen’s rules may be quite different to what you’re used to.”

I wrinkled my brow. “Different? How so?”

“They tend to change depending on the queen’s… whims.” Egret’s gaze bounced about the room, as if she expected someone to be lurking in the corners and overhear her.

“You mean, she cheats?” I asked.

Her eyes widened with fright. “Don’t ever say that again.”

Understanding her meaning but not her fear, I nodded. “Thank you for the heads up, Egret. Tell me, why does everyone seem so afraid of her? I mean, I’ve heard the stories of how she shut down from her people after losing her daughter… I mean, me. But I’m back now. I thought my presence was supposed to make a difference. Is it making a difference?”

“It is not my place to talk of such things.” Her lips formed into a tight, thin line, and I knew our conversation was done. “Enjoy the game.”

Yeah, I wasn’t so sure about that.

By the time Sebastian led me through a set of glass doors into a magnificent garden, I was a bundle of nerves. Actually, garden was an understatement. I found myself in the most perfect piece of nature I’d ever seen.

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