Blood of Queens (Legacy of the Lost Trilogy Book 1) by Maddie Jensen

Author:Maddie Jensen [Jensen, Maddie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-28T16:00:00+00:00

Fortua was an ugly city. It was some miles out from the Gracewood, with only sparse vegetation. Situated on a large hill, the city had no decoration aside from the flag of House Benedict—a raven on a red background—flying from its tallest turret. The heat of the sun bore down upon them, with few trees to shelter them. Carissa fanned herself often, which did nothing to stop her clothes sticking to her skin.

Despite having the second smallest population of the core five, the city bustled. The houses all had flat roofs and brick walls, a few painted in neutral colours. The cobblestones were worn and in need of repair. The streets wound around in tiers, built higher and higher until they stretched to the castle, perched above it all.

Tiago Benedict awaited the Queen’s entourage inside the city gates. He was a man in his late thirties, with a young wife and two small children. Lord Benedict bowed stiffly from the waist as Carissa dismounted her horse and crossed over, hoisting her most charming smile across her features.

The swan crown sat heavy on her head. Miriam had insisted she bring it along with her and wear it to at least her first meeting with the nobles upon arrival in their cities. It made Carissa uncomfortable to flaunt a crown she was never meant to wear, but Miriam deemed it necessary.

“Lord Benedict. A pleasure to see you.”

“Your Majesty.” He rose to place a kiss on the back of her hand. “It’s been some time. Last time I saw you, you were barely above my waist. Now you’re all grown up, and Queen no less.”

With the pleasant greetings done, Carissa found herself at a loss for what to say. She had never been particularly good at small talk, but considering Deacon had been in control and known precisely what to say, she’d never needed to be. Now she didn’t have a man to dictate her words and actions, for Jacen was happy to follow her lead in the proceedings.

“I am looking forward to exploring Fortua.”

“Indeed, you and the ladies could see the local markets we have here, whilst your husband and I discuss some business.”

The statement made Carissa blink, unpleasantly surprised. Jacen and Lord Benedict involved in discussion without her? She didn’t think that likely. The idea that she could be so easily dismissed was an affront, though she beamed and tried again, hoping Lord Benedict would realise he had misspoken.

“On the contrary, Lord Benedict. I would like to be involved in any political business as well—as I’m certain you are aware from your cousin’s reports on council meetings in the capital.”

“When your husband was not present, yes. But now that he has returned…”

Carissa fought back the wave of irritation that accompanied his words. She had met several nobles who were under the impression that a man would be a stronger and more capable ruler than a woman. It seemed Lord Benedict also carried that belief, and it disappointed her that one of the core five houses could be so sexist.

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