Queen of the Unwanted by Jenna Glass

Author:Jenna Glass
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: 2020-05-11T23:00:00+00:00

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Princess Alysoon understandably had a full social calendar on top of all her official duties, and Shelvon had debated whether to request an audience at the town hall or attempt to find a more informal setting during which to talk to the sovereign princess. Having never thought herself particularly skilled at the art of court maneuvering, Shelvon had settled on an official audience, and been granted one almost immediately.

She curtsied deeply as soon as she was shown into Alysoon’s office, her heart hammering in her throat. “Your Royal Highness,” she said in greeting, hoping her nerves did not show in her face or voice, though she feared that might be the case.

“Come in, Shelvon,” Alysoon said with a welcoming smile that Shelvon read as entirely sincere.

For as long as she had lived in Women’s Well, Shelvon had studied her former sister-in-law’s face for any sign that she might have overstayed her welcome. Now, she also looked for hints that her father had made good on his threat and demanded Alysoon send her “home.”

But Alysoon seemed pleased to see her, crossing the room and even offering a quick and obviously affectionate embrace. Shelvon had to resist the urge to cling, for she had known very little true affection over the course of her life.

Alysoon’s smile faded when she pulled away. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

Shelvon forced a smile and tried to shake off her sense of foreboding. If the sovereign princess were thinking of shipping her back to Nandel, surely some sign of that would show in her bearing or tone.

“No, ma’am,” Shelvon said. “Everything’s fine.”

“How many times have I asked you to call me Alys when we’re in private?” the sovereign princess scolded gently. “You are my sister in my heart, and that has nothing to do with your marriage to Delnamal.”

Some of the tension left Shelvon’s shoulders. Sometimes, it was impossible to imagine that the princess could be as kindly disposed to Shelvon as it seemed. Even knowing that she had had no choice in marrying Delnamal, Shelvon herself felt guilty and tarnished by the association. How could Alys look past that with such ease?

And yet, although Shelvon was sure Alys was more than capable of deception, she found herself believing her.

“Thank you, ma’am—” Shelvon cleared her throat. “Thank you, Alys.”

Alys smiled at her once more, then frowned slightly as she glanced around her office, which was very clearly laid out for formal discussions of business, not social interactions. The only places to sit were the chairs around the desk. Instead of retreating to the comfort of her usual chair behind the desk, Alys turned the two chairs in front of it to face each other, then sat in one and indicated Shelvon should take the other.

“I gather you’re here for some official business,” Alys said, “because surely you know that you can call on me socially.” She gave a self-deprecating shrug. “Within the natural constraints of my schedule, of course.”

“Yes, of course,” Shelvon said, though she was pretty sure she was blushing.

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