The Faceless Mage (Legends of Abreia Book 1) by Kenley Davidson

Author:Kenley Davidson [Davidson, Kenley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Page Nine Press
Published: 2020-11-16T16:00:00+00:00

Prince Vaniell reverted to form quickly enough as he escorted Leisa to the council chamber for her audience with King Melger, chatting inanely about everything they saw and everyone they encountered.

Much to Leisa’s disgust and dismay, she found not only the king, but also his heir awaiting them in the large, elegantly furnished chamber, though his council was, thankfully, absent. The Garimorans seemed impatient to begin, and as a footman offered her an exquisitely uncomfortable chair, she recalled the mention of Danric she’d overheard the night before. What had they said? That they wouldn’t want to risk Vaniell being the first to produce an heir?

Perhaps she could understand their concerns for the succession, but so far as she knew, no rumor of the older prince’s engagement had yet crossed the border. Though if Melger were planning further alliances, he might not want rumors to taint his present negotiations. If he indeed intended to bind two of the Five Thrones to Garimore through marriage, the action would only add urgency to the whispered speculation that he harbored imperial aspirations.

“Finally,” King Melger said, seating himself without a word of greeting. “I don’t see any reason to dither on the issues at hand. Do you or King Soren have any questions or concerns regarding the marriage contract?”

Leisa glanced at Vaniell, but he was seating himself by her side and appeared entirely unconcerned with the conversation.

“I was not given to understand that I would be expected to negotiate on my own behalf,” she replied, not having to feign her uncertainty. That sort of thing was done by kings and their advisors. She was here to experience the court, to meet Vaniell, and to form her own opinions of the suitability of the alliance, not to decide the fate of the kingdom.

“A monarch must always be prepared to lead,” King Melger said impatiently. “And to know what will best serve his or her kingdom in the future. I trust you’ve at least read the contract and know what it contains.”

“I… yes.” He was trying to fluster her, she decided. And it was working. But she wasn’t yet ready to give up the ground she’d gained the night before, and it was time to remind him of that. “But before we discuss the contract, there is another matter that I feel must be settled between our kingdoms—a breach of sovereignty that I must admit I find troubling.”

Melger’s air of impatience sharpened into a near-predatory focus. “You wish to discuss last night?” His lips thinned for a moment, as he seemed to consider how best to respond. “Perhaps that is something better left to negotiation between myself and your father. I was willing to allow a certain degree of latitude, considering your youth and inexperience, but this is hardly the time or the place for us to enter into petty wrangling over some imagined slight. Perhaps you cannot be expected to understand the realities of keeping a kingdom secure, but there is time for you to learn,

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