Queen of Always by Ficklin Sherry D

Author:Ficklin, Sherry D. [Ficklin, Sherry D.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
Published: 2015-09-15T07:00:00+00:00

The next day, Prince George requests an audience. Though I want desperately to refuse him, I know I cannot afford the luxury of denial. He, as one of few who have Peter’s ear, could have valuable information. I send for tea and greet him with what I hope is a tolerant, if not friendly, smile.

He takes both my hands in his and leans forward to press a kiss on my cheek. “Your Highness,” he begins. “My lovely niece, how you have grown.”

His words hold no malice, yet they send a chill into my neck. “Uncle George. It is lovely to see you as well.”

I sit, motioning him to a chair across the table from me. “Please. Have a seat. What it is that I can do for you today?”

He snickers. “Straight to business, I see.”

I take a cup of tea from the maid, raising one eyebrow. “Unfortunately, ruling a country leaves little time for wasting on insignificant chatter,” I say as gently as possible. “And to be honest, I find I haven’t the stomach for it. Especially when my husband is threatening to divorce me. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

I do not try to conceal the accusation in my tone. The smile falls from his face, replaced by a frown. “I assure you, I had no idea.”

His false modesty raises my hackles. I set my tea on the silver tray with a clatter. “Then I doubt there is anything you might say that would be of interest to me. If that is all?”

He takes a deep breath, looking sufficiently chastised. “No, I mean, yes. I mean, I only meant that I had no part in his decision.”

I sit back, resting my hands in my lap. “What have you come to tell me?”

He strokes his chin absently before speaking. “You are more beautiful than I remember, but you are not the same innocent, naive little girl I once knew.”

“No, I am not. I am your empress and I think you should keep that firmly in mind when you choose your next words,” I openly threaten.

“Of course.” He bows his head meekly. “I wanted to come and tell you that, whatever you may think of me, I am not your enemy. Actually, I should quite like to be your ally.”

Sitting forward I reach for my tea once more and take a dainty sip. “Pretty words, Prince George. But your actions seem less genuine.”

“I know you think I’m here as a spy for King Fredrick, but I assure you, that is the least of my motivations. The simple truth is that Peter is unpredictable. His love for Prussia is strong now, but once he fully realizes his own power, even that devotion may fall into jeopardy. This is something Fredrick is well aware of.”

“Then why didn’t you seize Ivan when you had the chance? I know Peter offered him to you.”

“Ivan, I’m sure you saw with your own eyes, is too badly broken to be useful, even as a headpiece. The country would never rally to him.

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