The Heart of the Kingdom by Sasha L. Miller

Author:Sasha L. Miller [Miller, Sasha L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bisexual romance, gay romance, fantasy, fairy tale
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC
Published: 2014-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Shared Heart

"You're stepping down?" Calanthia asked, setting down her teacup loudly in surprise. She sounded as startled as Rylan felt; Locadia had been queen for over fifty years. Only Eldred looked unsurprised, but then, he was the crown prince. Locadia wouldn't spring the throne on him without warning.

"Yes." Locadia smiled, leaning on the back of the chair in front of her. She folded her hands together, her gaze lingering briefly on Cenric before she continued. "Eldred and I have been discussing it for a while, and now seems like the perfect time. We haven't worked out the specifics yet, of course, but Eldred has been handling most matters of state already."

It was a good distraction, too. Rylan didn't doubt that Locadia had moved her abdication forward because of Cenric. The news of Eldred taking the throne would give Cenric some breathing room from the attention of the court. Not much, but there was a world of difference between being the sole focus of the court and sharing that focus.

Cenric didn't seem very surprised either, fiddling with his cup and sitting low in his chair. Rylan watched him for a minute, paying only a little attention when Locadia continued, laying out some of the details of the transition. Cenric didn't seem overwhelmed, at least not yet. He alternated between studying his family and fidgeting with his tea cup. He was definitely nervous, but that was only to be expected.

"And we'll sort the rest out as we go. I'll meet with each of you this week to discuss anything specific you may need," Locadia said. She paused briefly, and then turned toward Rylan's end of the table. "Trafford, be a dear and go let the servants know we're ready for breakfast."

Trafford stood, shoving his chair back without a care. He frowned at Rylan briefly—likely wondering why Rylan was there—but obediently followed Locadia's direction.

Rylan glanced back toward the other end of the table thoughtfully. How would his fate change in Eldred's hands? Rylan hadn't had much opportunity to work with Eldred; Locadia had always dealt directly with her Huntsmen. Would she be handing them over to Eldred? Probably. A former queen wouldn't have any need for Huntsmen.

Eldred was a fair man, though he was distant and much more stoic than Locadia had ever been. He'd make a good king, of that Rylan had no doubt. Calanthia and Maryvonne were sure Rylan was getting a heart, so Rylan would definitely be getting his magic back. He could deal with everything past that as it came.

The room was quiet as the servants laid out several dishes and poured fresh tea. The servants left as quickly as they'd come, not giving Cenric so much as a second glance. Rylan made a note to search out the latest gossip on Cenric later; he was curious what people were saying about him. Cenric hadn't had a chance to make an impression on anyone, so whatever was going around would be pure fiction and possibly good teasing material.

Rylan helped himself to some porridge and some of the fresh fruit on the table.

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