Page 51 of An Archer's Redemption

Jess spoke with purpose, measuring each word as though the whole world depended on what she said.

Perhaps it did.

This time she caught me staring.

“What?”

I smiled. “Her Majesty isremarkable.”

Crimson flared across her cheeks, and she struggled to compose herself as a page interrupted.

“Your Majesty, Council is assembled in the Throne Room.” The boy bowed and backed out.

Jess straightened in her chair and nodded to the page. In a blink, her confident, regal mask snapped back into place.

“Guardsman, follow me.”

Chapter 20

Jess

The first two hours of the Council meeting went as I had predicted.

The Ministers listened for the first hour but peppered Keelan with questions as the afternoon wore on. By the time he was allowed to sit, the mood at the table was more collaborative than interrogative.

“Your Majesty.” Mage Ernest rose as the conversation lulled. “The memorial for the late King and Prince will take place in three days, and your coronation five days later. We have planned each event in great detail but require your approval to proceed.”

My face fell at the mention of my father and Justin.

I had barely had a moment to grieve, unless one counts the time I’d spent with Keelan and Atikus running for our lives. The idea of laying them to rest weighed on my heart.

“Mage, you are new to me but have served me well thus far. My family has known the others on this Council for many years. I trust each of you to honor my father and brother as you knowI would wish it. I will leave the details to you.” A moment of silence stretched before I spoke again. “We will discuss the coronation tomorrow. One day will not spoil any plans you have made, and I could use some fresh air. Ambassador, come with me.”

I rose and led Keelan back through the door to the royal chambers. When I reached the point where we normally went in opposite directions, I turned. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

We followed a series of hallways, then paused before a plain, unmarked door that could have been a storage closet. I pushed the door open, and chill winter air rushed to greet us. A few paces farther, we were surrounded by the beauty of the famed Royal Gardens.

I smiled at the wonder on Keelan’s face. “This is one of my favorite places. I used to hide here when I did not want to do my lessons or whatever chore my mother insisted was important. There is nowhere in the world I feel more at home.”

I caught Keelan watching as I trailed my fingers across a prickly bush with pink flowers.

“Jess, it’swinter. How is this garden blooming?” The dumbfounded look on his face made me laugh.

“Do you not have gardeners with special Gifts back in Melucia?”

Recognition dawned in his eyes.

I stopped to watch him as he took in my garden. Without warning, he turned and bowled into me, nearly knocking me over. His quick, firm hands caught me from falling.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

I looked up.

Our bodies were only fingers apart.

A thrill of tension raced up my arms and into my chest.

I tried to speak, but only whispered, “It’s okay. I . . .”

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