Page 79 of An Archer's Redemption

I leaned forward, confusion replaced by a hawk’s piercing gaze. “You saidahand in marriage, nothishand.”

Danym actually laughed. “Oh, no, Your Majesty. The One could not marry, though I am sure he would be honored by your offer. He seeks to givemyhand to Her Majesty, in the furtherance of peace and prosperity for the land we share.”

I slumped into the cushion of the throne, stunned. “You want me to marryyou?”

Danym offered a tilt of his foppish head. “I do.”

I seethed as I glared at the man before me.

“Get out.” The world froze for but a moment. “GET OUT!”

The guards rushed forward and grabbed Danym roughly by each arm, practically lifting him off the ground as they hauled him out of the hall.

As he vanished through the doors, he called out, “So you’ll think about it?”

The doors slammed shut.

Chapter 34

Keelan

Iran my fingers along the stem of my wine glass and stared into the pattern of interlocking gold and silver woven into the tablecloth. Servants stood stiffly along the walls behind each chair, ready to fulfill any wish or desire. All I wanted was a few moments alone with Jess, a chance to talk and laugh as we had on that first stroll through the garden.

I had only seen Jess a few times since her coronation. There were always servants or messengers or the occasional soldier scurrying about. I understood. She was Queen now, with more demands on her time and attention than any other person alive, but I couldn’t ignore the tugging at my heart—or the boredom.

Over the past month, I explored every inch of the Palace, taking in both the extravagance of its interior and the natural beauty of the grounds surrounding the royal residence. Dittler hadn’t seen any more of Jess than I had, and the stubborn stallion refused to let any of the stable hands near him. At their entreaty, I spent a few hours each day exercising, grooming,and tending my equine friend. For his part, Dittler had stopped nipping me every time I approached—unless I forgot the beast’s daily apple. Without a bribe, I earned a crisp snap of the horse’s teeth in reprimand.

My other hours were far less productive.

I wasn’t a subject of the Crown and, therefore, wasn’t allowed to take part in anything meaningful. Jess included me in some Council meetings, but it was inappropriate for a foreigner to become a regular attendee at meetings involving Kingdom security.

Honestly, I was grateful to be excused from those meetings.

The Council Jess assembled was made of fine men and women, but they still loved to hear themselves talk. Jess hadn’t yet secured her Crown enough to stop the constant preening and strutting displayed by visiting nobles. I doubted any amount of royal security could ebb that tide, and I wasn’t sure I could endure her hours of platitudes without offending some pompous official with my fist, or at least my yawns.

I tried talking the Sheriff into letting me help with some of his case load. The man, still new in his role, had thanked me politely but suggested internal matters were best handled by Kingdom officers.

The Royal Guard allowed me to train with some of their guards, and I was more thankful for the physical activity than they would ever know. My mind might have wandered, but my body, at least, had some measure of focus and routine. When asked if I could help with some duty or other work, the Guard offered the same polite, yet firm, refusal.

I couldn’t remember a time when I felt more useless or adrift.

In those quiet moments, thoughts of Tiana troubled me. I saw her smiling in her infirmary, smoothing her spotless blue smock, tending some errant child who’d broken a bone. I sawher laughing at Ridley or slapping my arm, as she often did when I tried to make a jest.

And I saw her folding into the bottom of a cart.

Striding down the massive aisle in the Children’s ceremonial chamber.

Gaping with wide eyes as the dagger sank into her chest.

Guilt warred with longing each time I relived that day. I was there to protect her, to save her—to bring her home.

And I failed.

I would never forgive myself for that.

How could I?

Which only made my feelings for Jess more complicated.

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