Page 118 of A Thieving Curse

“You’ll have to testify to the Court, Raelyn, if we can convince them to allow that,” Mother said. She stroked Raelyn’s hair. “We’ll have to hope you and Alexander can win over the lords. Surely King Henry won’t risk revolt.”

“He might if the alternative is being executed for regicide.” Father dragged his hand over his hair. “And if the Court is split and Henry threatens the dissenting nobles, they may think it’s easier to side with their current king than get embroiled in a civil war.”

“Not if you offer aid to Alexander,” Raelyn countered. “Just the threat might—”

“Henry knows he would have an advantage in supply lines and geography, if not in numbers. He knows it takes time to move an army through the mountains.” Father walked to the window and stared out it. “Henry’s already shown he’s willing to go to war when he took Gareth captive and demanded a new bride for his son. And my agreement told him I’m not willing to risk it.” His posture sagged as he turned around. “We already sent Elena home. Since you’re alive, they won’t accept anyone else anyway. You might have to marry Tristan, Raelyn.”

Mother stood and spoke in a low voice. “Weston, surely—”

“I won’t allow it.” Gareth strode up to Father. “I won’t.”

“You’ve caused enough trouble, Gareth.” Father’s gaze was sharp as his sword. “If your recklessness hasn’t already cost you your life and possibly our peace, youwillkeep your emotions in check and follow my lead.”

Gareth fumed, his fists clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white. But he turned away from Father without saying anything more. He didn’t look at Raelyn.

“Alexander will convince the nobles,” Raelyn said, staring down at the marks on her wrists. “I’m sure he will. But if I’m wrong…” Her tongue felt thick in her mouth. “Maybe I can help Tristan be kinder. I can be a compassionate queen.”I won’t be cruel. I’ll honor Lucas by being selfless. And if Alex can forgive me, I can forgive Tristan.

“Raelyn?” Gareth knelt in front of her. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, she does,” Father said. He sounded tired.

Raelyn shook her head, her heart heavy. “I won’t cause a war. There’s enough cruelty in this world without me adding to it.” She took Gareth’s hand. “Hate isn’t worth it, Gareth. The world needs more people like Alex and Meredith and Lucas, who are kind even though they have reason not to be. There are enough vindictive people causing pain. I won’t be one of them.”

Gareth gently squeezed her hand as turmoil reflected in his pinched face. “I don’t want to be kind to the Carbreys.”

“Love is a choice.” Raelyn gulped as she felt tears trying to push past her defenses again. “I’m choosing to love my people.”

“What about Alexander?”

She closed her eyes. “I’ll always love Alexander, whatever happens.” She forced her eyes open. “But he’ll convince the Court of Lords, I’m sure.”

Gareth nodded, but by the look in his eyes, she knew neither of them were certain of anything.

40

HENRY CALLED FOR the lords to convene in three days, the minimum required notice for the Rethali king to call the Court. Not every lord would be able to arrive at such short notice, but the law only required three quarters of the Court to be present. Father demanded to be included. Henry begrudgingly agreed.

Raelyn hardly slept that night in the cushioned four-poster bed, knowing Alex and the others were in a cell. She wished she could visit them but knew better than to even ask.

The next day, a servant woman knocked on her bedroom door. Raelyn opened the door to the small visiting room, and the servant curtsied.

“His Highness Crown Prince Tristan requests to speak with you, Your Grace. Shall I admit him to the sitting room?”

Raelyn hoped she kept her distaste off her face. She’d prefer not to see him, but if the Court of Lords didn’t crown Alexander, she would have no choice. If she were required to wed Tristan, turning him away now would be a poor start to their marriage. She forced a smile.

“Yes, thank you. Please tell him I’ll be out in a moment.” Raelyn closed the door and leaned against it, gathering her courage. After several deep breaths, she reopened the door and pulled it closed behind her. Tristan bowed, and she curtsied politely. To her alarm, the servant woman was gone.

They were alone.

“Princess Raelyn.” Tristan walked up to her and knelt on one knee. He took her hand and lowered his head while she remained still in baffled surprise. “I apologize. I treated you unfairly, and…” He grunted. “I treated Prince Alexander cruelly. I should not have bound you. I have not behaved like a prince or gentleman, and I am sorry.”

She hesitated, trying to sort through her emotions before responding. There was no way for her to know if he was honestly apologetic or being diplomatic. She wished she had Alex’s gift for telling if someone was lying.

With a start, Raelyn realized Alex didn’t have that ability anymore, either.Just believe Tristan’s telling the truth. It will make things easier. If…She shoved the thought away. Truthfully, she didn’t want to forgive him, nor did she believe his flat apology.

But it didn’t matter. All that mattered was protecting her people.

Her chest squeezed. She couldn’t protect Alex, but she could prevent a war. And she had made herself a promise to be kind.

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