Page 49 of Bride By Coronation

I groan. "You two are impossible. When are you going to get along?"

She scoffs. "When he grows up."

"You're not innocent," I point out.

"I am," she insists.

"No. You're not."

She beams, chirping, "Gotta go! See you later!" She shuts the door.

I sit down at my desk and take out my letterhead. I rip the top off and grab my pen, then study Fiona's letter.

My dearest Fiona,

Thank you for your letter.

"Kirill, what did you call me here for?" Brax booms from my bedroom doorway.

"Ever hear of knocking?"

"You've been in here forever. I have a lot to do today. Tell me what my task is so I can go on with my life," he orders.

I point at him. "You better watch your tongue, or I'll cut it out."

He closes his mouth and grinds his molars, shooting me a look of death.

I glance at the letter, then change my plans for him. "I'll tell you what. Go sit on the couch until I'm ready for you. Instead of the six-hour task I had for you, I'll give you a quicker one. But stop your bitching, or I'll make you work all weekend."

"Fine," he grumbles, then shuts the door harder than he should.

Ignore him,I tell myself, refocusing on the letter.

I carefully go through it and address Fiona's concerns. At least the ones I know won't violate any rules. I reread what I wrote, then get to her PS.

I have to figure this out, yet it seems impossible.

What to let a queen borrow.

I pace for several moments, then stop in front of the window.

I mutter, "How stupid could I be?"

I return to the letter and add a PS.

I fold up the note, stick it in the envelope, then add the skull seal. I writeFionaon it, then take it out to the main room.

Brax crosses his arms. "Can I please start my task?"

"Your Majesty," I remind him, tired of his disrespect. I don't throw my rank around a lot, but he's getting on my nerves.

He shifts in his seat. "Sorry. Your Majesty."

I point at him. "You need to change your attitude. Understand?"

His face hardens. "Yes, sir."

I study him for a moment, then nod. "Good. Now, I have an extremely urgent matter, and it's important. I need to know I can trust you."

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