The queen looked surprised for a moment and then smiled wistfully. “You know, she would make an admirable queen.”
Grasping the private moment, I broached a tender subject. “Jeiwan is the heir to your husband’s throne.”
Laurel’s lips tightened in a delicate frown. “Yes. My brother is very proud of him.”
“Forgive my boldness, but I have noticed that there are those in the kingdom who would rather see the throne pass to a child of your issue.”
She looked into my eyes and I read a deep sorrow in her soul. “As would I, but it is not possible.” She gestured towards the grounds in general as she whispered, “My position has a price, you know. Romert is kind, and I know he desires a son, but he is not as young as he once was.”
“He is not too old to father a child.”
Laurel did not speak for a
