Kiss of Snow

3

"I have no intention of getting married anytime soon. In fact, it's the last thing on my mind. I have to grieve my father and do my best to rule the kingdom as a new queen.” Lily paused and drew in a deep breath, then smoothed the front of her dress. “But I suppose I can at least meet with some suitable men. Do you have anyone in mind?"

"I have a list of seven suitors prepared already. Some are suggestions from the nobles themselves, and some are nobles from other kingdoms. An alliance with one of the other kingdoms would serve us well, especially if we go to war with Mesner."

Lily tilted her head as though considering Dahlia’s words, but she didn’t speak.

“It’s even more important now, after the attack on you in the forest,” Dahlia added.

“We don’t know that was targeted at me.”

“It doesn’t matter. In times like these, as much as we may hate it, you need to be seen to have a man at your side.” Dahlia was firm but gentle, although I bristled internally at her words.

I’d always been the man by Lily’s side. I’d protected her and kept her safe for years now. But even as I resented the idea Dahlia wanted another man to fill that role for Lily, a king or queen’s consort, bitter recognition trickled through me. It was the difference between my secret love for Lily and her need to be the queen to her people. My place was a pace behind her, not at her side, and it would always be that way.

Lily flicked her skirts in the way she always did when something had agitated her before she began to pace again, each of her measured steps brushing her long dress over the rugs on the stone floor. “You said seven suitors? Is that not a lot?”

“Yes, seven.” Dahlia lifted a delicate eyebrow. “Wouldn’t you rather choose your husband from a larger selection instead of one or two potential men?”

Lily returned to her seat on the chaise. “Are you quite sure this is the only way?”

“Quite sure. I’ve already started making arrangements, and all of the men are very happy to meet you.”

Of course they were. Who wouldn’t be happy to be considered for the husband to the Queen of Talador? I realized my fists were clenched, and I forced them to relax. I’d stood behind Lily on many occasions, listening to members of her family discuss her future husband. I should have been numb to it by now, but I wasn’t. I feared I never would be.

Lily pinched the bridge of her nose. “I don’t doubt that you’ve found the most suitable men you can, but is now really the right time? If the castle is attacked again, are we not endangering these seven men too?”

“Yes, I was just about to bring that up. I can arrange for the suitors to meet you at your summer palace. It’s more intimate there. Safer, too.”

I stiffened. It seemed as if all of the arrangements really had been made already. Dahlia was right though, after today’s attack, Gilbrook Castle might be safer for Lily, at least while my people conducted their investigation of it.

“I hope they won’t be expecting actual summer there.” Lily stood again, and I wanted to catch her in my arms and soothe her restless state away. She stood for a moment by the window, looking down the hill we sat atop of, toward Ralston, the capital. Then she turned back toward me, her face pinched, a crease forming between her eyebrows. “Captain Keane, what do you think?”

I cleared my throat at the unexpected question. “I agree it is wise to visit Gilbrook Castle for some time so that we may ensure your safety.” I paused, before adding, “As to the other matter, I could not possibly comment.”

“Thank you, Keane,” Lily said, before turning back to her aunt. “I can’t say I’m not reluctant, but I’ve always trusted your judgment and guidance. I will agree to meet with these suitors, though I can’t guarantee I will marry any of them."

“That is all I ask,” Dahlia said, bowing her head. “I have no wish to force you into marriage, I simply wish to strengthen your rule however I can.”

“I know.” Lily offered Dahlia a warm smile. “I'm grateful for all of your help, and I'm lucky to have you as my advisor, just as my father did.”

She sounded so regal already. How did she not realize she was already prepared to be queen? How did the foolish noblemen not realize that also?

And would any of her seven suitors see her as I did?

Three

Lily

“S

it down, Iris.” I gave the order without any real compulsion for her to do as I said. Among my family I was the oldest sister, not the queen.

Still, she flopped dramatically into her usual chair. “I’m not hungry.”

I glanced around the supper table at my sisters, and my chest tightened at the one who was missing. Rose. Closest to me in age, we shared the same mother, and Rose had been my usual confidante. But she had a different life now—one that Dahlia wanted for me. A husband, a kingdom, and a crown on our heads. I swallowed and composed myself, then faced my remaining four sisters. Without Rose, I’d have to make do with their counsel instead. With their varied skills, interests, and ages, I’d get wildly different opinions and feedback—even from the twins, Violet and Camellia, who were opposite of each other in every way. We were sharing supper together in our private dining room as we did almost every night, even since before father passed away. It was a tradition among my sisters and I to meet up like this at the end of the day and discuss matters.