Page 147 of Spar of Hearts

“Yes. Oh yes, I can feel you…” She rubbed her cheek on his, causing a little shiver to roll down her spine. “You’re in my chest, my lungs, oh, Roderick…if you feel it too, does this mean…?”

“Yes. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now, Delemond. In this life and the next.”

“Ahem.”

Anya swiped the blood from her face and looked up, finding the Regent eyeing them with an amused expression.

Right. First things first: clean up this diplomatic mess.

“I believe we have much to discuss, Princess Anya.”

That was an understatement. But she was ready. The Prince, it seemed, had received a thorough tongue-lashing. He leveled an unsettling glare at Anya before disappearing through a door beyond the dais. Something told her it wouldn’t be the last of the trouble he caused for Valeria.

But if that day ever came, she—and her pack—would be ready.

As she turned away, she finally noticed Sir Bayard at the Regent’s heels, every bit the stoic guard—save for a slight smile on his face when his eyes met hers.

“Thank you,” she mouthed. He tipped his head in acknowledgment.

“Come.” The Regent beckoned them with a graceful hand. “We will meet in my study.”

“And our retainers?” Anya asked, gesturing to Blackbird and Sir Oshfeldt, who were still frozen in place.

The Regent cast a glance at the two Elvani. “If they can keep their magic to themselves, they may join us. In fact, I may have an interesting proposal for them.”

Anya, Roderick, Blackbird and Sir Oshfeldt sat on plush velvet couches in the Regent’s study, so unlike the Prince’s. It was welcoming and warm, with personable touches on every surface: painted portraits, flower arrangements, whirring and moving knickknacks that Anya found most fascinating.

The Regent spoke as a servant poured them each a cup of fragrant tea. “I think formal introductions are in order. I am Agnes Lorraine Amund, Regent of Aquillas. I welcome you to Aquillas on behalf of the Crown and Council. I regret that my father, King Gaius Amund, is not able to greet you himself in his current condition.”

Anya had heard the Regent mention some kind of treatment but resolved not to pry. While the Regent did not seem the overly-wary type, it could seem like one ruler trying to find out more about the weaknesses of another.

Anya tipped her head. “I am Princess Anya Delemond of Valeria.” She gestured to each of them in turn. “And this is my mate and Prince consort, Lord Roderick Bryson, lady-in-waiting, Blackbird Rowan, and Lord Bryson’s Vice Commander, Sir Octavio Oshfeldt. It is a pleasure to meet you, and to see Aquillas with our own eyes. You have a beautiful kingdom.”

“I assure you, what you have seen is only the beginning. Which is why I am sad to say you may not continue on.” The Regent set down her tea with a solemn expression.

Roderick stiffened beside Anya. Blackbird and Sir Oshfeldt’s eyes went wide.

“We…can’t?” Roderick said cautiously. Anya could tell he was already preparing to fight again. To Roderick, the Regent’s words must have sounded like a threat. But she knew exactly where this was going from the moment a council was mentioned.

Resting a hand on his to calm his nerves, Anya looked at the Regent with a confidence she felt all the way to her marrow. “I understand. Exploration is not our intent here, as delightful as it sounds.” She described the illness plaguing the Balcott children, Valeria’s reliance on mana stones, the limits of Elvani magic, the rarity of healing mages, and everything in between. Valeria had no secrets. Not anymore—and neither did she.

The Regent listened with enraptured interest, only stopping her to ask the occasional question. When Anya told her of her deal with the Prince, the Regent’s jaw tensed as she massaged her brow.

“I should have never left. I should have sent an aid in my place,” she muttered.

“I am sure His Majesty preferred having you accompany him,” Blackbird offered. The Regent laughed almost bitterly.

“He does not know the difference, I’m afraid.” She sighed. “He has been in long-sleep for ten years.”

“Ten years?” Sir Oshfeldt blurted, then instantly regretted it, covering his mouth. “Apologies.”

“No need.” The Regent waved him off. “I should explain. See, I would be more than pleased to let you explore, if you so desired, but it is simply not up to me. While I am the Regent, it was not my father that appointed me. It was the Solar and Lunar Council. They decide whether or not to continue my appointment on the Winter Solstice each year. Though recently, the margin has been getting slimmer with each passing year. I believe my brother is slowly convincing them to cast their vote for him.”

A serious expression came over her. “You can see how well that would turn out for Aquillas. He has been pacified with a long leash over the northern territories thus far. A chance to prove himself a good leader, I suppose. Some people believe him stronger than I. And perhaps that is so. But strength is not all that makes a good leader. It is wisdom and patience; being slow to anger and quick to understand. It is self-sacrifice, love for your people, and being true to the heart that cares for them. What I saw today has proven all those qualities in both of you.” A soft smile reached the corners of her eyes as her gaze fell to Anya and Roderick’s joined hands. Could she see the way Roderick gently massaged the back of her hand with his strong fingers, or the way Anya’s claws poked the surface of his skin?

The Regent looked at Blackbird and Sir Oshfeldt in turn. “And if the people of Valeria are even half as honorable, I have hope for the reunified partnership of our kingdoms. Which is why I have a proposal for you.”

“I think I’ve had enough proposals for one day,” Anya chuckled.