Page 38 of North Queen
Yes, that’s what she needed help with—a justice. “I was looking for you to help me with that. I wanted to discuss a few names with you: Lord Bosley, Lord Branton, and Lord… Seymour.”
He raised a brow. “Lord Semaine?”
Norah cursed herself. At least he already knew her secret. Otherwise, that would have been yet another giveaway.
“Choose Alexander,” he said firmly.
“W-Why?” she stammered in surprise.
“Why would you not?” he tossed back.
It was a fair question. One she had asked herself. He was justice now. Catherine had chosen him. Why shouldn’tshe? She gave a small shrug. “It’s just a big decision, and it needs to be right.”
“Do you feel it’s not?”
“It’s not that.” She paused, searching for words. “I’ve only known him for a few days.”
“My dear,” James said with a rich warmth in his voice, “you’ve known him your entire life, and there’s not a man alive more committed to his duty or more loyal.” He paused. “You know, when Catherine selected him, the council worried he was too young and not ready. I worried that myself. But his father had prepared him for this role since he was a child, and over these past three years, he’s done a damn fine job at it. He’s kept this kingdom safe. His words are wise and true. He even manages to persuade Catherine at times, and that alone is a god’s feat.”
Norah couldn’t help a small smile. That did seem like a god’s feat. Her heart warmed. Alexander sounded exactly like the kind of man she should choose. “But what about the others?” she asked. “Like Lord Branton.” She couldn’t go back to her grandmother without at least one more name.
“No others. Choose Alexander, Norah. You asked my counsel, and I’m giving it.”
It wasn’t counsel that Catherine would be happy with.
“I guess I just need to think about it.”
“You had better do it quickly.”
Norah nodded, with a heavy stomach.
He paused again. “So… you remember nothing of your father?”
While she didn’t feel the pain of his passing, the tragic void wasn’t lost on her. She shook her head.
“It’s a shame,” he said sadly. “He was a great man.”
“I want to remember him. I’m trying.”
He nodded. “Then I suppose I’m not too insulted you hold no memory of me either.” But deep lines of sorrow creased his brow. This was the hardest part—the pain of loss felt by the people who had cared about her. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed. “Did Catherine tell you to drop my title and just call me James?”
She pulled her lips between her teeth and winced.
“Oh, she’s good,” he said with a gruff. “Well, let’s get back. I’m sure she’s beside herself. Just do me a favor and wait until I’m gone before you tell her I know about you.”
Norah couldn’t help a small smile again. It lightened her spirit. They found her grandmother and Alexander in the throne room, and both turned abruptly as they entered, looking to see how the conversation fared, no doubt.
James turned to Norah. “Welcome home, Your Highness. Enjoy these last few days, for everything is about to change.” He bowed to Catherine, then left the throne room.
Alexander followed James into the hall with a deep anxiousness in his stomach. The councilman had given no indication that Norah’s secret had slipped, but he was a difficult man to read at times.
“No memories?” James said finally as they walked, eyeing Alexander with a raised brow.
Alexander snorted.Of course. “She told you.” He shook his head. “She’s not very good at secrets, is she?”
“I’m surprised by you, Alexander. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”
He expected this. “Of course not. But, James, I gave my word, and I’m committed.”
