Page 31 of North Queen
“Enter!” James called.
All the councilmen of Mercia had servants, all except James, who viewed them as being excessive. He minded himself, dressed himself, and even upset the kitchen staff by making food at times. He was a selfless man, which made his counsel invaluable. Alexander desperately wanted that counsel now, but Catherine had been firm. No one, not even James, was to know about Norah’s condition. It had even been difficult to convince her to share it with the guard, and even then, she’d limited it to the core guard. But he understood. The regent wouldn’t risk anything that might keep Norah from the throne. Without her memories, Norah was even more vulnerable. Catherine was only trying to shield her granddaughter from those she didn’t trust. And Catherine trusted no one.
It was a challenging balance between Catherine and the council—the council had given her the regency and had the power to take it away, yet Alexander’s vows as justice were to the queen regent only.
As Alexander stepped inside the chamber, James emerged from his cabinet, washed from his ride in and donning a fresh councilman’s robe.
“Ah, Alexander,” he greeted. “I came as quickly as I could.”
Alexander nodded. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Is it true?” the councilman asked him. “Is it really her?”
“Yes.” Alexander paused as the words caught thick in his throat—the words he’d feared he might never claim. “I found her, James. It’s really her.”
“Where?”
“In the Wild.”
The older man reached out and clasped the side of Alexander’s neck. “You’ve done it, my boy. You’ve done what I always knew you would.”
Alexander’s emotion brimmed, making it difficult to speak. He only nodded.
James took a deep breath and walked to the window, letting himself digest the news. “So, the time’s finally come.” He turned back to Alexander. “Where has she been?”
Alexander paused, then shook his head. “The queen regent has been waiting for you to return before answering that. There’s much to catch up on, and she wants the full council present.”
James humphed, almost to himself. “I want to see her.”
“The queen regent is still getting her settled,” he said quickly. Norah wasn’t ready to meet James yet. Unlike the other councilmen, James had been close with King Aamon and Norah. He’d know she was different, that something was wrong, like Adrian already suspected, he was certain.
“I’m sure she’ll wish to discuss her selection for lord justice once she catches her breath,” Alexander told the councilman, hoping to move him past the effort to meet with Norah now. His statement was true. Norah would be expected to seek James’s advice on her selection. Although Alexander had dreamed of the placement for himself, he didn’t dare expect it. His father had groomed him for it, to follow in his footsteps, but the position of lord justice was one of great power. Only the queen and the combined council stood above it, and Alexander didn’t presume himself worthy… or ready. There were others, great men who’d served King Aamon, men far wiser than he. The only reason Alexander held the position now was because of Catherine’s distrust for everyone else.
“Has the coronation date been set?” James asked.
Alexander’s head jerked up. “No. Not yet. Do you really mean for it to be so soon?”
“Of course. Her return sets everything in motion. Has word been sent to Aleon?”
Alexander’s chest tightened. He nodded. Caspian had seen the message off. Within the next few days, the news would reach King Phillip, who would no doubt expect what had always been promised—the seal of their alliance.A marriage.
The council would be eager for this marriage, but first they’d see Norah crowned queen. Alexander had hoped she’d have some time. He had hopedhe’dhave some time.
“Good, good.” James nodded. “I’d like to see her right away. I’ll speak to the queen regent.”
Alexander gave a respectful bow of his head. A lord justice didn’t bow to councilmen, but James was different.
The councilman reached out and clasped Alexander’s shoulder. “Well done, my boy. Your father would be proud.”
The emotion returned with James’s words. He certainly hoped his father would be proud and that he’d brought honor to their family. He wished his father were there now.
Alexander stepped from the councilman’s chamber and headed to find Catherine. He’d need to inform her of James’s intent to speak with Norah, so they’d both be prepared.
“How is James?” a voice called from a side hall as he passed.
A silent groan rolled in the back of his throat as he stopped and turned to find his brother. He’d been avoiding Adrian, and he was sure it hadn’t gone unnoticed. Adrian’s face didn’t carry its usual grin. And Adrian didn’t have the slightest interest in James, Alexander knew.
“Tired, but well,” Alexander answered.
