The Heir In Disguise

his palace, his thoughts turned to his wife. The image of her-radiant and full with child-brought a rare smile to his li

y, and servants rushed to greet him. His mother, Dowager Queen

lipped. "And what news do you bring? I ass

ing his horse with practiced ease

ng into a faint sneer. "Likely sleeping

t mother, give

he halls were dimly lit, the soft glow of the evening casting long shadows. Servants bo

e opened the door quietly. The s

f her belly. The soft candlelight illuminated her features, and Gareth felt a

, his gaze never leaving her. He brushed a strand of hai

smile curved her lips. "You're back,"

you," he said softly, leaning dow

rself up slightly. "How

to see you," he admitted, h

flicker of something uncertain

h said, shaking his head. "How are

rt ache. "I feel good, stronger even. I have a good feeling about th

g gently. "My love, I've told you before. I don't care abou

I don't have a choice. I've already given you four daughters, and still, everyone w

ace and forcing her to meet his eyes. "You've given me a fa

her chin lifting slightly. "I must give you an heir,"

udgment that weighed so heavily on her shoulders, but he knew there was no use arguing.

n me more than I des

ling of unease that lingered in the air-a sense that the

ounding him amidst the chaos that brewed in his mind. Just as

s voice steady but l

"Your Majesty, the prince has arrive

aze cooling instantly. His wife noticed the

er?" she as

plied tersely, h

rrival was rarely a good omen. Kaelen had a penchant for stirring trou

her voice tentative, her hand reachin

. "If Kaelen is here, it's not without purpose. I'd rathe

his tunic, and leaned down to kiss h

cern shadowing her features,

teps brisk as he followed the guard through the palace hal

rous ambition. While Gareth had dedicated his life to the crown and his people, Kae

lly on one of the ornate chairs near the fireplace, a goblet of wine in hand.

ding his arms wide. "It's been f

is grin as infuriating as ever. He knew his brother too

tone cold and unwelcoming. "Wha

ng a sip. "Must you always assume the worst of me, brother?

er. "I don't have time for game

Truly, your hospitality knows no bounds." He set the goblet down on a nearby table

ds weighted. "With the looming war, I thought perhaps you could use another sw

narrowing. "And what do you want

I want nothing. Perhaps I'm simply doing my du

open, and Margret entered. She moved with a grace that belied the exhaus

gret," he said, his voice softer than usual, though there was a gli

cus quickly shifted to Gareth. "I didn't mean

ing," Gareth assured

ulations on the pregnancy, dear sister-in-law," he said smoothly. "Let's hope

ick enough to cut. Gareth's eyes flashed with anger, and he took a s

almly, though there was an edge

r wavering. "As you should be. It's hi

the subject. "And how is your wife, Kaelen?

honest, I've almost forgotten I'm married. She spends most of her

pressing into a thin line. "How unfo

If you've come to offer your so-called assistance, w

k to dismiss me. Very well, brother. I'll take my leave-for now." He turned to Margret, b

throne room, the sound of his boot

d slowly, running a hand through his hair. Marg

im get under your sk

th muttered, his voice low. "Kaelen always has a plan,

, Gareth couldn't shake the feeling that Kaelen's visit