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