PLEASE ENJOY THIS SAMPLE OF
DIVINE MERIT BY VIRGINIA CANTRELL
COURTESY OF HOT TREE PUBLISHING
*****
CHAPTER ONE
"She is a child playing games, nothing more," she heard Caeden say from the other side of the doorway. His cold tone sent a shiver through her entire body and froze her mid step. Her handsome soldier was upset. This was a side of him she was not usually permitted to see. In her presence, he was always polite, if a bit distant and reserved. Everything about Caeden fascinated her, even his anger, and she couldn't help but stop to listen.
It would be extremely embarrassing for the Princess of Velius, the future ruler of the island of Cashile, to be caught eavesdropping at the door of the soldiers' keep, but Amira was willing to take a chance for the opportunity to glimpse the real Caeden. He was strong, determined, loyal, a pure warrior—her warrior... well, maybe not hers yet, but she could dream. She knew she spent entirely too much time focused on him, but despite his usual aloofness, there were times she would catch him watching her with an unguarded expression. She was inexperienced, but she would almost swear it was desire she read on his face.
That was the reason she now found herself sweaty and tired from their weekly self-defense lesson. It was against social etiquette for females, especially one of her stature, to participate in such a crude activity. She had originally asked him to train her solely for the chance to spend time with him, but she had actually grown to enjoy the physical activity as well. Unfortunately, they had just finished a particularly frustrating lesson on how to immobilize an attacker. She knew Caeden had been disappointed by her lack of attention and her unwillingness to take a swing at him, but she just couldn't force herself to hit him. She would look into his ice-blue eyes, feel herself melting inside, and be unable to think of anything else. The lesson had gone badly and she didn't want to end their encounter on a negative note, so she was using the excuse of returning a towel to the training room as an opportunity to see him one more time before they both went about their duties.
Standing in the hallway, she could picture the look of frustration in his intense eyes and the tension in his square jaw. She envisioned him carelessly pushing his honey-brown hair out of his ruggedly handsome face. She wished she were brave enough to run her fingers through his shoulder-length hair, brushing it away from his face for him. She'd let her hand rest on his broad shoulder before slowly sliding it down to explore and memorize his muscular chest and hard, flat stomach. Amira barely caught the sigh that nearly left her lips at the fantasy inspired by his masculine beauty and lethal grace. He had the build of a perfect warrior. As captain of the elite Royal Guard, which served her family directly, he was responsible for leading the army of Velius.
Legend said the people of Cashile were the descendants of the union between angels and humans, the fabled Nephilim. The angels had created the island as a sanctuary for their offspring to protect them from persecution by man for their strength, beauty, and longer life span. The island was located in the northern hemisphere and was hidden and protected by a shield. Amira had never seen any of the angels they were supposedly descendants of, but she imagined Caeden's powerful and flawless body rivaled that of the mighty angels. Just the mental image of his body was so enticing and distracting, she almost forgot where she was until the conversation beyond the doorway continued.
"True, she hasn't reached full maturity, but that hardly makes her a child," came the even response from Trevin, another member of the Royal Guard.
Their people reached full maturity at the age of twenty-five, when their aging process all but stopped and a type of near-immortality took over. After reaching full maturity, they became immune to disease, and although they could still be injured, their bodies healed quickly and with no marks. Their life span was more than ten times longer than a human's and they could live for near to a thousand years before their bodies settled into eternal rest. Before reaching full maturity, they were extremely vulnerable and fragile in comparison.
Amira rarely heard Trevin speak unless he was directly addressed. This was indeed a candid moment between the soldiers. Trevin was the quietest and most deceptively calm of all of the Royal Guard. His even manner often made others forget how absolutely deadly he could be. She had once witnessed his swift victory over a soldier who thought to challenge him; he had reminded her of a snake waiting for the exact moment to strike, and then it was all over.
"She reaches maturity in less than two years, but I'm not talking about her actual age," Caeden said, still sounding frustrated. "These training sessions are unbearable." A loud bang, like something hitting the wall, made her jump. "She is just so damn naïve, following me around, seeking my attention." He sighed. "The way she looks at me..."
Amira's whole body turned to lead. They were discussing her!
"What is wrong with it? She looks at you like a girl who has just received a gift from the angels."
"That's very poetic of you, Trevin," Caeden responded dryly. "What's wrong with it is I'm her guard; she shouldn't look at me like that."
"And why not?" Trevin asked again.
After a slight hesitation, he answered firmly, "It chases off all of the other females; that's why not. They don't even want to be seen with me for fear of upsetting their beloved princess."
Child... naïve... other females!
She couldn't listen to another word. She could barely breathe. Hopefully, she would make it to her chambers before she made a complete fool of herself and broke down into tears in the hallway. The towel she had been returning fell silently to the floor as she turned and ran.
______
Trevin burst into laughter. "Glad to amuse you, Trevin," Caeden said sardonically. He could tell his closest friend was struggling to contain his enjoyment. It was rare to see him laugh, but that subject never failed to entertain him.
Typically, he'd smile enigmatically, but today it seemed he was in an unusually talkative mood as he said, "I didn't realize you knew this island had any other females."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"When was the last time you were with a female?" Trevin asked knowingly.
Caeden had to admit to himself it had been a while. There were plenty of opportunities, despite what he said about the princess chasing them off, but the truth was, he just wasn't interested. Not that he'd ever admit that to anyone else.
"I've been busy with my duties," he said as an excuse. Caeden could still see the grin Trevin was trying to hide and knew he wasn't fooling his friend. Trevin was the type of person who often saw far more than you wanted anyone to see. His stoic nature made him easy to confide in and the fact he rarely spoke made him a great listener.
"Yes, your duties—guard rotation, soldier training, and, of course, your personal hands-on lessons with Princess Amira," Trevin pointed out with a smirk. He was the only other person who knew Caeden had been secretly instructing the princess. "If you're overwhelmed and she is really a burden, I could take on her weekly lessons."
"No," Caeden answered instinctively. A full smile split Trevin's face. "I mean, she found the courage to ask me and it is not a huge burden," he tried to explain. He couldn't admit there was a part of him that craved this time spent with her. His princess was usually so poised and polite, but in the training she was unguarded and excited; she had a fire in her eyes he rarely saw, like a dormant part of her was coming to life. Give that up? Not a chance.
"Technically, I shouldn't even be teaching her. I'll face the consequences if we're found out, no need for you to be involved further. The rule is archaic, but it's still a rule; although, it hurts nothing for a female to learn a few basic moves to protect herself. Not that the princess will ever have need or opportunity."
That was the Royal Guard's job. His job.
"You don't have to defend it to me. My point being, you have sanctioned the time spent with our princess and have enjoyed her attentions. What male wouldn't?" Trevin said with a wicked glint in his eyes.
Indeed, what male wouldn't? He could picture all the males who would gladly stand in line just to have a conversation with his princess or even a touch of her hand. The thought of another male touching her made him want to snarl with fury. And that was exactly the problem. She wasn't his, would never be his, so he had no right to feel possessive of her. He was Princess Amira's guard, nothing more.
"As I said, she plays a childish game with me; flirting and trying to get my attention. I know it's all innocent, and I highly doubt she would know what to do with my attention anyhow. I'm sure she simply feels it's safe to behave this way with me because nothing can come of it. But I am a male, Trevin. I only have so much self-control. She'll get over this infatuation soon, but until then..." He sighed.
It was difficult for him to admit this weakness, even to his closest friend. Caeden prided himself on his control and hated not being able to let go of this all-consuming attraction he felt for his princess. There. He'd admitted it, at least to himself; he was attracted to the princess. She drove him to distraction with her delicate frame, her big gray eyes that flashed silver when she was excited, and the sweet scent of vanilla that seemed to trail after her. Her waist-length, rich, dark brown hair was an incredible sight. At 5'4, she was unusually short for their kind and his 6'4 frame dwarfed her. Princess Amira was so small and looked so delicate, it was no wonder he felt overly protective of her. She was in truth delicate and vulnerable, at least until she reached her maturity.
While he was being honest with himself, he had to admit her age scared him most of all. He feared all of the possible things that could happen to her. What if she were injured or became ill? Caeden was unused to the cramping fear in his stomach at the thought. He couldn't let himself even consider such an incident. It was his job to protect her and he would, even from himself.
"What if it's not a game?" Trevin asked quietly. "Not to her. Stop fighting it and stop trying to control it. Let things take their natural course."
Caeden felt like he had been sucker punched as his breath caught in his throat. What if... No, he couldn't allow himself to even entertain the idea for a single moment. Thoughts like that were dangerous.
"No." Caeden shook his head.
"Why not? I've seen the way she looks at you, like you're the reason the sun rises each morning."
He had seen that look, too. He loved that look.
"That is exactly what I mean. She is so innocent and doesn't know what is best for her. She's naïve enough to think I'm safe to practice her wiles on."
Trevin didn't bother to respond, but gave his friend a look that told him how much of an idiot he thought he was.
"I'm a soldier; she's a princess. My father was a low-ranking soldier, and my mother and sister tend the fruit orchard. I grew up in a modest cottage, and she was born into a palace. I have no social graces." Caeden explained, as if their social status would clarify everything.
"You are the highest-ranking soldier in the entire kingdom, hell, on this entire island. You somehow think your humble upbringing makes you unworthy of her? You've struggled and worked hard for everything you've achieved." Trevin continued before Caeden could respond. "Tell me, do you think one of the lazy aristocratic males from another territory would be better suited for her? Worthy of her? Could protect her and meet her needs? Let alone take command of the kingdom?"
No! "Yes," Caeden said through gritted teeth.
Trevin sighed, shook his head, and headed for the door. Caeden felt like punching something or someone. He'd like to start with all of the aristocratic males parading themselves around his princess, which happened more frequently as her maturity approached. He couldn't count how many formal dinners he had been forced to stand guard at, watching as the weak aristocrats tried to win favor with his princess. She was beautiful and sweet, never saying an unkind thing about anyone. She went out of her way to make every guest feel welcome and she genuinely cared about everyone in her kingdom. Princess Amira had a vibrant spirit she kept hidden behind her sense of duty, but that wasn't why they tried so hard to impress her. They pursued her because with her hand came the Kingdom of Velius and rulership of all of Cashile.
Thus far, she had shown no sign of favoritism toward any of her suitors, but Caeden knew someday that would change. It was his princess's duty to marry and continue the royal bloodline. So far, she was poised, polite, the perfect princess... but she was bored out of her mind by all of them. Will tonight be different? He dreaded the constant thought. Tonight was another formal dinner with the leaders of the three other territories of Cashile, and the most persistent of her suitors, Sorin of Ammon, would be present. The thought of Sorin and his princess together made his vision red with fury. He really needed to hit something. Thank the angels it was time for training.
______
"Amira, may I come in?" The soft words accompanied a light tap on her closed chamber door. "It's an hour until supper. Would you like me to help you prepare?"
Amira smiled through her still blurry eyes. Inaya always knew when she was upset and was there to lend her unwavering support. Inaya had been brought to live in the palace as Amira's companion sixteen years prior, when Amira had been seven and Inaya had been nine. The girls had bonded immediately and had been near inseparable for over half their lives. Amira took a deep breath and let it out slowly before opening the door.
"Yes, I do believe I could use your help tonight."
"Oh, dear...," Inaya breathed softly as she pulled Amira close for a comforting hug, closing the door firmly behind her.
Amira would not allow anyone else to see her like this. She knew her duty as the Princess of Velius. She was always to be cheerful, polite, and gracious. She wasn't allowed to show sorrow, hurt feelings, or pain. She was the hope and future of the Kingdom of Velius and the island of Cashile, a responsibility she could never forget. Through her choice of consort and her blood, the royal bloodline would continue, and thus the security of Cashile would be ensured.
Legend told, when the angels first created the island as a safe haven for their offspring, the royal family was created and entrusted with the duty to preserve the shield surrounding the island. The most sacred of bonds, a blood bond, was forged by the angels between the royal family and the island itself. Soon it would fall on Amira's shoulders to uphold that covenant. Therefore, in the privacy of her chambers she had given herself only until suppertime to feel her heartache. Now it was time to put it away and do her duty.
"I've brought a cold compress. Here, hold this on your eyes to help with the swelling while I redo your hair," Inaya said, immediately taking charge.
Amira noticed Inaya had already gotten herself ready for the formal dinner they would attend. She looked beautiful in her formfitting turquoise gown, which accentuated her generous curves and matched her eyes perfectly. She had clipped her long golden-blonde hair in an intricate knot, but left a few strands to frame her face. She looked flawless and well put together as always. At 5'8, Inaya loomed over Amira's small form, and her beauty at times made Amira self-conscious about what she considered to be her plain, mousy looks. But she couldn't be resentful of her friend. Inaya was as kind and generous as she was beautiful. Amira also knew Inaya didn't feel as confident as she looked, and was uncomfortable with her curvy body.
Amira had never been as grateful for her friend as she was at that moment. "You are such a blessing. How did you know?"
"Oh, that's easy," Inaya said as she worked. "I heard you sneak up to your chambers through the hidden servants' entrance. When you didn't come back down, I knew it must be something awful, if it kept you confined to your rooms for half of the day." She paused, and then she asked hesitantly, "Are you ready to talk about it yet?"
Amira shared what she had overheard. "I'm just so embarrassed!" she finished. "I have been in love with him for years and he sees me as nothing but a nuisance." Inaya was shaking her head. "What?"
"That just doesn't make sense. I've seen you two together and there are definitely sparks on both sides." Inaya tried to explain. "I think you rattle him. Males, especially soldiers, like to be in control. I think Caeden does want you, but deep down you scare him senseless. He knows he cannot control you; you're the princess, for crying out loud."
"He said he wanted other women!" Amira couldn't get past that point; the pain cut deep.
Inaya started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Amira didn't find the thought of Caeden with another female the least bit funny.
"I just remembered a conversation I heard between Murdock and a couple of the other guards."
Murdock was Inaya's oldest brother and a member of the Royal Guard. There were six in all. They usually paired off and rotated shifts between guard duty and training the other soldiers. Caeden was the captain and Trevin was his second-in-command.
Levi and Murdock were usually the guards during the day. Levi liked to keep his nights and evenings free for female companionship, for which he never lacked. Murdock, on the other hand, could usually be found at home spending time with his wife Maryse, who was expecting their first child. He was a good soldier, but Amira thought he was one of the more arrogant and bossy of the guards, probably because she and his sister had spent so much time together that he now treated her much like a sister as well.
Dalek and Osmond were the guards usually on the night shift. Amira was told Dalek was playful and had a wicked sense of humor when he wasn't on duty, but unfortunately, she was never able to see that side of him. Osmond, on the other hand, was the most formidable and unapproachable of her guards. She was thankful he was usually assigned to her father. It was Amira's opinion that he didn't much care for women, although she knew he was married to a robust and sturdy female named Francine.
"I swear, the soldiers gossip worse than females," Inaya continued with another giggle.
"What did they say?" Amira's interest was fully piqued. She couldn't help but grin at her friend's amusement.
"I heard Dalek telling the other guards that he thought Caeden must be going daft because he saw that hussy, Sadie"—she said the name with a shudder and a comical look of distaste—"all but strip naked and throw herself at Caeden's feet in the middle of the courtyard, yet Caeden barely spared her a glance."
Amira released the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She tried hard not to think badly of anyone, but just then she couldn't help the unkind things she was thinking about Sadie.
"Murdock said Caeden was just showing good sense by staying clear of that viper, but Levi seemed to think Caeden was developing an aversion to females. Then the conversation digressed into crude jokes and caveman-like behavior, which would scald your innocent little ears," Inaya said with revulsion.
Amira would have loved to have been a witness to the rest of their conversation. Having been sheltered most of her life, she would have found it thrilling; unlike Inaya, who had grown up with two older brothers.
"That doesn't mean anything; maybe I should just give up and accept that he doesn't want me," she said dejectedly.
"Or maybe you should show him what he is missing." Inaya eyed Amira calculatingly.
______
"Holy hell, you almost took my head off!" Murdock panted.
"Just checking your reflexes," Caeden replied, barely winded.
"This is supposed to be friendly sparring," Dalek added.
After the soldiers had finished training, the other members of the Royal Guard had decided to help Caeden out of his apparently dark mood by challenging him to a three-on-one sparring match. Now they were regretting their decision. Dalek, Murdock, and Levi had their asses handed to them by Caeden.
"How am I supposed to explain to Murdock's pregnant wife that he died while in a friendly competition?" Dalek questioned.
"Easy. You say, 'Maryse, your husband was slow as shit,'" Levi provided helpfully. "Better yet, I'll tell her, and then I could comfort her."
He'd barely finished his sentence before Murdock launched himself at Levi. Dalek and Caeden were between the two males before any blood could be shed.
"I'm sure Maryse doesn't like that shade of lipstick on her man," Dalek said, staring at Levi's lips. Caeden, Dalek, and Murdock all roared with laughter as Levi shot them each a look of contempt while wiping his mouth.
"You let me go all this time with cosmetics on my face?" he accused. "What kind of friends are you?"
They all laughed harder.
"So, Levi, tell us again how you were late for practice because you were helping repair a fence in the northern field," Caeden said once he was able to catch his breath, which stirred another round of laughter.
Levi couldn't stay angry and had to agree, it had been a fitting punishment. "Well, the fence did break, I just didn't mention how it broke," he said with a wicked grin.
"Sadie?" Dalek questioned.
"Nope; her sister, Rebecca," Levi answered with a wink.
"I don't know how you do it," Dalek said in awe.
Levi definitely had a reputation with the females. He was known for being elusive, but instead of being deterred, females seemed to find him all the more appealing because of that. Each hoped she would be able to keep the alluring warrior. Most women found Levi's shaggy, blond-streaked hair, lean muscular build, and big green eyes irresistible. He could almost be described as pretty, except for the hard look that rarely left his eyes.
"All your promiscuity is going to come back to haunt you," Murdock predicted with a shake of his head.
"You have been trapped too long, my friend," Levi answered, slapping Murdock on the back, all of their earlier hostility forgotten.
"If the ability to climb in bed with Maryse each night, to hold her in my arms and feel our child growing within her is a trap, then I pray to never break free. I only hope one day you will be as lucky as I am, my friend," Murdock told him seriously before walking away.
Caeden couldn't help but agree and secretly envied the bond Murdock and his Maryse shared.
They all began to make their way back to the soldiers' keep.
"Lucky Osmond and Trevin, to be on duty this afternoon. I'm glad he isn't usually this moody. I thought for sure he was going to dismember at least a couple of the trainees," Levi murmured to Dalek.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure a few of the newer recruits left in need of clean underpants." Dalek smirked.
"We could always take advantage of his dark mood to weed out the weaker males," Murdock suggested logically.
Caeden glared at the three soldiers as they continued to talk about him as if he weren't walking right beside them.
"Maybe he needs to get laid," Levi added helpfully, shooting Caeden a pointed look.
"Sex is not the answer to all of life's problems," Murdock retorted.
"Hey, it works well for me." Levi smiled.
"Except when your female friends have a catfight in the courtyard," Dalek reminded him gleefully.
"Hey, that was only one time, and have you noticed how well Ruth and Kaitlyn get along now?" Levi defended, smirking.
"Not sure how you accomplished that," Murdock grumbled.
"I told you it worked well for me." Levi wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"You're a god," Dalek said in awe at the same time Murdock muttered, "Someday..." with a shake of his head. Caeden just rolled his eyes.
"To each his own." Levi laughed.
"Maybe it's the stress of extra guard duty, due to our guests' arrival," Dalek said, returning to the previous topic, clearly not done teasing Caeden. "Maybe he is cracking under the pressure," he added, shooting Caeden a sly look.
Any time there were visitors from the other territories, the Guard was on high alert. The royal family was not usually guarded inside the palace, except when they had foreign guests. The leaders of the three other territories and their entourages were not to be trusted. Each leader was a distant relative to the royal family, assigned to govern their specific part of the island. For the most part, they were good men and women, but greed and squabbles over territory borders were not unheard of—hence the need for each territory to have its own military and defense—but each territory was under the rule of the royal family that governed the territory of Velius.
Caeden shook his head, not taking the bait.
"Pfft," Murdock scoffed. "More like he is cracking under the pressure not to kill that rat bastard Sorin."
"I'd like to have a go at him myself," Dalek said, suddenly very serious.
"If you ladies are finished gossiping, maybe you could go about your duties," Caeden interrupted, wanting to end the thread of conversation before his "dark mood" returned in full force.
"Yep, needs to get laid," Caeden heard Dalek mumble as he walked away.
______
"Amira, darling, the guests are arriving," her Aunt Marcelle's husky voice interrupted through the closed door.
Amira's mother, Queen Maryam, had died weeks after giving birth to her. She'd had a hard time conceiving and never regained her strength after Amira was born. Her mother's sister, Marcelle, tried to fill the role of surrogate mother as best she could, but it definitely did not come naturally for her.
"Good evening, Aunt Marcelle," Amira said in greeting, admitting her into her chambers.
"Don't you look just lovely, darling? Your gown will surely make an impression on our guests. You know Lord Sorin of Ammon will be here," she said in a falsely conspiratorial tone.
Marcelle loved to use a person's full title, as if having a title made someone more important than those without. The gown Inaya had picked out for Amira was a little more daring than usual. It was a long, sleeveless champagne-gold silk gown, which hugged her slender curves to perfection. Amira had never worn anything quite so revealing, but she had to admit it made her small breasts look much more ample than they really were and she felt kind of beautiful for once.
"Yes, one must always try to impress Lord Sorin," Inaya said with disdain.
"You look lovely as well, Aunt Marcelle," Amira said quickly, trying to divert her aunt's attention.
It was no secret that Inaya and Marcelle didn't get along; in fact, Marcelle didn't get along with many. Although Marcelle was the second born and would not be able to inherit the throne, she had grown up as royalty and often thought those without royal blood to be beneath her. She hadn't thought Inaya a good companion for Amira and to this day rarely acknowledged her existence.
The flattery worked to distract Marcelle from making a biting retort, just as Amira knew it would. Marcelle had chosen a bright red dress that was almost the exact color of her tinted red hair. Her brown eyes were darkly outlined, making them appear small and beady, and her generous mouth was shaded in the same bright red as her gown.
As most second born children of the royal family, Marcelle had been trained to be the Supreme Healer. It was the Supreme Healer's duty to safeguard the ancient traditions and ceremonies passed down from their first ancestors. She presided over all sacred ceremonies, such as the marriage ceremonies in which the couple undertook the sacred bond. It was also her duty to care for the injured and the vulnerable young ones who hadn't yet reached full maturity. Although she hadn't taken an apprentice in over half a century, it was her responsibility to train other healers as well.
Marcelle had never been married, and as far as Amira knew, she had never been seriously involved with any male. At times, Amira felt guilty that her aunt had sacrificed her chance at happiness to help care for her.
"Thank you, darling. It is very important to make the right impression," she advised Amira, as she had her entire life. Marcelle wrapped her arm around Amira's shoulders and walked her a few steps away from Inaya. "I'd like you to keep in mind your duty tonight, Amira. Soon it will be your turn to lead our people. You will need a strong, worthy male at your side as your consort and king. Keep an open mind about our guests tonight. For me?"
"She is aware of her duty, Marcelle. Why must she dwell on it tonight? She hasn't even reached her full maturity and cannot join into a bond of marriage until she does," Inaya interrupted.
"This does not concern you, girl," Marcelle snapped.
"Aunt Marcelle, this is a formal dinner to celebrate the launch of the new scout. This dinner has nothing to do with my future consort," Amira weighed in.
Every century a new scout was sent out to travel the Earth to evaluate the condition of humanity. It was their job to report the circumstances, changes, and advancements. Upon the scout's return every decade, the leaders of Cashile would meet to determine if it were time to return to the world of man. The last scout had made his final return the previous month. At his debriefing, it was decided humanity was still on a path of self-destruction with war, pollution, and, most harmful, their indifference. It was determined the people of Cashile would remain within their protective shield.
This had been the first time Amira had been present at a scout's debriefing and she had found the scout's report fascinating. Humanity reminded her of a rebellious teenager without the guidance of a loving parent, struggling to find its way but subjugated by volatile emotions.
In her opinion, humanity was capable of great things, as was illustrated by their many technological advancements and ability to persevere regardless of their self-destructive nature.
Amira worried that the counsel in charge of arbitration had made their decision before hearing the scout's report and insisted upon refusing to acknowledge any positive aspects, so sure in their own superiority. The new scout, trained since birth for her duty, would be embarking on her mission in the morning. Tonight would be her farewell. This would be the first time in their history that a female would be sent out.
"Foolish girl," Marcelle began, venom still within her husky tone. "Any situation can be used as an opportunity to achieve one's goals. That female, that nobody, doesn't deserve a celebration in her honor. Scout or not, she should not be seated at the table of royalty. Good riddance to her; we'll all be better off once she is gone."
Amira was taken aback by the hatred pouring from Marcelle. Her shock must have registered to her aunt, because Marcelle's tone became sweet and she abruptly returned to her original topic.
"With Lord Sorin in attendance tonight you have the perfect opportunity to secure a strong match for the future of Cashile."
Amira could see the disgust on Inaya's face and tried to hide her own negative feelings at the thought of being bonded to Sorin.
"I'm not sure Sorin is the right choice...," Amira began hesitantly.
"Lord Sorin is the perfect choice for the future King of Cashile," Marcelle said with conviction. "He has the purest blood ties to the royal family of any other male. He is a strong leader in Ammon and you will require a consort of such strength to counteract your... delicate nature."
Amira knew that in her need to please others, she was widely considered to be passive and weak. It hurt to be judged as lacking when all she wanted was to do her duty.
"Darling, you know I only have your best interest in mind," Marcelle said in her lovingly sweet tone.
"Yes, Aunt, I will do as you counsel and keep the possibility in mind throughout the evening," Amira promised.
"That is all I ask. Do not be late," she said, sounding appeased, as she kissed Amira's cheek and left the room.
"I don't believe the nerve of that woman! Advising you as if you aren't already burdened down by the weight of your duty." Inaya fumed as she began pacing the room.
"Maybe she is right. Maybe I'm not strong enough to rule," Amira suggested solemnly.
"You cannot be serious! Amira, look at me," she said, stopping directly in front of her friend. "I know you better than anyone. You are not weak. You lack confidence, but that will come with experience and wisdom. You have a heavy burden to carry and, at times, I believe your fear of failure overwhelms you, but you have the heart of a true queen. Follow your heart in all things and Cashile will benefit."
The confidence Inaya showed brought tears back to Amira's eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, once again embracing her friend.
"As for Lord Sorin, let that arrogant ass share his affections with those worthy of it, like the swine that wallow in the mud."
Amira couldn't help but giggle at Inaya's absurd suggestion, which in turn caused Inaya's own giggles.
"Come, let us not keep Lord Sorin waiting," Inaya said when she could finally catch her breath.
"Caeden will be there tonight. Do I look presentable?" Amira asked, nervous about seeing him and a little disappointed with herself for caring about his opinion.
"Beautiful, as always. You'll definitely catch his attention in that dress, and as long as no one looks too closely, they'll never know you've been crying."
Linking arms, they walked to dinner together.
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STOP FIGHTING IN ORDER TO WIN.
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