Page 51 of Tangled Sails

“I—” I wanted to refute it, to give some grand reason why his suggestion was unreasonable, but if I couldn’t have Lyri, did it matter who I married?

Kavian raised a brow in surprise when I said no more. “No retort?”

My face ached from the tension in it, but he was right. I had no retort.

Grief sucked at my insides, but my anger was pushing in as well. I wanted to rage at the unfairness of my position and scream at my brothers that if they thought it was so easy, they were welcome to it. But it wouldn’t do any good. I’d been born to this, and though Lyri had given me a glimpse of hope that I could be something other than a servant to my country, my brothers were right.

My father was dying.

The kingdom was looking to me.

And a suitable queen would arrive on the morrow.

Chapter fifteen

TAVRIC

I stood on the wharf, wearing only a sash across my shirt as a nod to formality. I’d tried to don the full ceremonial garb my mother had suggested, but after I’d practically ripped my jacket seams when the fit had felt too restricting, my mother had conceded that the sash over my usual shirt would be enough.

“It may even put her at ease about her own appearance after traveling a long way,” she’d said.

I doubted that. It was my experience that ocean travel did not prevent royalty from showing up looking their very best, but it was kind of her to try to calm my nerves. She’d seen me unraveling over the last two days. Absorbed in my own feelings as I was, I couldn’t tell whether she was looking forward to the princess’s visit or not.

Diplomatically, I knew that it was a boon. But the worried looks my mother continued to shoot me spoke of her uncertainty.

So I stood on the wharf, my hands calmly clasped in front of me, my face carefully arranged to hide my disquiet as Her Highness’s ship approached.

“I am sorry about this, Tav,” Dorian said.

“Not now.” I couldn’t make him feel better about this debacle. Not right now. Not when my family was counting on me to represent the crown.

The ship moved ever so slowly into the dock, sailors throwing out lines that were caught by the marine crew. After several more minutes, it had been secured and the gangplank extended.

An official came off the boat first, looking very proud of himself, and gave me a deep bow when he stepped onto the wharf.

“Prince Tavric, thank you for your hospitality and welcoming us to your shores. May I present Her Highness, Princess Saria of Ravencairn.”

He stepped aside and swept into another bow as he gestured toward the ship.

Princess Saria appeared at the top of the plank looking sure and regal as she descended the plank with the kind of grace only achievable when it’s been bred into a person. She was lovely and dignified, but I could not escape the feeling that she was intruding where she was not welcome.

The pressure and expectation of the moment made my fists clench, and I could not help but long for Lyri’s calming voice and touch. Why must I dread one female while craving another?

Princess Saria stopped just in front of me, and I gave a deep bow as she sank into a curtsey.

“Princess Saria,“ I said, holding out my hand so that she could lay her fingers gently in mine. “It is a pleasure to welcome you to Islewyn. Peace and safety be upon you as you rest on our shores.”

“My kingdom’s greetings to you, Prince Tavric. And thank you for the invitation.” Her smile implied more than I was comfortable with.

“Yes, my brother speaks very highly of you. I’m certain he could not resist the opportunity to extend his time with you.”

Her smile dimmed a bit and I chastised myself. It had been reflexive, the need to correct her and be sure she knew it was not my invitation, but I should have left it alone. No matter how many times my mind churned over the situation, I could not deny that I needed help. My father was dying, and if I had any hope of ruling effectively, I needed to have a companion at my side who could not only take some of the burden, but also be a calming influence on me. If I let Saria in, would she be able to settle me the way Lyri could? I had to hope so, even if it felt like I was ripping out my own heart by considering it.

The princess and I made our way, slowly and grandly, to the waiting carriage, conversing as we walked.

“This is such a lovely place. I can hardly believe I haven’t had an opportunity to visit before now.”

“I’m certain your duties keep you busy enough at home.”