Chapitre 3 : An Offer

Lowlands, Governor's Palace in Peare.

Keagan tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, observing the intruder. In the well-lit parlour, he had a better view of the lady. His unexpected guest kept her head down, glancing nervously from time to time at him or the others in the room. Her gloved hands were clasped before her, and she stood straight. Lady Thalen was probably wearing men’s attire under her dark cloak, judging by the long boots. Her hair was tied in a chignon, but many long curly locks had escaped the bun.

“Would you like some wine, Lady Thalen?” Alvize asked.

She lifted her head, searching for the speaker, her eyes settling on the older courtier holding a jug of wine. “No, thank you… Lord…?”

The king hadn’t bothered to make any introductions. What did she expect after forcing her way into his chambers at night? He had no intention of making her feel comfortable.

“I’m Alvize Rosselli, advisor to our king,” Alvize replied. “You should take a seat, my lady.”

“I’m fine, Lord Advisor.”

Her gaze briefly flicked to the king, who still hadn’t uttered a word. Keagan’s eyes locked with deep hazel ones – almond-shaped, which seemed wise beyond their owner’s age. Lord Ambrose’s daughter had long, curly dark hair framing her face, and her olive skin had golden undertones that glowed in the candlelight. She quickly averted her eyes, looking back down at her hands.

Keagan couldn’t help admiring her luscious lips and the beauty mark above her upper lip. An image flickered in his mind of her body on his bed, lips parted in a cry of pleasure. He had to remind himself of her purpose here, forcing his mind away from dangerous territory. He cleared his throat. He couldn’t forget who she was, a member of the seven noble families.

“Lady Thalen ?” Dorian called, taking a few steps forward. She raised her eyes. “I’m Lord Dorian of the Barretts, chief of the royal guard. I’m curious – and I’d be grateful – if you could explain how you managed to enter the King’s chambers without being noticed. It seems we have some incompetent guards who allowed this to happen.”

“Your men aren’t at fault, my lord… I think they couldn’t have imagined…” She pushed a lock of curly hair behind her ear, then reached inside her cloak and produced four steel pikes.

Dorian’s eyes widened. “You climbed to the king’s balcony.”

“I did,” she confirmed.

“That’s really–” Dorian began, clearly impressed.

“Dangerous and reckless,” Keagan interrupted, raising his voice. Their guest bit her lower lip in response.

“I’m Lord Benedict of the Bainbridges,” Benedict added. “It seems you don’t fear heights, Lady Thalen, and it’s quite a feat to do that in the dark.”

“I don’t, my lord. I assure you, I saw it as a calculated risk, and it was worth it to secure an audience with the king,” she replied.

“That is what I call bravery,” Dorian stated, admiration evident in his voice.

Keagan glared at his friend and then turned his attention back to Thalen. “Since you risked your life for an audience with me, I can only agree to listen to what you have to say, Lady Thalen.”

He saw the sadness in her, but she quickly masked it with a determined look.

“Your Majesty,” Thalen began, “I apologise for the manner in which I entered the palace, and I thank you for granting me an audience. As I told you, I only need a few minutes of your time. I know it is precious, so I will be concise.” She paused, waiting for Keagan to give her permission to continue.

“Do proceed,” he said, gesturing for her to speak.

“Your Majesty, my father is guilty,” Thalen stated, to Keagan’s surprise.

He had expected her to plead for mercy. Keagan raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. “If you already determine that, why did you risk entering my palace, show no concern for your safety, and waste my precious time?”

“Your Majesty, you have found him guilty, and your word is law. I don’t believe he is culpable, but what would be the point of trying to convince you otherwise? All the evidence is against him – his seal is on the document in your possession, for example. I know he did it out of fear for our lives. The gold he gave was a pledge for help he never intended to give. He ran away, trying to avoid Prince Niall’s men. There’s no need to tell you how much he hated your uncle and thought the man was unbalanced. He didn’t want Prince Niall to be the governor of the Lowlands. Would you even believe me if I told you that many times, he warned the crown about your uncle’s excessive taxation?”

Interesting tactic, Keagan thought – pleading for her father without directly begging.

“I’m here, Your Majesty, to advise you that instead of focusing on his guilt, you should consider how useful he could be to you.”

Keagan smirked, pretending disinterest as he toyed with the seal on his finger. “How so, Lady Thalen? Tell me how a traitor could possibly be of any importance to me.”

He heard some of his friends chuckle at his remark. To her credit, Lady Thalen remained composed.

“Your Majesty, your enemies will take the Lowlands from you. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen if you don’t act. You’re already losing territory, bit by bit. The people no longer care about protecting the borders. Why should they? They are ignored, they aren’t heard, and they no longer trust the crown.”

She was right. That very concern had been raised by his advisors.

“His Majesty needs to regain what was lost under his father and Prince Niall’s control of this territory. The Lowlanders don’t trust the crown anymore. I do believe that to win back their loyalty, His Majesty must give them one of their own as governor. If you’re wise enough to do that, you’ll begin to heal the wounds the crown has inflicted and gain back their trust.”

Even though he hated to admit it, she was correct. She knew what she was talking about.

“I’m sure you have the perfect candidate for this delicate task in mind,” Keagan said, knowing what her answer would be.

“Yes, my father,” she replied confidently. Keagan heard a few gasps around the room.

“You want me to name a traitor as governor of the Lowlands? A proud member of the original families – an Ambrose, no less – who challenged and attacked my family’s right to the throne?” Keagan asked, feigning disbelief. He was eager to see how she would handle this.

“Your Majesty, years ago, my father was chosen by the late king’s council to be the next governor of the Lowlands, despite the history between our families. They chose him because he was the best candidate for the duty. They knew my father would put the well-being of his land and the kingdom first. But for reasons unknown, the late king handed the territory to his brother, who decided it would be his private domain. My father is intelligent and competent, and he will govern for you,” Thalen pleaded. “He will be loyal to you. He will never betray you.”

Keagan snorted. “Loyal? Your father?” he asked disdainfully.

“I can assure you, he will be your most faithful servant.”

“And you offer me your word as a guarantee? Am I supposed to trust you?” Keagan asked, sensing there was more to her proposal.

“Not just my word, Your Majesty, but myself,” Thalen said. “When you return to Attalorn, take me with you as your prisoner. It will ensure my father’s obedience.” She paused, then met his gaze again. “If my father does anything against you… you may take my life,” she finished, her voice firm.

***

Thalen’s heart pounded in her chest as she finished her plea. She couldn’t allow them to see how nervous and anxious she was. She was an Ambrose, and she would not be intimidated. She clenched her trembling hands and waited, keeping her eyes on the king, trying to read his expression, which remained impassive.

The king’s intense gaze unsettled her. She nervously bit her lower lip, but when she saw the flicker of heat in his stare, she dropped her eyes. She glanced at the king’s silent companions, noting their surprise and shock at her proposal. One figure caught her attention – a person shorter and slimmer than the others, with short hair tied in a bun and features too delicate to belong to a man. The brown-haired woman, dressed in men’s attire, was looking at her with suspicion.

The king stood, signalling that the audience was over. “I will think about your proposal and give you my answer in the morning.” He then addressed one of his men, but his eyes remained fixed on Thalen. “Oliver, please ensure our guest is well taken care of. Tell Lila to have her settled in the blue room.”

Thalen doubted it was a good idea to stay at the palace. Her father would be worried if he didn’t see her in the morning. “Your Majesty, I thank you for your hospitality, but I can’t – my father – ”

“I insist Lady Thalen,” the king interrupted, cutting her off. “It’s late, and you should rest. I will send a messenger to your father.”

“It’s not necessary, Your Majesty. My father will be here by dawn, begging you to release me.”

“He must love you, then,” the king remarked.

“He does. I am his only child. That’s why he will be loyal to you,” Thalen replied.

The king eyed her as though trying to solve a puzzle. “How old are you?” he asked suddenly.

“I am nineteen, Your Majesty,” Thalen answered.

“Oliver, escort our guest,” Keagan commanded, dismissing her.

Thalen was relieved to leave the room and escape the king’s scrutiny. She was led out by Oliver, a tall man with short brown hair, big brown eyes, and a friendly smile. After offering a curtsy and a final glance at the king – who was still watching her, Thalen left the room.

***

Once Thalen had left the parlour, Keagan went to stand by the windows, looking down at the gardens illuminated by torchlight. He didn’t know why he had insisted on the young lady staying at the palace. He didn’t want to let her out of his sight just yet. Thalen had pleaded her case well – too well. Many young women of her age and status were neither as insightful nor as eloquent. She had probably received the best education, from the finest tutors and preceptors.

Keagan turned to his companions, surprised that they hadn’t already begun offering their unsolicited opinions. “What do you think?”

Dorian whistled. “I think even if you behead her father, you should still keep her as your prisoner.”

His remark was met with laughter from the others. Yes, Thalen of the Ambroses was beautiful – nineteen, and probably innocent. Keagan had to stay focused. He ran an impatient hand through his black hair.

“What she did was insane,” Nicky commented. “She could have been killed.”

“I doubt it,” Dorian replied. “She would probably have broken several bones first.”

“She really must love her father,” Benedict added.

“Why have I never seen her at court?” Keagan wondered aloud, turning to his friends.

Thalen was already nineteen. Children from noble families came to court at sixteen to be introduced to the sovereign. Keagan wouldn’t have forgotten her if they had met. He would have done what he always did when he saw a woman he desired, taken her for a night or two, until his desire for her faded. Perhaps he would have kept her for four or five nights… maybe a week, just to give her the benefit of his expertise. She would have thanked him later when she found herself in bed with an insipid lover. People said he wasn’t altruistic, but that was hardly true.

“From what I’ve gathered, Lord Ambrose has always been very protective of his daughter,” Alvize answered. “He was probably afraid of exposing her to the court’s vices – and rightfully so.”

The promiscuity of some court members, Keagan included – was well known. He couldn’t blame Ambrose for trying to protect his daughter’s virtue.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the king said with mock innocence. “The court isn’t such a bad place. Look at Talbot, he managed to remain a virgin until, what, his thirtieth birthday?” The others laughed, except Talbot, who glared at the king.

Keagan had met Ambrose briefly, years ago. A reformer – the worst kind. An idealist. “She doesn’t take after her father much, if I recall,” the king remarked.

“I never met the late Lady Ambrose,” Alvize mentioned. “But I heard she was beautiful and kind – a commoner who married a nobleman.” Alvize turned to the king. “She pleaded her case well, don’t you think?”

Keagan nodded.

“She thought it through,” Benedict agreed. “What she said made sense.”

“It’s a crazy proposal,” Nichola declared.

“And it could work,” Benedict added.

Nichola snorted. “Are we rewarding traitors now?”

“It’s not about rewarding traitors, Nicky,” Talbot interjected, “but about finding the best solution for the Lowlands. Even if we don’t like it, the kingdom’s well-being comes before principles.”

“Before our enticing guest came in, Nicky, I didn’t hear you offering any better ideas,” Dorian retorted.

“She probably planned this with her father,” Nichola suggested.

“And what if she did?” Alvize said. “It’s still the best plan I’ve heard so far. I’m ashamed we didn’t think of it ourselves when we learned of Ambrose’s treachery. The Dowager Queen won’t like it, though.”

Keagan’s mother didn’t trust the Lowlanders – ‘a land of savages and non-believers’, she called them. She had agreed that what had happened in Alagar was a disgrace and would taint his father’s legacy forever, but she wouldn’t approve of a traitor being put in charge of the Lowlands.

“Many share her views,” Alvize added, “but they can be convinced – or forced – to see reason.”

“Let’s not forget the Lowlanders’ opinion of the Highlanders isn’t exactly positive either,” Talbot said.

Dorian settled on a chair and placed his hands behind his head, “I agree with them,” Dorian revealed. “Most Highlanders are boasters with low morals and a tendency to think they’re the centre of the kingdom.”

They all stared at him.

“What?” Dorian asked.

“Why does that sound familiar? Oh, right – you just described yourself,” Talbot quipped.

“I didn’t count myself out,” Dorian said, grinning. “I’m a proud Highlander.”

“I think she’s brave,” Benedict added. “It’s not an evil plan, but an act of love – sacrificing her future for her father’s. She even offered to become the king’s prisoner. She didn’t ask what her conditions in Attalorn would be. I don’t think she cares.”

“Brave? I say we’re being played,” Nichola countered.

Dorian slung an arm around Nicky’s shoulders and glanced at the king. “Little Nicky’s jealous,” Dorian teased. He looked back at Keagan with a smirk. “Because our beloved king wants that tasty morsel for dinner – and he’s hungry. Really hungry.”

“Shut up! Keagan doesn’t want her,” Nichola declared, pushing him away, folding her arms and glaring at Dorian. “He wouldn’t sleep with the daughter of a traitor.”

Benedict and Dorian burst out laughing.

“What?” Nichola demanded.

“There was Helena – an hour after her father’s execution for treason,” Talbot revealed.

“I was trying to offer comfort,” Keagan said, and his friends chuckled.

“Why didn’t I know about that?” Nichola asked, disgusted.

Dorian slung an arm around her again. “Firstly, you don’t need to know everything about the king. Secondly, you wouldn’t have been able to handle it. You’re still so innocent, Nicky dearest,” he teased, pinching her cheek.

Nichola punch his arm, rubbing her cheek. “Screw you! All of you!” she shouted, seeing they were all laughing at her expense.

Alvize decided it was time to return to the matter at hand. “Ambrose is well liked and respected in the region. People will see it as merciful if you spare his life.”

“How do we know her father loves her?” Nichola asked.

“Because she scaled a wall with nothing but pikes to beg the King of Megarit to spare his life,” Alvize replied. “Would you do that for someone who didn’t love you?”

Keagan was tired. He didn’t want to think about the Lowlands anymore tonight.

“I’ll give you my decision in the morning,” the king told them. “We should all get some rest.” He then turned to Dorian. “I want two guards posted outside Lady Thalen’s room. I don’t want her climbing anymore walls and disappearing before I’ve made up my mind.”

“I have one question,” Dorian said, smirking. “Those guards are really there to stop her from going out, not to prevent you from going in, right?”

Keagan grabbed an apple from the table and threw it at his amused friend, who caught it and took a bite. “Get lost,” the king said, shaking his head.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Dorian replied, bowing deeply before leaving the room.

The others followed, except for Alvize, who stayed behind. Keagan glanced at him, waiting for the man to speak. The advisor closed the door and came to stand beside him at the window.

“Your Majesty, I wouldn’t presume to know your intentions, but I think it would be wise for all parties involved if Thalen of the Ambroses remains untouched… until you’ve made your decision.”

“Alvize, I’m offended. What makes you think my intentions towards the young lady aren’t pure?”

Alvize smiled. “I know you too well, Your Majesty. And let’s not forget – the blue room you’ve assigned her used to belong to Prince Niall’s paramours.”

Keagan smirked. His advisor knew him too well indeed. He couldn’t fathom what had prompted him to give Thalen the blue room. Yes, he found her attractive, but even he understood that bedding her wasn’t a good idea – too many complications. Keagan rubbed his temples.

“I’m not going to touch her,” Keagan said. Seeing Alvize’s expression of relief, he quickly added, “For now.”

“Your Majesty, I have something important I want to discuss with you. I’d appreciate it if you could keep an open mind.”

Every time Alvize used that tone, it meant something serious. The man’s solemnity throughout the conversation confirmed its importance.

“Why do I feel, Alvize, that I won’t like what you have to say?” Keagan asked.

Alvize smiled mysteriously and began to speak.