The Duty of a Queen Read Online Free Page A

determine the nature of his words. “Go to the cabin. I shall be
there shortly.”
    She wanted to ask what would happen, if he would send Jonas away, if
her husband would kill her love. She did not though. She was a princess. She
kept her head high as she walked back to their quarters. Once inside, she stood
in the center of the room, unsure what she should do.
    A season seemed to pass as she waited. When the door opened, she was
fighting back an icy chill that wanted to take over. When Jonas entered, she
made a small sound of surprise. Then Oliver followed, and she realized that
Jonas appeared to be as confused as she felt.
    “If you will both sit,” Oliver said. He did not sound upset. “I wish
to offer an explanation, and, perhaps a solution.”
    Astrid sat on the trunk at the foot of the bed. Jonas took the
narrow bench opposite her. Oliver remained standing.
    “Last night, Astrid saw the scars on my back from when my father
beat me for expressing my disagreement over invading your island.”
    Astrid was puzzled. This was what he wished to speak about? She did
not understand.
    “When I still refused to lead the invasion, my father took the woman
who had nursed me and raised me after the death of my mother. He tortured and
killed her, showing me her body when it was over and telling me what he had
done. He then told me that he had taken the woman's daughter, and if I did not
do as he asked, he would do worse to this child who had not yet seen her
thirteenth summer. The things he said would be done to her...” He shuddered. “I
would not wish upon my greatest enemy.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I
would have killed him then if he had not had one of his men render me unconscious.
When I awoke, I was here on this ship, sailing for your island. The captain had
been given orders to not return until the island was conquered. He is, you see,
the brother of the girl my father has. Many of my men fought to protect members
of their families.”
    “I-I...” Astrid did not know how to respond to the revelation.
    Oliver held up a hand. “I tell you this because I want you to
understand that I did none of this for selfish gain, and so you will know that
my proposal also comes from an honest place.”
    Astrid's heart began to beat faster.
    “In my hand, the kings of old wrote a law to allow them to keep
their marriage for political reasons while still maintaining a relationship
with a mistress, particularly one who bore him children.”
    She did not understand. Was Oliver saying he wanted a mistress?
    “The way the law was written, however, is open to interpretation. It
does not specify that the third party be female.”
    “My prince?” Astrid tried to stifle the wild hope that bloomed
inside her. “What are you saying? I do not understand.”
    Oliver gave her a smile. “If Jonas will consent, I would like him to
become our third. He will have no royal title, and any children produced would
be, in all ways, accepted. He will be your second husband.”
    Astrid's mouth fell open. He must not be serious. This could not
possibly be true.
    “I cannot dissolve our marriage and, if I am honest, I do not wish
it. But I cannot allow a hidden relationship nor do I want to cause you the
pain of being apart from the one you love. There is a ceremony and a pledge
that we three may take, that we will be loyal to each other and that two never
neglect the third, but treat all as equally married with all rights and
privileges.”
    Was it possible? Astrid could hardly dare to believe it.
    “What say you?” Oliver turned to her. “Are you willing to stay with
me, trust me as your husband in all ways, and accept Jonas as our third?”
    For the first time in her life, Astrid did not trust herself to
speak. She nodded, then turned with Oliver to Jonas.
    “I will.” His voice was hoarse, his dark eyes disbelieving.
    Oliver's face lit up. “Then I shall get the captain and two
witnesses. Philip will perform the ceremony at once