The Lady's Choice Read Online Free

side of him. ‘I have a myriad of responsibilities but suffice to say I am well aware of the duties of the head of a household,’ she said, looking now to Benae, ‘
Lady
Benae.’
    Benae narrowed her eyes at Avalin. She was not sure where this was heading but she had a feeling a change of topic was a good idea. Just then, Princess Lella piped up.
    â€˜I’ve been schooled by my tutors from a young age to run a kingdom,’ Lella said, ‘even though I have four brothers who will rule before I ever do. We still have ruling queens in Brevisten, you see. My mother and father are joint rulers.’
    Prince Zialni seemed not best pleased to be reminded of the differences between kingdoms. ‘I don’t believe any wife of mine will be called upon to undertake the duties of a ruler. Iona was content to run our household and look after our daughter and I. That is all I would ask.’
    Avalin seemed content, while Lella’s pale blue eyes looked troubled. Marey sat across from the squire and seemed lost in contemplation of him. As for Benae, she resolutely kept her gaze on the prince – well, mostly.
    â€˜Prince Zialni—’ Benae said.
    â€˜Please, call me Jiseve.’
    â€˜Jiseve, surely there are other traits, other skills you would seek in a wife?’
    Avalin sniggered but Benae ignored her.
    â€˜My wife must have grace and beauty, she must be young enough to bear children and she must have good taste and discretion.’
    Well, that left Marey out of the race.
The young princess was still gazing at the squire. For all Benae knew, the girl was probably playing footsies under the table with Ramón. She tried to ignore the spike of jealousy that thought provoked.
    â€˜But, Jiseve, surely you wish your wife to have a mind of her own, to be able to converse and to be a stimulating companion,’ Benae said.
    Avalin sniggered again. ‘I’m sure Jiseve has found me to be a most “stimulating” companion over the past two weeks.’
    Jiseve smiled indulgently at Avalin.
    Benae’s eyebrows climbed her forehead. Of all the ways Benae could have described Avalin, she never would have imagined the princess to be so saucy. Perhaps she needed to reappraise the title of ‘ice princess’. Had Avalin already slept with Jiseve?
What
is
the true state of affairs here?
    Jiseve turned to Benae. His eyes burned into hers, creating a private moment between them. Benae’s stomach tightened and desire trickled through her lower abdomen.
Oh my, he is seducing me in front of Avalin!
    â€˜I’m sure you have all the attributes I could possibly want in a companion,’ he murmured. He caught her hand and kissed her fingers.
    A chair scraped across the floor and they turned to find Ramón standing at his place. ‘If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness, ladies, I’ll take my leave.’
    â€˜You will stay,’ Prince Zialni said. ‘You must help me attend to the needs of these fine ladies.’
    Ramón frowned.
    â€˜Do you have a problem with that, squire?’ Jiseve’s voice held an undercurrent of menace.
    The implied threat brought the previous conversation about Jiseve’s harsh treatment of his daughter and the common folk back to Benae. Perhaps there really was a dark underside to life in this castle. Or maybe she should concentrate on her plan and stop looking for problems. After all, the situation on Benae’s estate was desperate and the prince could offer a solution that would benefit both of them.
    Ramón shook his head. ‘No, Your Highness.’ He resumed his seat as the main meal was delivered.
    Benae sent a smouldering look to her prince. She could almost taste victory. Soon she would be mistress of Brightcastle and her people could look forward to a future free of the dark elven menace and of starvation.
    Ramón watched as the prince led Benae from the table and onto the small wooden dance