You'll Never Be Queen

*Ainslee*

Rafe stares at me all through dinner. Not his usual coy glances. No, he has decided to openly moon over me.

Maybe I just should have let him have his taste back in the hall near the feeders’ quarters. Maybe that would have stopped him from being an idiot. But then, I think, trying not to watch him watch me, maybe not.

“Your Majesty,” I say, leaning over to whisper in King Axel’s ear just as dinner is ending. “Would you mind if I took a turn around the gardens? I could use some fresh air.”

King Axel who, blessedly, hasn’t noticed Rafe’s staring, smiles at me and gives me an indulgent nod. “Of course, my dear. Do whatever makes you happy.”

I smile back with little feeling. King Axel has become more and more doting. He won’t be a bad husband. He just won’t be Rafe.

Gathering my skirts, I stand and head for the palace gardens. These are, obviously, more opulent and brimming with plantlife than the feeders’ garden, but personally, I prefer the feeders’ gardens. There’s more… happ