Chapter 106 - Heirs

Vincent rubbed the back of his neck and stared straight ahead of him as he thought over what he had told his wife. Delaney could only look at her husband in surprise. He was fourth in line to inherit the throne. 

It was still highly unlikely he would ever be King and she hoped he wouldn't be. If Vincent were to become King that would mean not only King Daniel would be dead, but Mason and the other two in line ahead of him as well, one of which was just a child. It would be tragic.

The other heirs to the throne had been murdered though according to what the King had told Vincent. A cut saddle strap and two cases of poison. Because of this, King Daniel was worried for his own safety as well as the safety of his brother and the other heirs. Vincent was fourth in line now with the others gone so his life could be at risk too.

Worry filled Delaney as she looked at her serious husband. She reached out and took his hand in her own.

"I want to leave here as soon as we can," she said to Vincent when he turned to look at her, "I know we told Mace we would stay for tomorrow but I want to leave the day after. I don't want anything to happen to you and I don't think we're safe here."

Vincent smiled fondly at his wife, "I promised you I would always protect you my love and I will. I won't let anything happen to myself either. I'll keep us both safe."

Delaney reached out and held his face in her hands, studying it for a moment before she leaned in to kiss him. Vincent pulled her in against his chest and kissed her back with all his love. 

They were interrupted a short time later by one of the servants knocking before bringing in their dinner. It was sat at a table to one side of the room and their drinks were poured as well. Delaney and Vincent thanked him and sent him on his way.

"So now that we are safely home," Vincent spoke between bites, "Tell me what had you so unhappy after your meeting with the Queen? You were quiet and seemed very worried. What happened?"

Delaney put down her silverware and told her husband about her meeting with Queen Sophia and what she had said about the prince as well as her talk with Mason and his explanation. Vincent listened seriously, not commenting or interrupting. When Delaney finished he remained quiet as well as he thought over her words.

"Who do you think is right?" Delaney asked anxiously, "I don't know if I should trust Mason or Sophia. I don't know either of them well enough to say. But you do Vincent so I need you to tell me which one to believe."

Vincent sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "Well they're both right actually love. Sophia can be cold and she definitely hates Mace for breaking his contract with her sister. But Anna was also all the things he said she was."

"And what about Mason? Is he really someone I shouldn't trust? She said he's interested in me."

"You are a very beautiful woman so my cousin is likely quite interested in you. But you heard him say himself it's not women's hearts he's after. I'm sure he can tell you're not someone who would give him anything else."

"I wouldn't ever give him anything! I love you and only you."

Vincent smiled at his wife, "I know love. But the Queen was also right that you shouldn't trust him. Mace is a prince and he's always been particularly interested in things he can't have. It's probably for the best if you don't spend time alone with him for now."

Delaney looked at her husband in shock, "Do you really think he would try something with me? I'm your wife. His cousin's wife."

"No I don't think he's that foolish," Vincent sighed, "But Mace has a reputation. If people see you alone with him they might just assume things and you don't want to be associated with any rumors about Mason."

Delaney nodded as she thought about what he had said. It would be simple enough to avoid Mason once they'd left the city and headed towards the ocean house. She found herself wishing they hadn't agreed to stay the extra day.

The next morning Vincent was up early so Delaney ended up being woken up early as well. Since they were going to be staying in the city an extra day he needed to see to some business. There were a few nobles visiting the King's court that had properties bordering some of their own. Vincent wanted to meet with them and discuss some plans he had.

Delaney was up and sipping tea in their bedroom long after Vincent had dressed and left. He had chosen some bread and fruit for breakfast instead of waiting for the full meal so Delaney had opted for the same to save their kitchen the trouble.

She was just about to ring for Ms. Bird to come so she could get ready when there was a knock at the door. Her maid came in without waiting for Delaney's say so. Delaney might have been annoyed had she not caught sight of the older woman's excited expression.

"My Lady!" Ms. Bird beamed, "You've received a message from the Queen! She's requested you come and spend this morning together getting to better know one another!"

Delaney's mouth fell open in surprise. Mason must have told his brother or sister-in-law that she and Vincent were staying an extra day.

She bit her lip and turned the ring on her finger. Vincent was already gone. The last thing she wanted to do was go to court without him. She knew it would take too long to send a servant to find him though and if she said no to the Queen well... you just didn't say no to a Queen.

Delaney groaned and dropped her face into her hands.

"What's wrong my Lady?" Ms. Bird asked in concern, "Isn't this good news? The Queen liked you enough she wants you to come back and talk with her more."

"It is," Delaney sighed unconvincingly, "It's great news. I suppose you'll need to get my rose colored dress out. I'll wear all pearls with it today."

Ms. Bird frowned but did what her mistress said. Since she wasn't going with Vincent there was a lot less work involved in picking her clothing. Delaney told them to prepare a carriage for her and she was ready with her hair done shortly after the carriage was ready.

Delaney's nerves today were only slightly less than they had been the day before. She felt strangely relieved to be going in their own carriage. It was as if she'd set up an escape for herself before she'd even gotten there. Vincent had taken the smaller one they kept at the city house so she was riding again in their grand carriage.

Arriving at the castle was different today. Although the doors were still held open for her, the servants hurrying by didn't stop to bow until she'd passed. She stepped into the castle and hesitated, not sure what to do or where to go to meet the Queen. She wasn't even really sure who she should ask. Her nerves were reaching a high when she heard someone call her name.

Turning, Delaney was relieved to see Mason headed towards her with a group of noblemen. He was grinning and it took her a moment to realize he was still wearing the clothes he'd worn the day before. When he stepped up to her she smelled the strong scent of cigars.

"Lady Adair," he bowed low and all the men with him did the same, "I thought that was you. What has brought you back to the castle at this early hour? I thought you and Vince weren't coming until this evening when I sent for you?"

Delaney hesitated, "I was asked here by the Queen. She says she wants to get to know me better."

Mason rolled his eyes, "Oh did she now? I don't think she was too pleased I pulled you and my cousin away yesterday. She seems to think no one has anything better to do than talk about her and plot against her. She'll probably want to know what we discussed."

Delaney glanced at the men around him and stayed silent. She didn't want anyone to think she was speaking against the Queen. Especially not when most of her conversation with Mason yesterday afternoon had, in fact, been about the woman.

"Well then come on," Mason held out his arm for her, "I don't expect you know your way around here after one visit. I'll take you to Sophia."

Whispering her thanks, Delaney took his arm and Mason started off down the hallway with her, leaving the other men behind. Remembering what Vincent had said about his cousins reputation, Delaney worked to make sure she didn't appear to be enjoying his company.

They got to the doors Delaney recognized as being the ones that led to Sophia's room. The guard was quick to knock and try to announce them but Mason shoved past him without waiting, dragging Delaney along with him.

Like yesterday, the room was filled with the Queen's ladies. Sophia herself was reclining on a couch until her brother-in-law rudely burst in. Now she glared at him.

"Good morning ladies," Mason smirked as he looked around at the women, some of which blushed and smiled back at him. "Sophia I've brought you Lady Adair. She said you'd requested a visit with her."

Delaney felt her cheeks warm. "I said you'd invited me," she corrected quickly.

"Thank you Mason," the Queen said coldly, "Now may I suggest a bath for you? It looks like you need one."

"Are you going to send one or two of your ladies to scrub my back?" he chuckled as he glanced at the women again.

Sophia's eyes grew colder at his teasing, "Thank you for helping her find me. You may leave now."

Mason stood there for a moment and Delaney worried he was about to say something else insulting. After a minute though he only bowed and left the room. As soon as he was gone Sophia dismissed the women to go entertain themselves elsewhere. Delaney couldn't help thinking this wasn't the best idea since the Queen had just sent the prince away to bathe.

Once all the women had cleared out, Sophia turned to study her.

"So tell me Delaney, what is your plan to make my brother-in-law leave you alone for good? Because if you don't have any I actually have quite a few."