The fire in the grand library burned low, while King Casimir studied her in the firelight as Queen Caroline sat on the sofa with her legs on a pillow and her arms crossed as though the weight of the world was pressing against her.
"If you leave the Winter Palace, you will have to appoint someone to rule in your stead."
"I know," she replied hesitantly, exhaling sharply.
Having him say it aloud made her feel like she was surrendering her crown to someone else.
Which she would literally have to do even if the courts were to be united.
"You must choose someone close to the royal bloodline, someone loyal to you not just the court and its nobles."
Her jaw tightened, "I have considered this."
His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You need help?"
"How kind of you to offer, Your Majesty," she replied.
"I believe you need help making the choice."
She hated it but he was right.
He ran his finger along the spines of old books as he spoke.
