Page 40 of The Queen's Line

"Aric Martin is one of my Chosen," I said, and I didn't miss the surprise on the woman's face, or the struggle on her face as she fought against her own laughter. I also didn't miss the simmering irritation on Aric's. "And being Chosen, any arrest, punishment, or imprisonment would be atmydiscretion."

If looks could've killed, I might've been twice dead in that moment, both Aric and Cresswell Stark's stares glowering up at me.

"He was trespassing in the woods," Stark said, hanging by threads onto his argument.

"He has an open invitation here," I answered. "The woods included. My apologies, Miss…"

The redheaded woman's lips pursed, and her eyes were narrow with amusement. "Griffin, no Miss."

"Griffin," I said, dipping my head. She wobbled and then settled on a bow instead of a curtsey. I turned to Aric, who was now smirking at Cresswell Stark. "Aric. Please, both of you come in. We'll speak over breakfast."

Aric took the stairs two at a time, and Griffin's steps were just as quick. I met Cosmo's eyes as I turned away from the disappointed guards.

"Don't laugh or I'll laugh," I whispered, and Cosmo's grin flashed before he leaned in, catching my lips in a quick kiss.

"Your hair is rioting," Cosmo murmured against me and then jumped away before I could pinch him.

* * *

I sparedmyself just enough time for our breakfast to be rerouted to the greenhouse, and for me to comb my hair and put on a proper dress. Griffin was at the iron table, drinking rich coffee from a tea cup and picking at a slice of bacon. Aric was moving around the greenhouse, examining the remains of the plants and the ones who had survived the many years of neglect.

"This would've been a good collection for a magician's stores," Aric said, crouching with his back to me.

Cosmo had gone back to speak to Guard Stark, to remind the man that his studio supplies would be arriving and to please not detain the cart. I'd told Owen to occupy Wendell and Thao if they left their room. Thao liked to antagonize Aric and vice versa, and I wasn't in the mood to referee.

"I'm hoping I might be able to rescue some of what's here," I said, and Aric startled and stood, Griffin slurping her coffee, her eyes bouncing between us. "I apologize for the manner of your arrival. I should've thought to give the guards better instructions for visitors."

Aric didn't respond, and it was Griffin who cleared her throat and sat up in her chair. "No harm done, Your Highness."

Neither man or woman bowed to me at my entrance. In Aric's case it was clear defiance, but with Griffin, it seemed more like a test. I moved to the table, picking up the coffee pot and refilling her cup before choosing one for myself.

"You must be Aric's recommendation for a royal hunter," I said, taking a seat and eyeing the woman out the corner of my eye.

She was older than me, maybe in her thirties instead of twenties, and she appeared equal parts athletic and feminine, the belt tight around a small waist and her pants hugging around full hips. There was a whisper of gray braided back into her red hair, but her face was smooth and ageless.

"I am a hunter. And I'd gladly hunt in the royal woods knowing that my catch went to the citizens," Griffin said slowly, watching me with equal interest.

I nodded. "I suppose civil hunter might be a better term."

Griffin straightened and looked at Aric lurking in the overgrown bushes and wilted remains of the background. "Yes, I…I like that. As for how to get the meat to the people…"

Aric cleared his throat and stepped forward. "I've spoken with some of the taverns in and around Rumsbrooke. If Griffin will bring us the meat, we'll stretch it enough to make free meals to serve."

"I wanted to call them princess dinners, but Aric growled at me," Griffin said, grinning and snapping on her slice of bacon as he demonstrated the sound. "Yes. Just like that."

"I think I'd rather avoid that name as well," I said, taking a drink of my coffee to hide the warmth in my cheeks. "But I like the premise. Call it whatever suits. What will you want for your commission? Until I'm able to take back Sir Hubert's debts to the palace, we are being careful with the funds that remain, but I think we should be able to—"

"Your Highness, you've waived taxes and you're asking me to assist you in feeding your people in a way that requires no cost to them. I volunteer to do the work," Griffin said quickly.

"You should be paid for your time," I said.

Griffin's smile was faint. "I think any other royal would say the position was an honor."

I sat up straight just as Aric muttered something under his breath. "I'm not any other royal," I said. "If you won't take coin as payment, at least take a small commission of the meat."

"Don't argue with her, Griff, you won't win," Aric said.

I whipped to glare at him. "I hope this is a lesson you plan on learning for yourself."