“And yet it was done successfully in Bible times.”
“Many roads traveled by our forefathers did not have love as its motivation or cornerstone,” said Megan, “but that doesn’t make it right. Who knows how the tides of history might have evolved if love had been allowed its way?”
“I’ve watched other countries face devasting scandal from women not suited or prepared to share a King’s throne,” the Queen Mother insisted.
“And what would you have me do? Break your son’s heart and deny us a chance at true love?” asked Megan.
“Yes, exactly.” Her cold eyes peered through Megan, causing her to squirm under the rigid confrontation. “Hearts will mend but an unstable kingdom shall surely fall.”
“Ryan and I were hoping for a more gracious attitude. You must know your son has set his mind on pursuing me. I’m afraid he will not be swayed by you or me.”
“A woman has power over a man’s heart. This is not on my son, but you, to do the right thing.”
Megan placed the cup on the table and stood displaying the firmest set to her jaw – the one she used on patients that needed to give-it-up. “First, you need to relax and let this romance play out one way or the other. We are not planning to elope. And secondly, you need to give your son breathing room to become the King he envisions himself to be. He is a fine leader and spouts ingenious plans for his country.”
“You are a strong woman to speak so frankly to me,” Queen Ursula said. “I understand you are a doctor of psychiatry?”
“I do my best to unravel troubled minds and set captives free,” said Megan.
“Sanity reins in Edstrom Isle, and frankly, my dear, your services are not required.”
Megan choked from the air that suddenly became heavy and corrosive. She gulped in the few remaining whiffs that the woman had not poisoned. “Is teatime over, Your Majesty, or do you have more venom to spit my way?”
“I’m afraid we’ve got off on the wrong foot.” She stood and offered a reluctant hand. “A truce, my dear, at least until the New Year when the consequences of Ryannaus’ impulsive behavior shall strike back and bite him in the heals with a force he cannot deny.”
That sounded like a threat, but Megan ignored it and presented a strong and solid handshake; one the woman of state did not expect. Megan’s eyes penetrated the mother’s glare and did not back down. War had been silently declared and Megan felt heartsick and outraged at the same time. “Good day, Your Majesty. And thanks for the tea.”
Pleased that Ryan was not waiting in the hallway, Megan rushed with as much dignity as she could muster toward her room. Memory of the castle layout served her well and she arrived out of breath a few moments later at her suite. Once inside, she slammed the door shut and collapsed on the bed, crying her frustration into the pillow. An hour later, a knock came to the door. She’d just crawled out of the tub and tried to ignore the summons. The nagging persistence continued.
“Jasmine said you were angry and ran to your room after tea. Please, Megan, open the door and speak to me.”
Knowing she couldn’t ignore the man forever; she donned a housecoat and with her hair wrapped in a towel opened the door to the surprised caller.
He raised his eyebrows, surprised at her appearance. “The evening meal is at six-thirty. Should I leave you to get ready?”
“I’m not hungry. If any morsels fall under the table, please send them up to the lowly commoner.” She hated the tears that erupted and turned back into the room. He moved in behind her and pulled her sagging shoulders back against him.
“Was it that bad?”
“I’m afraid your mother considers me the enemy and my stay under this roof will be greatly tested.”
He rotated Megan to face him. “Can you find it in your heart to understand a broken woman? Her husband is dead, the father of her children is dead, her king is dead; and now she attempts to balance the three roles while settling the grief that rages in her heart. It’s not an easy task.”
Megan exhaled. “Why didn’t you spout that piece of tenderness before sending me into the lion’s den? I’ve ruined any chance for her accepting us. You told me not to back down and I didn’t.” Megan rested her head on his shoulder. He pushed the towel aside.
“I’ve learned something new about you.” When she didn’t respond, he continued. “The bath tub is the comforting place you run to when you’re upset. A good thing to know in the future.”
She pushed away from his arms, annoyed at the smirk lodged on his face. “Have you not been listening? There is no future with me, Ryan. If I didn’t know before, I certainly know now.”
“Chef serves a wonderful pasta dish with Cesar salad, cheese and garlic bread sticks, and a side of grilled asparagus. I believe puffed pastries are for dessert and our baker is second to none in the world.”
“Suck it up, is that what you’re saying?” asked Megan.
“My mother will be impressed that her rebuff did not send you running for the hills. It’s a backdoor point in your favor.”
“You want me to compete for your attentions? I won’t do it. I told you I will never come between you and your family.”
“Jasmine and Eramosa love you and given time, my mother will as well. Work to find that sweet spot and ignore her digs. If it helps, I promise not to leave you alone with the lioness again.”
Megan groaned. “I love pasta, and I lied – I’m starving. The
