Conquering the Queen by Ava Sinclair

wife and produce an heir to continue the Gawen name and secure the legacy of House Ravenscroft. Fleur Breton is the perfect choice. Her father holds land on the southern border. They can shore up our strength there was we secure this northern edge of the kingdom. We can…”
    “I will marry, in time, Father,” Xander said, cutting him off. “But understand that when I do, I will marry a woman of my own choosing.”
    His father fell silent. “You will marry an acceptable woman,” he said. “If you have any appreciation for what I’ve given you, what I’ve done, you will be wed to Fleur Breton by the summer. And that she-bitch will be gone, even if I have to do it myself.”
    Xander leaned into his father. “You’ll not touch Avin,” he said. “And you’ll not give me orders. I am king, Father. Yes, your money and strategy were assets. And yes, those things are necessary. But so is an army, and my men are loyal. Force my hand and you stand to lose just as much as I do.”
    Lord Reginald’s face was red with anger. Xander could see he was struggling to hold his tongue.
    “I’ve raised a strong son,” the old lord finally said. “And you are right; I cannot force you to do my bidding. But I beg you, Xander. Give Lady Breton a chance. She’s expecting to sit with you at the feast. I believe you’ll find she has all the qualities to make a proper queen. One who will be true, obedient. One who will not betray you.”
    “She will sit with us,” Xander said. “I will agree to that. But I’ll agree to nothing more.”
    Xander parted from his father feeling more dread than expectation for the feast, but more grateful than ever that Avin would not be attending.

Chapter Eleven
     
     
    Cynric wasn’t used to being taken off guard, and realized Lady Fleur’s unannounced arrival meant that Lord Reginald was no longer taking him into his confidence. This was a dire development, as it was decidedly easier to spy on one’s enemies than on one’s allies once those allies had grown suspicious.
    After quietly witnessing the reintroduction of Lady Breton to the king, Cynric set about gathering information on the beautiful visitor. He knew the reputation of the Breton family, whose expansive lands bordered Ravenscroft. But he knew little of their children, and found the visiting nobility eager to gossip, especially once they saw her sitting with King Xander.
    Cynric learned that Lady Fleur’s sweet countenance hid not just a strong will, but a deep well of hurt and resentment. The young lord her sister Rose had been married to after Xander was betrothed to Avin was no ordinary lord, but the object of Fleur’s infatuation.
    For years, she’d blamed Rose and Avin for ruining her happiness. Now she sought revenge and status by netting a bigger prize.
    On the day of the feast, a hunt was held for the noblemen while the ladies were given an opportunity to tour Windbourne now that it was part of a realm united under one king. Cynric quickly situated himself as the guide for Lady Breton, and arranged seating in the same carriage as Lady Fleur Breton. He was surprised when he climbed in to find not only Lady Breton, but Lord Reginald as well.
    “I thought you’d be preparing for the hunt with the others,” Cynric said, but Lord Reginald waved him off. “That’s a young man’s sport,” he said. “I’ll see them off, but I prefer to spend time with the fairer company.” He chuckled. “And who could be fairer than our guest?”
    “Few exist who could be fairer,” Cynric agreed, seeking to disarm Fleur with a compliment. But he knew it would take more than flattery to lower her guard.
    By the time he sat across from her, Cynric had a better picture of a young woman he believed was as shrewd as she was beautiful. Lady Fleur smiled frequently, but the sweet innocence of her expression never seemed to reach her eyes, which were as cunning as his own.
    She was also intelligent, and as the carriage moved through