Heart of Stone by Anya Monroe Read Free Book Online

creak stirred Rémy who lay on Tamsin’s bed. Tamsin had slept in the loft, giving up her usual place for the man she cared for, Tristan had slept on the couch.
    “Is he off?” Rémy asked.
    “He is.” Tamsin spoke quietly, not knowing why she felt a pang in her heart, a pang she couldn’t put words too.
    “He’ll get himself in trouble, Tamsin. I just know it.”
    Rémy spoke the words she couldn’t. So she nodded her head, stoking the stove before starting the kettle. If she couldn’t save Tristan from himself, the least she could do was get Rémy well.
    She had learned, all these years in reparation, that controlling others isn’t always possible but you certainly can control your part.
     
     
     
     

6.
    King Marcus
    King’s Fleet, Sea de Gemmes
     
    The briny air stung the king’s eyes as he bitterly gripped the edge of the wooden boat. His fleet of twenty ships was mighty, as was his reign, but it all felt desolate in moments like this. A night of drinking with his Head Advisor, Drake, should have lightened his mood but nothing would. They’d gone to meet King Francis, and failed.
    Francis’s kingdom was to sign a treaty declaring a new trade route. This would mean a victory for Marcus, and he knew it. More stones leaving Gemmes to be sold in more markets meant only good things for his people, for him, but Francis refused. He argued the tariffs Marcus suggested were unreasonably high.
    In all honesty, Marcus knew they were. So when he attempted to lower them, to appease Francis, a fight broke out. Francis accused Gemmes of being greedy, not thinking of anyone but themselves. He refused to partner with Marcus, no matter the cost.
    It ended in a brawl. The civility of the kings tossed aside when they couldn’t reach an agreement. Marcus had a broken nose to prove his ineptitude. He’d known Francis for decades, since they were both young princes, and Francis valued, above all else, integrity. He accused Marcus of only valuing himself.
    This morning when he awoke, upon realizing he would be returning to Palace Royale, specifically Cozette, treaty-less, he wanted to go back to his ship’s cabin to finish the crate of wine they had stored.
    “Your Majesty, breakfast is served in your cabin, if that pleases you,” a servant spoke with a bowed head.
    “Fine.” Marcus crossed the ship and went below the hull, toward his room.
    Drake waited for him there, maps laid across the table where breakfast was spread.
    “Well, your nose is looking much better this morning, Your Majesty,” Drake said as he downed a cup of café . The night’s drinking seemed to have affected him as well. He rubbed his temples with closed eyes.
    “Ridiculous. All of this.” Marcus swept his hands across the table at the maps. “News of Francis’s lack of cooperation will spread quickly. Everyone will take sides. Pitting them against us, demanding lower tariffs on our stones. I can’t let that happen.”
    “I’ve thought on that, My King,” Drake said, opening his eyes. Drake was a considerable man, in a regal blue ensemble, sapphires across his lapel. He was content with the way life had turned out. His wife Nicolette and Cozette were friends since the early years of their marriages. The two couples, at one time felt like the world was theirs for the taking. They believed they could dip their hands in the sea and find the oyster holding the pearl. Things change.
    “What is your suggestion? I’m all ears, Drake. Although, I’m tempted to lead an army of soldiers across the sea and demolish them.”
    “Steady now. Gemmes has never gone to war. We haven’t a legitimate army. We are the richest for a reason. Rising above all that foolishness. We are supreme because our land gives to us generously.”
    “A lot of good it is doing,” Marcus spit. He touched his fingers to his nose, and in doing so he grew all the more angry. “We can refuse all trades. Without our precious gems, the whole world will cower. Then we can do