Twisted-Games

received an invite despite not being in the eligible bachelor age range.
“His Majesty and I missed you at yesterday’s meeting,” he said. “We
discussed the new proposed tax reform legislation, which I’m sure you would
have contributed greatly to.”
I didn’t miss the mocking undertone. I sometimes attended the weekly
meetings my grandfather had with the Speaker, and Erhall had insinuated
multiple times he thought I had no business being there.
He was one of the Parliament members Edvard had referred to when he’d
said there were people who didn’t want to see a woman on the throne.
“Indeed,” I said coolly. “You’ve been trying to pass similar legislation for
years, have you not, Mr. Speaker? It does seem it could benefit from new
ideas.”
Erhall’s mouth tightened, but his voice was deceptively light when he
responded. “I hope you enjoyed the ball, Your Highness. Husband hunting is
surely a top priority for a princess.”
Everyone knew the true purpose of the ball, but no one was stupid or
untactful enough to voice it out aloud…except for Erhall, who wielded
enough power he could get away with insulting the crown princess at her own
party. There were even rumors he might be the next Prime Minister when he
inevitably ran for the office.
I resisted the urge to slap him. That would play right into his game. No
one would be happier than Erhall if my public image took a hit, which it
would if I was caught attacking the Speaker of Parliament on my birthday.
“Let me be frank, Your Highness.” Erhall smoothed his tie. “You are a
lovely young woman, but being the monarch of Eldorra requires more than a
pretty face. You have to understand the politics, the dynamics, the serious
issues at hand. Your brother was trained for it, but you haven’t even lived in
Eldorra for the past few years. Don’t you think it would be best if you handed
the responsibilities of the crown to someone more suited to the role?”
“Who might that be?” My voice dripped poisonous honey. “Someone
male, I presume.”
It was unbelievable we were having this conversation, but no one had
ever accused Parliament of moving forward with the times.
Erhall smiled, wise enough not to give a direct answer. “Whoever you
think best, Your Highness.”
“Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker.” My face was hot and blotchy from
humiliation, but I pushed past it. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of