Free Extol of Agnatic Dreams (The Extol Series Book 1) by Jennifer R. Kenny Page B

brief pause in the conversation, the silence not welcomed but it didn’t feel strained between the woman. Sigourney was giving Evangeline a moment to process the realities behind her duties.
    She didn’t need to bother. Evangeline was well aware of them. There was no reason for her to marry if she did not plan on having children. Both Kingdoms were eager to cement their partnership and Braykith would be waiting for a new King to ensure the lineage stayed royal. She would be beyond foolish not to realise that the continued bloodlines were important.
    Sigourney was happy to give Evangeline the limited knowledge she did have. “I do not spend much time with Prince Glais, so I can only judge by what I have witnessed of him in a formal manner.” Evangeline did not like how this conversation was being framed. She felt herself sitting forward as they were continued to jostle on their seats. Evangeline did not want to miss a word over the sound of the hooves.
    “He is a rather private man; that is certain so do not be offended if it appears he is avoiding you. Prince Glais is much like his father in that regard.” Sigourney paused as she considered her own thoughts, being drawn into a quick analysis of Glais and his father. “Of all the children I believe it is safe to say that Prince Glais is the most like his father. I suspect you will be an invaluable asset to him much as our Queen is to the King.”
    Evangeline wondered why her father was not this way. His emotions could be felt through the manor and on the streets for days. A happy lord, a happy citizen; and all the lands between was a common saying from her father. It appeared the Braykith Kingdom was very much separated from their King and his moods, and his influence was not so easily felt unless he presented it to them. Curiously, Evangeline had never considered that her father would rule in a way different to the King.
    Since Sigourney was alluding to the fact that Glais was private, Evangeline was hopeful. Tending to a quietly emotional man, Evangeline was finally presented with a task that she could excel at. Or at least, handle with little outside help. “I hope with time he will find me to be his most obedient and trustworthy secret keeper.” Evangeline wanted Sigourney to keep talking since the advisor had not yet answered her question.
    Sigourney was aware that she had not yet answered Evangeline, and was pleased to see that Evangeline was not only aware but gently prodding. Perhaps with time, she would become more efficient at drawing out information from others, but for tonight this was perfect. “He has not been particularly challenging or shown any outward signs of displeasure concerning your arrival.”
    Evangeline wished that she could have relaxed a little with the news but, unfortunately, this was not the most critical question she had. She ran her tongue over her lips, stalling for time but there must have been something in the way she held herself that told Sigourney that she had more to say. “There is no rival awaiting me is there?”
    Sigourney frowned. “A rival?” she repeated, not sure what Evangeline was asking her. “The King takes his partnership with Crimah seriously and his son is not promised to any other.”
    Evangeline blushed and was pleased the carriage was dark so Sigourney couldn’t see the real flush of colour on her cheeks. “That is not what I meant. I had heard from a cousin, Selena, that when she went to visit the man she was to marry that a woman attacked her.”
    “Oh, my.” Sigourney wanted to hear more and quickly Evangeline was delivering. At that moment, both women forgot their place as future Queen and advisor to the current King and they were simply woman sharing good gossip.
    “Indeed. Apparently the Duke had been keeping a mistress. He had never promised her anything more than what he was already giving her but somehow she came to believe that he meant to marry her.”
    “It is not entirely unheard of.”