How To Charm An Ice Queen

#2. Charm Also Works On Horses

Chapter 2

Charm Also Works on Horses

Patience had never been one of my strongest attributes. Which was why I was pacing angrily outside the main doors to the throne room even though I'd been summoned about a half hour earlier.

I knew why this was so of course. Father dearest had probably wanted to discuss this latest news of my invitation and naturally had gotten carried away, forgetting that I wasn't even there at all.

It was no secret that James was his favourite son. After all he was the crown prince, heir to the throne. I tried not to let it get to me over the years but it still hurt to always be compared to my brother all the time.

Especially when I never matched up to him.

I sighed and stopped pacing, the guards staring ahead with not so much as concern for me as they held their positions in front of the doors.

Finally after an eternity and a half, the doors were opened and a steward announced my arrival.

"It's about time," I said, casually striding in with my hands linked behind my neck. "I was starting to grow a beard back there."

I saw Mother crack a small smile at me while my sister Anabelle giggled. James rolled his eyes and the two other Lords in attendance didn't seem to know what to do with their facial muscles.

Father was not amused.

"Levi," he said sternly, his expression fixed to that of supreme displeasure. "Your lack of etiquette may be tolerated wherever you go but not in my presence. You'd do well to remember that."

I lowered my arms to my sides. "Yes, father,"

With that, I bowed and went to stand by my seat beside Anabelle. I had to wait for His High-and-Mightiness to allow me to sit down from his mighty throne.

With approval from the king, I took my seat and heard a discreet snicker from my sister, earning her a kick under the table from me.

My father cleared his throat and his voice boomed from his position on the raised dias.

I still didn't get why he and mother had to sit so far from the large table but I decided not to bring it up upon seeing his expression.

No doubt I'd add more to my worst son ever list.

"Now that you have joined us," he began. "We may discuss this upcoming event that you had miraculously been invited to."

I held back my sneer at that, choosing instead to take in the décor. The red and gold tapestries hanging from the ceiling, various artwork and statues or warriors and kings long passed; anything to keep me awake as the king droned on about information the steward had summed up for me in less than a minute.

So overall, the Queen's mother had sent a personal letter to my parents informing them of her insistence that I participate as a candidate to win the hand of her daughter, Queen Annora Nevey.

The Winter Games which are a Hielorian tradition, would be a great way to showcase my skills and catch her eye (her words, not mine).

I couldn't understand why she'd want me. I mean, should I be the one to marry the queen that would mean I would be king. There was something about their laws and such concerning that but I didn't pay attention.

It was flattering, I must say. That someone thought I'd be worthy of such a position.

Unfortunately my parents didn't seem to think so.