The King's Unbreakable Wife-Chapter 139: False Ally (2)

"Calm yourself, Linda. The selection is over but no need to make a mockery of yourself. You should put this energy into finding a husband rather than be excited to see Hazel," said Grant.

"It feels like a long time since I have seen Hazel. I must know how she is fairing in the palace. She is there without a friend by her side. I can only imagine how boring it is," Linda said, pitying Hazel.

"She is in the palace. There is no better place to be," Grant replied. "I will do what I can to get you to stay there with her."

"I changed my mind about that. I love Hazel, but living in the palace isn’t for me. I am satisfied with visiting her throughout the day. Much would be said about me by Hazel’s side when she is meant to be preparing to be queen. Don’t worry about it anymore," Linda turned down the offer.

Grant sighed, irritated with how fast Linda was to change her mind. Getting Linda to wake up and see what was before her was not an easy task. "You should take the opportunity. Many would kill to be in your position to have the chance to live in the palace. It would be good for you to sit with Hazel and see how they train to become queen."

"Grandfather, you know that I am not fond of studying more than I need to. Besides, seeing how a queen is prepared is quite useless to me. I already have to turn my attention to finding a husband. Have the Collins accepted your party invitation yet?" Linda questioned.

Her grandfather held a party each winter in his home which she looked forward to. If the Collins were attending like they did every other year, she was to look her best and stand out from all the other young women eyeing Edgar freewebnøvel.com

"Linda, it is time you move on from him. He has no interest in getting married so it is a waste of your time. You are an excellent choice for a wife and all these clueless men fail to notice you. You could have gained so much had you paid attention during the selection," said Grant.

Linda’s shoulders dropped as she once again felt she had let her family down. Her parents appeared happy that she wasn’t going to marry Tobias, but then Grant gave her the feeling that they thought otherwise.

Linda looked out the carriage window at the land they were passing. She had no interest in the queen or being with Tobias, but she wanted to please her family. Had she known that it was what her family wanted her to do, she would have tried harder.

Her best friend won the spot so Linda didn’t like thinking of what she could have done to be in Hazel’s place right now. Hazel was happy and it should stay this way.

If Linda could just get one sit down with Edgar to court him and then catch his fancy, she could make this right. She could end up married before the season ended and please her family. If she failed to get Edgar’s attention the next time she was around him, Linda would move on.

’Everyone is getting married,’ Linda thought.

Other than the selection, her parents didn’t bring up marriage to her often, but it was something she had to do soon. Truthfully, Linda wasn’t ready and was only excited because she envisioned marrying the man she loved. If she could wait a little more, it would be lovely.

Grant noticed something off about Linda and asked, "What troubles you now? I can’t return you to your father in a depressing state."

"Nothing. I am only thinking about the future," Linda answered.

"Good," Grant said, liking that she was not stuck on Hazel. "We must always think of the future and what awaits us there. What can we do to get what we desire?"

"What is it that you desire, grandfather? Do you not have everything you sought after?" Linda questioned.

In Linda’s eyes, her grandfather had everything he needed. His name was known throughout the kingdom for his army and efforts at war, his sons had made him proud, and he had a wonderful family by his side.

"There is always more to get. I am always looking for ways to help his family," Grant answered.

"You’ve helped us well enough. It is time that we do something for you. We’ve arrived," Linda said, watching as they rode through the palace gates.

"Then, in the future when I need a favour from you, will you accept it?" Grant asked, leaving out the important details.

Without questioning it, Linda responded, "Yes. I would do anything for you."

’I hope that it is true,’ Grant said to himself.

Grant helped Linda out of the carriage and offered his arm for her to hold onto as they entered the palace. "Hazel should be doing her studies now. I will join you before leaving to go to the court."

"How do you know where she is now?" Linda asked, confused by his knowledge of Hazel’s whereabouts. He didn’t ask anyone passing by where Hazel was so he already knew before arriving. "Have you been asking about her?"

"I met with someone from the court yesterday and asked how Hazel was fairing. I was curious if she settled in well and heard of her studies starting," Grant answered. "I have to keep an eye on her while she is here. She is like a granddaughter."

"Hazel would be happy to hear that and to see you. Two familiar faces would do her good," Linda said, happy that it wasn’t just her looking out for Hazel. "Have you seen what was printed in the papers? Their love story is being twisted so much, but the town loves it. Everyone wants to hear more of how they fell in love."

"Yes, we are all curious," said Grant. How did Hazel unexpectedly get the prince? ’Should Hazel tell you of any problems she faces, tell me. I have friends in the palace who would be able to help her."

"Will do! The queen is coming," Linda said, panicking as she didn’t anticipate seeing the queen. She smoothed out the front of her dress as she walked and smiled.

"Grant Henson. Pleasure seeing you in the palace again and you brought Linda this time," Tabitha said, enjoying Linda’s return to the palace. "To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing Linda again?"

"She has come to visit her friend Hazel. I was allowed to let Linda do a short visit," said Grant.

"Really? The king did not mention it to me," Tabitha said, confused. Jeffrey left out more of what he spoke about with Hazel.

"It was not the king that allowed it. It was the court," Grant revealed.