Well, if the Chance’s crown prince isn’t a patient man, we will have worse issues than my timekeeping.
Louis drops his gaze to the floor and sighs.I’m still wearing my boots from practice, their bright tips poking out from under my skirts.
“My apologies,” I say, stepping into the room.“But it won’t be the last time, so it’s better you know now, and we won’t have to waste time with sorries in the future.”
There’s an unfamiliar chuckle, and I turn to face the man I’m here to meet.
“I rather like waiting when the reward is so lovely, and I thank you for your honesty.It’s how every good marriage should start.”
Prince Lachlan is as handsome as the rumors say, which is a pleasant surprise.Tall and well defined.Older than Louis, but not by much.His hair falls past his brow, soft and clean, a shade darker than his honey-brown eyes.It brushes along sharp cheekbones, begs to be touched.Tousled.Ruined.
Yes, he is very pleasing to look at.
Strange that he’s unwed.As the only son, he should have been married off years ago.
Is there secretly something wrong with him that my brother hasn’t told me?
If there is, I must make my peace with it now.
Sterling is adamant that the prince is a good man, and I trust him, but this isn’t a love match.It’s a responsibility to unite our provinces and heal the scars the sorcerer cleaved out between our communities.I pushed for this, and I will honor my choice, no matter who this stranger is.
Louis looks eagerly between us, twitching with excitement.It’s no wonder; he was raised to take over our father’s role on the council, and trade between Ferntree and Chance is about to increase twofold.
“How was your journey?”I ask.
“Enjoyable,” Lachlan answers.“The waters were calm.Have you ever sailed?”
“No.”I offer nothing else.
“You’ll love it, I promise.I’m an excellent captain.”
“And modest, clearly.”
Louis gapes.“I apologize for my sister?—”
“Please don’t,” Lachlan says, smiling wider.“Is there anything else you need, Louis?Only I’d like to get to know my fiancée.”
“I shouldn’t leave you alone,” Louis says, cautious.“Why isn’t your guard here?”
“That’s a question we’d both like the answer to,” I say, not hiding the bite in my voice.
Louis looks like a drowned puppy when he pouts.“I’ll call one of mine to stand watch.”He touches my arm.“At the first sign of trouble?—”
With a flick of my wrist, I free the dagger Sterling gave me.“I know what to do.”
Louis’s eyes almost fall out of his head, and I prepare for his wrath, but Lachlan tips his head back and laughs.
“Oh, I believe this will be an even better arrangement than you promised, Louis.”
Flushed to the tips of his ears, my brother apologizes anyway and excuses himself.I take the opportunity to put a little distance between myself and this wayward prince.
I sheathe my dagger.“Mia Finnegan.Nice to finally meet you,” I say, dipping my head.
“Lachlan Williams, or Lucky if you prefer, and the pleasure is all mine, I assure you.”
His eyes are alight with more joy than I would expect for a man who has been strong-armed into an arranged marriage—or perhaps it’s only me who has been dreading this.
He’s not the one losing his entire world.My chest aches with the need to have Sterling here.
