But Ophelia soon recovers, especially once she meets Jared’s gaze. Her expression relaxes, and she gathers her skirts and approaches, walking as gracefully as if she were floating, her smile blindingly bright. The bells on her ankles ring loudly in a room that has fallen so quiet.
But where is Dietan?
Why isn’t he at the podium?
“Today’s announcement is not on behalf of Prince Dietan,” Jared announces as Ophelia reaches his side.
The room erupts in surprised murmurs, and I hold my breath.
Then, suddenly, Lord Jared lowers himself to one knee. He looks up at Ophelia, who is radiant.
“Unlike the prince, I did not set out to find a bride on this journey. I never thought that anyone could ever bring me such happiness, that there could be someone whose smile makes me believe that the poets and the minstrels are right after all. You, my darling Ophelia, have convinced me that true love does exist in this world. I feel it in every breath I’ve taken since I’ve met you.”
No one speaks. Like me, everyone assembled assumed that this was a ceremony for Dietan. I knew, of course, that Ophelia fancied Jared, but this is unexpected.
“Ophelia, you have stolen my heart right out of my chest.” He lets out a breathless laugh, and I’m struck by wonder. That cocky lord is truly nervous. “The moment I saw you, I knew that you were the only one for me. Will you do me the greatest honor and consent to be my wife?”
Ophelia hardly says “yes” before the room explodes in applause. Jared stands and kisses Ophelia, and she holds his face, kissing him back. I clap as loudly as the rest, even though I don’t quite understand. The prince had the invitation sent on Jared’s behalf. Dietan hasn’t chosen a bride.
Relief washes over me, followed by irritation. Why would I be relieved the prince didn’t chose Ophelia? The prince could still choose Sonja. Plus, I’m still sorting out if I trust him.
I try to focus on Ophelia, who looks so happy tears well in my eyes. She’s not going to be a princess, but she seems happy with the life of a noble lady. Did she know Lord Jared was going to propose? She must have. She’s so graceful, accepting the royal entourage’s congratulations, flawless and ready for a life at court.
Ophelia cranes her neck, searching the crowd at the back of the room, where I said I’d be. Her eyes meet mine, and she makes her way toward me. She’s as luminous as sunshine. “Oh, Aren! Isn’t it divine?” she says, holding her arms out to be hugged and petted despite the mud and rainwater soaking through my clothes.
She’ll soon have a hundred dresses grander than anything I can make. I take her in my arms and hold her tight, smearing mud on her skirts. My sister still needs her family. She needsme. She’s thrilled, but there’s terror behind her eyes at the thought of leaving behind everything she’s ever known, the kind of fear that only I can quell.
“I am so, so happy for you, my dearest,” I whisper fiercely. “You will make a wonderful lady.” Soon, Sonja is there, too, and the three of us are crying.
Lord Jared joins us, beaming with pride as he takes his beloved in his arms. I wipe away my tears and gather myself together. Even though I know I look like shit, I put on my best smile to meet one of the great lords of the Loegrian court.
“My lord, you’ve met Sonja, but may I introduce to you my older sister, Aren,” Ophelia says.
Lord Jared bows courteously, and I manage an awkward curtsy in reply. I never know exactly how low to bend my knees.
“Pleased to meet you, my lord,” I say. “To say I’m surprised would be an understatement. I didn’t expect this.”
“Neither did I,” he replies, his cheeks flushed. “But I know that this is fate.”
“You are a lucky man. Our father is not here, but he gives his blessing,” I tell him.
“I am very lucky indeed.” He clears his throat and shifts uncomfortably on his feet. “Ophelia tells me you and your father did not receive your invitations. The marquis assured me he’d make certain all relevant citizens of Evandale would be included, especially—”
I hold up my hand. It all makes sense now. The prince didn’t intentionally leave me off the list, the marquis did.The prick. I lift my chin and smile. “Please, think nothing of it. My father was unable to attend anyway, and I’m here now, my lord.”
Jared kisses the back of my hand. “As we will be family, call me Jared. Please apologize on my behalf to your father and tell him that I accept his blessing most gratefully. Ophelia made it very clear to me that she would not accept me unless I agreed Sonja could come with us. Please know I will take care of your sisters; both will want for nothing in Lundenwic.”
Ophelia squeezes my hand. “We’re both going to move to court, Aren!”
“Oh dear—what are we going to wear?” asks Sonja.
“Aren, you will have to make us a trousseau. We can’t show up at court looking like country bumpkins.” Ophelia laughs.
Jared smiles. “There is no need to put Aren through that effort. Fear not, you two will have the best of everything.” He turns back to Ophelia. “Come, love. There are people you need to meet.” Ophelia nods, gathering her skirts as she takes his arm.
“They’re lovely together,” Sonja says, putting an arm around my shoulders.
I nod in agreement.
