Unbidden, my nightmare prince was claiming the heart I vowed never to give, and I thought he might be giving his.
Dorsan entered my chamber, a piece of parchment in his hand. “Forgive the interruption, My Lady. You’ve received a missive from Natthaven.”
My stomach dipped. Since the Ljosalfar rogue tried to slaughter Jonas and his household, correspondence was typically kept between king and king. Or so I was told. My grandfather had not offered any word to me on Gerard or Arion.
I made quick work of schooling my curiosity and held out my hand. “Thank you, Dorsan.” A quick scan of the missive gave up the author. “Oh, it’s from Cara.”
Stern as my lady had been, Cara was a constant in my life, and there were days I missed her haughty words and huffs when folk did not live up to her opinions of propriety.
Lady Skadinia?—
I write to you with some trepidation. This inquiry borders on indecent, and I beg your forgiveness, but I do hope you’ll soothe this woman’s mind.
His Highness, King Gerard, and the Crown Prince Arion, were present in the palace these last days. I was troubled to learn of the attack from the rogue Ljosalfar, but am relieved to hear of your safety.
It is this topic which brings this letter. Although, the Ljosalfar appeared regretful for the attack, their belief is that your safety would be better suited with your own folk. Your new vow was enough of a concern, the disgraced prince approached me to hear of your wellbeing. He was quite remorseful for his part in pushing you toward this alliance. He insisted he intended to prove his contrite heart in the hopes you might choose him again before the turn is finished, per the alliance condition.
I am not prone to palace gossip, but I had to ask. It was confirmed this alliance can be returned to the Ljosalfar should you be dissatisfied with your new husband within the first turn.
Due to this, I would urge you to respond and tell me if you find a degree of peace in alver lands. I am hopeful you do, for my heart remains soured toward the Crown Prince at this time. Do not think little of me for speaking so plainly.
I will watch for your reply, and do hope the feral prince is doing what he should to keep you content. I have no doubt he would not want to lose the prestige of this alliance either.
Your lady,
Cara
Return to a betrothal with Arion? I knew if I had not agreed to the alliance with Jonas, my only choice would be to secure the legacy of the unification of the two elven clans with Arion.
But I was vowed now; my choice was made.
“Dorsan, may I ask you something?”
“Of course, My Lady.”
I hesitated. “Do you know anything about a condition of the alliance that states I might return to an agreement with the Ljosalfar prince?”
Dorsan clasped his hands behind his back. “I believe it is a standard condition to allow you a voice in your household. Should you be discontented with your new vow within the first turn, as I understand, you may choose to realign the two clans of elven. Either legacy is satisfactory for the king.”
Breath tightened in my throat. “So, if Jonas is not pleasing, it will be left to me to rescind the vow?”
“I believe so.”
Skin heated under my collar. “No doubt, the alver prince would want to do all he could to keep me content.”
Dorsan’s mouth tightened. “I imagine the prince would.”
“Thank you, Dorsan.” I flashed him a bright smile to hide the shock of pain in my heart. “I think I’ll go to the gardens. If you don’t mind, I would like to spend the afternoon alone.”
The guard frowned, but after a long pause, dipped his chin and abandoned the room.
I clutched my fist around the missive and for the first time since I took vows felt the first frost of my affinity numb a bit of my heart.
I desired to be anywhere but here.
Gods, was I still so bleeding desperate for my heart to be cherished that I’d been duped by another man?
Tears burned behind my eyes. I would not live a ruse, but I would not return to Arion.
