It would be so much easier if I could make myself interested in a woman whowasn’tin love with my brother.
Even if she wasn’t, I’d never let myself have Raewyn.
But I also wouldn’t take Lady Glenna up on her obvious offer just to scratch an itch.
Let’s get down to business, shall we?I said.I don’t have all day.
Her face fell in blatant disappointment.I see your reputation for being a profligate lover of women was somewhat overstated.
I simply raised a brow and waited.
Very well,she snipped.My father would like you to know that he offers his full support and loyalty, should you decide to move against King Stellon for control of Avrandar.
She drew her fingertips over her chest.
He also offers his daughter as a gift of good faith and kinsmanship… unless… you’re already bonded?
She was so confident in her appeal that she’d concluded I must have already taken a bond-mate, andthatwas why I hadn't jumped at the chance to bed her.
I didn’t cooperate with her fishing expedition, opting instead to gather some further information.
Your father plans to mutiny against my brother?
Only if it’s in support of the far superior Randalin brother,she said.I never really wanted Stellon, you know.
Not that it made any difference to me, but I had a distinct memory of the woman sprinting across the ballroom after my brother. She was a crown-chaser for sure.
I rose from my chair.
Please give your father my regards and thank him for his generous offers. I have no current plans to overthrow the King or make myself one. But I’ll be in touch if that sort of action becomes necessary. Until then, you’ll refrain from mentioning that I’m alive and you’ve seen me to anyone but your father.
Wearing a moue of displeasure, the lady rose from her chair and went to the library door. Before leaving she turned back to give the customary Court parting words.
“May the Grand Star brighten your way, Prince Pharis. And if you ever change your mind and want?—”
I interrupted. “And may it ever warm you. Goodbye Lady Glenna. Safe travels back to Windros.”
I let out a long breath as Bretton closed the door behind her.
Raewyn came down the stairs, approaching me with curiosity painted across her face.
“What was she saying as she left? About you changing your mind?”
Her tone was odd. Sharp and tight, it sounded almost… jealous.
A pleasurable warm sensation filled my stomach and spread up into my chest and downward to my thighs. I looked down into Raewyn’s big brown eyes, enjoying the annoyed little line between her drawn eyebrows a bit too much.
“Her father made me an offer, and Glenna delivered it,” I said.
“What kind of offer?”
“Just Court business,” I said. “Nothing that interesting.”
“And did you find out why he didn’t come and make the offer himself?” Raewyn asked.
She definitely sounded jealous. I was shamed at how much that pleased me.
Stop it. Don’t be pleased. You have no business wanting her to be jealous.
