How can that man feel that way? How can he doubt himself when he was the picture of confidence when I first met him?Loving him is...everything.
I sigh, my heart hurting, feeling so alone right now.
Thankfully, my aunt Pala and cousins arrive soon as well as Timmy. I dearly hope they won’t create more waves but be a good distraction.God knows we need that.
ChapterEight
“What’s this?” I ask as Pickering sets a newspaper down on my desk.
“Some reading I thought you’d be interested in,” Pickering says with a smile.
I pick up the newspaper and take in the headline.
SOON-TO-BE PRINCE, STIFF AS THEY COME.
I glance up at Pickering, a smile crossing my lips. “Please tell me this is what I think it is.”
Pickering nods. “Princess Lilija and Keller were at a local playschool together. He was observed as stiff and unwelcoming. While Princess Lilija was reading to the kids, he ended up kicking one of the children. It’s a great read. I suggest you enjoy a cup of tea with it.”
“That’s some of the best news I’ve heard in a while. I will enjoy it with some tea. How was Lilija observed?”
Pickering rolls his eyes. “Naturally, everyone loved her.”
My lips twist to the side. “These fucking morons. Don’t they realize she’s just parading in a role that’s not meant for her? When are they going to realize she’s posing for the cameras and knows nothing about the responsibilities of royalty?”
“Hopefully soon. From what our source has said, she lacks decorum and has a loose tongue. I think only time will tell. Until then, you have a phone call with King Magnus in an hour. Is there anything you want me to do to prepare for that?”
I shake my head. “No. We’re going over some final details.” I stare down at the picture of Keller and Lilija sitting in front of a group of children, Keller visibly uncomfortable.You will never take on the throne, Fitzwilliam. You’ll be in a fiery grave, just like your pathetic parents.“This almost seems too easy, doesn’t it?”
“Once the logistics are ironed out, I think it will be quite easy. We have them just where we want them.”
I nod and twist the paper into a roll, wishing it was Fitzwilliam’s neck. “Ten days, Pickering. Ten days and we’ll finally take back what was stolen from us. Torskethorpe belongs to us, and their attempt to bring in an outsider to save their country will blow up in their faces. And soon their farce will come to a rightful end.”
“That it will,” Pickering says with a large smile.
I shoo my hand at him. “Now get the hell out of here. I want some privacy while I read.”
ChapterNine
KELLER
“Are you going to do that whole groom’s thing where you dig up a sword from an ancestor’s grave?” Ottar asks as we make our way up to my bedroom where I’ll be fitted for my wedding suit.
“Does it look like I’m the type of guy who digs up an old grave for a sword?” I ask.
Ottar chuckles next to me. “No, but you’re a man of tradition, that’s why I’m asking.”
“The answer is no.”
“Then what are you doing on the eve of your wedding?”
“Probably sitting in my room, counting down the minutes until I get to marry Lilly.”
“Romantic.”
I glance at Ottar. “Why? Should I be doing something?”
“Didn’t know if you wanted company.”
