“Audryn is my betrothed,” I snapped, “so you will address her properly.”
I’d done all he’d asked of me. With the promise of the throne no longer weaponized, there was little reason to accept his insults—not only the ones thrown at me, but the ones launched at Audryn too.
“And she holds Divine magic?” His question was accusatory, as if I wouldn’t be worthy of such greatness.
“Yes,” I spat. “It was one of your requirements, was it not?”
“You’ve asked her to marry you?” My mother threw a hand over her mouth.
Had I asked Audryn to marry me? The gesture was rushed since Grave interjected himself into the situation. I’d planned to take her to the garden after breakfast and ask her with the rising sun as our backdrop, but he’d ruined that for me.
“Yes,” I croaked, still attempting to recall the details of the proposal.
“And she accepted?” She stood and waited for my answer.
“Who wouldn’t accept the offer? Any woman would be lucky to be my wife,” I said. “And who wouldn’t want to be the Queen of Rivale?”
I waited for her agreement, but she simply stared past me. She might not appreciate the position considering she was wed to my father. But had she chosen someone with my disposition, she’d understand just how absurd her question was.
“Bride or no, you must be cautious of sharing matters that are not the business of a woman.” My father’s voice was strained. He reached for a cup with a wobbling hand, spilling out a quarter of its contents before bringing it to his mouth.
“I can’t wait to meet her,” my mother gushed. “I’m sure she’s going to make a beautiful bride. Will she wear your grandmother’s bridal gown? Have you decided on a group of stringed players for the celebration?”
“You will meet her after the wedding concludes,” my father snapped. “We shall be introduced at the same time.”
“Why would I wait when Ryder can bring her to meet us now?” Her voice edged toward irritation. “I understand you don’t want people to see you like this, Edric, but she will be family soon.”
My stomach sank.
Bringing her to meet my parents wasn’t only a bad idea, but completely impossible. I was supposed to do whatever it took to make the deal for the crude, but somehow I knew my father’s instructions wouldn’t have included sending my bride off with the wickedest king in all of Crofea.
“You’re to stay at your husband's side during his death and until he is buried,” he scolded.
“I believe that tradition was intended for husbands who were mortally injured at war.” Her voice was laced with chill. “Not for those who take more than a year to meet their grave.”
I couldn’t blame her for feeling the way she did. I’m sure standing by a man who treated you so poorly was an arduous task.
“You’ll meet her soon enough.” I patted her shoulder. “I need to go, but I’ll return tomorrow.”
Before she could argue, I was in the corridor and headed to my rooms to change. With the cooler months encroaching, I needed to take advantage of the remaining warmth and spend as much time as possible sparring in the ring. Though Rivale rarely saw snow, the frost was unpleasant enough to dissuade me from outdoor activities.
“Your Highness,” Hunt called from behind me as I nearly reached my rooms. “Captain Vexley is here and requests a meeting.”
I rolled my eyes and turned on my heel. “Where?”
“Royal common room.”
I sighed and walked past the guard. With my father’s health continuing to decline, I’d started to feel the weight of the obligations piled on me. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle, but there were other activities I’d rather be doing.
“Captain,” I acknowledged the man standing as I breezed past him to my chair. “Did we have a meeting planned?”
“No, Your Highness. We have a matter to contend with, and I wanted to speak with you as soon as possible.”
I motioned to the attendant and tipped my empty glass. The man stared at the cup, brows furrowing. “Wine!” I demanded, frustrated that I even had to ask.
He scurried off and reappeared holding a dark bottle marked with Rivale’s emblem. With a shaky hand, he poured the burgundy liquid, letting a drop spill on the table as he pulled away. That someone couldn’t manage to do their job without making a mess was ridiculous.
I waved him off.
