“When?” a voice called out somewhere in the substantial crowd.
“Why bother our prince with matters of business when he has come to meet each of you?” Maris gestured a gentle hand out. “I’m sure you would like to speak with Prince Sutton, so let’s not be wasteful with the time he has given from his full schedule.”
For the next hour, Maris and I spoke with the crowd. Her voice remained an unwavering support at my side, and the few times my words became knotted, she stepped in. Mothers spoke of their children, men touted their endeavors, and others stood at the side merely observing.
As the hour neared its close, I’d met my limit and restlessly shifted on my feet looking for a way out. Maris was quick to notice.
“Apologies for interrupting, but I need to rest.” Maris kept her voice loud enough for those in the immediate vicinity to hear. “I hope you can forgive me. It has been a joy to speak with all of you.”
My gaze swept over the crowd and I offered a wave. “It hasbeen a pleasure, and I look forward to speaking with more of you in the future.”
Until that day, I hadn’t understood why my father avoided public appearances. But as we rode away and my shoulders slumped, things made more sense. If Leanna hadn’t scheduled the meeting with Maris’s father, I would’ve returned to the castle and snuck away to my bedroom to rest. But with the second leg of the ride in silence, it was enough to offer me the mental intermission I needed.
My stomach dipped as I looked toward the single-story, sprawling estate behind the iron gate. Normally I wouldn’t be anxious, but with my reputation among the capital in shambles, I needed the man on my side. His voice might be loud enough to turn the tide in my favor, and I had to tread carefully, especially once he learned that I’d chosen to marry someone other than his daughter.
“We shall secure the residence first,” Hunt advised as he pulled open the gate.
“No.” I motioned the guard back. “The Faldors are known to my family and I will not treat them with suspicion.”
The guard’s brow creased.
“Do you think you’ll discover a member of the resistance hiding within?” I let out a boisterous laugh. “Stand down, Guard Hunt. Though I appreciate your dedication, you can relax for a moment. Keep the perimeter secure if that makes you feel useful.”
I offered Maris an arm before continuing up the packed dirt path. She gladly accepted and placed a hand on my bicep. We strolled up, the heat of the sun high above. I was in no rush to take part in the game I’d need to play in order to secure my future.
The estate was situated at the edge of the capital, giving the residence miles of rolling hills at its posterior. Though not nobles, the family retained rights over more property than somelords in Rivale. What they maintained in their family line was impressive, and it would all be left to Maris.
Before we reached the steps, the front door opened. An attendant greeted us with a bow and offered to take my coat, but I declined. The conversation would be casual, but I wouldn't let her parents forget my title.
“Prince Sutton.” A blonde man dipped his chin from the entryway. “Had I known you were coming, my wife would have been present.” His attention shifted. “Maris.”
“Father.” Her tone was icy—so different from the way she spoke to me.
“Shall we sit?” the man offered.
I followed him into the common room and took a seat on the long yellow sofa. The material was plush velvet, and a large multicolored rug lay under it. Two matching wide chairs with thick arms sat across. Maris started to sit beside me, but her father interjected.
“Perhaps you should busy yourself with other tasks?” He’d made it sound like a suggestion, but even I knew it was a command.
On cue, she flitted out of the room, leaving her father and me to ourselves. He cleared his throat and took a seat across from me. We sat in silence for a full minute, staring at one another. I knew what I wanted to say, but struggled with the words.
“I know why you’re here,” the man started.
My stomach eased.
“You’re here to ask for my blessing so that you may marry my daughter.”
Dread filled my body. “Mister Faldor …”
He gestured with a hand. “Call me Levi.”
“Levi.” I cleared my throat. “I’m here on another matter, actually.”
An attendant in the corner shuffled uneasily on his feet.
“I have asked another woman for her hand in marriage.” I thrummed my fingers on the arm of the couch.
“And you have come to notify me of this? Seems quite unnecessary even for a Sutton.” My name sounded like it was milk that had gone bad. “Were you unhappy with her demeanor? She can be rough around the edges at times, and she’s not very smart. But she is okay on the eyes and with proper guidance?—”
