A chill creeps down my spine, and I press my leg closer to Kieran’s. Maybe he never came back to me because he couldn’t. He’s alluded to it before, and perhaps I’ve been too blind to realize there were reasons beyond our argument that kept him away.
Leland lets out a quiet tut of his tongue, shaking his head. “Dreadful, what you went through, Morris. Just awful. But you’re out now, aren’t you? You’re ensuring what happened to you never happens again.” His words are honey-smooth, and I feel myself calming. Kieran, though, looks at Leland with the same hard intensity he gave me.
“Don’t pull that shit on me, Leland. You know it won’t work.” He turns back to the window.
“Of course.” Leland sighs and slides his gloved hand into mine.
The carriage comes to a smooth stop. Kieran jumps up as though he can’t wait to leave, opening the door before the footman even has the chance. He’s gone before I can say another word.
“Don’t worry about Mr. Blackwell. He has these moods. His past is painful, but he’s a good man. In fact, it was he who suggested I accept your alliance. He pointed out all the good it could bring to both of our kingdoms.”
Kieran is the one who suggested Leland proceed with our arrangement? “Was he? Did he have a reason to suggest our match?”
Leland offers me his hand as I exit the carriage, steadying me, then rests it in the crook of my arm. My sisters and brothers are walking toward me, as are Queen Kalise and General Pryor.
“I believe he suggested that I would be a welcome influence in the kingdom.”
“What do you mean by that?” I ask, desperate to know more before our families close in around us.
“I said he’s a kind man, but he’s also a shrewd businessman when it comes to dealing with bluebloods. Perhaps he thought we could continue our work in Naseria together. But does it matter? We’re uniting our countries—and our lives—in only two weeks. Now, let’s make our engagement official, shall we?”
I nod, my head spinning as Leland leads me toward Covington Park. What game is Kieran playing here? He seems to genuinely value his friendship with Leland, and yet he’s promised to ruin me.
I’ve been waiting for him to destroy everything I’ve worked for, but he’s kept his distance. In fact, the carriage ride over was the first time he’s said anything more than a few polite words to me in days. Perhaps he’s had a change of heart.
Gabe told me they met privately, and Kieran disclosed the former state of the helachite mines in Naseria to him. Gabe’s descriptions were abhorrent, and if Kieran suffered in those mines, as he and Leland suggested, then I can better understand why he wants to see change in my kingdom.
Kieran refused to share more details with Gabe about what happened to him after he left Fairbright Palace. After the conversation in the carriage, I can see why. He’s never seemed this upset before, and until now, he’s been nothing but arrogant and composed. I scan the park, searching for him.
I can’t find him within the crowd of festively dressed aristocrats and redblood townspeople in their finest. Children have smoothed hair and girls wear crisp pinafores, while boys run through the sunshine in short pants.
The park is decorated in Icelantican blue and Naserian green, with lush scarlet begonias cascading over poles that hold up the ribbons. It’s a beautiful sight, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face as people cheer for the royal family.
“You organized all this for me?” I whisper as Leland leads me toward a dais.
“I did. I wanted to make it up to you. We’ll announce our engagement right away, then there will be dancing. After that, refreshments from The Wild Rose and other local businesses, highlighting the best of Crawford. This evening, there will be more dancing and fireworks under the stars.”
“Really?” It’s incredibly thoughtful of him—the kindest thing anyone’s done for me.
This marriage is going to work. We respect one another. He’s kind and considerate, just what I hoped for in a husband.
Clemmy whistles loudly through the crowd, her husband’s hands wrapped lovingly around her hips.
I can’t stop smiling as I walk through the cheering crowd. “Thank you, Leland. It’s beautiful. You’re such a good man.”
We walk up the dais and take our seats on the two middle chairs. Our families follow close behind. Once we’re all seated, the orchestrabegins to play a cheerful tune. Bluebloods and redbloods alike mingle and dance.
That’s when I see Kieran. He’s off to the side of the event, leaning against a tree. His eyes are trained on me, and he dips his head when we make eye contact. I turn my attention back to the crowd, taking in the jubilation and trying to ignore the gnawing guilt rising in my chest.
Finally, the music stops. The crowd grows still as Queen Kalise and Queen Penelope step forward.
My mother addresses the crowd, her vibrant voice carrying across the park. “We are honored to have you all here today. From redblood shopkeepers to blueblood lords and ladies, today we gather to celebrate the engagement of Princess Genevieve to Prince Leland of Icelantica. Together, our kingdoms will forge a future united against our enemies, join our two countries through a revolutionary railway system, making travel easier and accessible for all.”
The crowd bursts into cheers as Queen Kalise slowly raises her hand to call for silence. I look toward Kieran, but he’s no longer where I last saw him. I scan the crowd as Queen Kalise begins talking about a new partnership, but I can’t find him anywhere. My heart sinks, and I try to focus on her words.
Leland places his gloved hand over mine, gently pulling me toward the queens. “Kalise called for us. They’ll give their blessing on our betrothal now.”
I suck in a breath, strained by the tightness of my corset. “Right.”
