The air outside is sweet and warm—not nearly as stifling as the glasshouse, but fresher, carrying the promise of new life and abundance.
“I wanted to let you know I’ve asked Mr. Blackwell not to return,” I say as we walk toward the topiary.
He nods thoughtfully. “I encountered him this morning as well. I wasn’t quite myself when I saw him. I’ll admit I had far too much to drink last night—and far too much time to wallow in my own self-pity this morning.”
“Leland, don’t do that.” My tone softens. I don’t want to be the reason this man hurts. He’s a good man who deserves happiness.
“No, it’s true. I fought him this morning, and he left this little reminder that he bested me.” Leland touches his throat, and a chill crawls over my skin.
“He wouldn’t!”
“It was my fault, really. I lost my senses when I saw him and didn’t choose a practice sword. It should be no surprise he did the same. He could have hurt me worse if he’d wanted, but he didn’t. The thing is, though, the damage is done. He’s betrayed me, and I’ve lost all trust in him.”
“Because of me? I’m so sorry, Leland.”
He shakes his head, slowing his pace. “No, not because of you. I hope I can be honest when I say our engagement is a political one—one I hoped would grow into deeper affection. I have great respect for you. But his betrayal is my own burden. I thought of Morris as a good friend, someone I could trust and who shared my ideals for the future. But it seems that was all a lie to get closer to you. He’s hurt me, and for that I don’t know if I can forgive him.”
We stop on the path. Sunlight filters through the trees, and birds are singing. “Please, give us another chance—free of Blackwell’s presence. I want to give our countries the best opportunities moving forward, and I still believe our marriage is the best way to secure this alliance.”
I don’t add that I feel guilty placing the burden of the alliance on one of my sisters. I don’t know how Leland feels about switching one bride for another, or how much he must resent his own sister for pushing such an agreement.
Leland looks toward the palace in the distance. “There are two matters I’ve been wrestling with. One is Blackwell’s betrayal of our friendship. The other is the incompatibility between us. I cannot marry you, knowing that any attempt at intimacy would leave us both unable to make clear decisions. It isn’t fair to either of us.”
A sinking feeling grips my chest. This is it. I’ve ruined my chance at marriage.
“I understand,” I whisper. “Is there any way you’d reconsider?”
He shakes his head, his gaze steady but kind. “I want us to move forward with a different marriage. My sister and I talked last night, and I believe we’ll have an arrangement by the end of the week.”
“We should let both queens know. The wedding is so close—I don’t want anyone to continue preparing for something that won’t be happening.”
My cheeks burn crimson as embarrassment floods me. I’ve failed at the one thing I thought I could control as a future queen.
He reaches for my hand, and I resist the urge to pull away and close myself off from him. “Genevieve, I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt you, which is why I’m making this decision. I hope I can still call you a friend, even if I can’t call you my wife.”
I relax a little, knowing he’s telling the truth. He’s a good, decent man, and I shouldn’t have tried to force this arrangement. My mind drifts to Kieran—he’s probably already gone by now, thanks to me pushing him away again.
I want to run to him, to feel his arms around me, his lips press a kiss to my hair. I want to hear him tell me again what he believes I can do as queen. How he believes in me, despite what everyone else says. I want to tell him how he makes me feel braver, more reckless, more like the person I’m meant to be.
I never thought Kieran could be my future when he’s always felt like my past, but perhaps this is the chance we could have. He’s never flinched from my curse, and maybe there’s still a part of him that loves me for who I am.
“Friend, yes. I’d like that, Leland.”
We walk side by side toward the front of the palace, silence between us as I think about my next steps.
A coach is being prepared to leave, and I turn to see if it’s Kieran’s. He looks at me through the window, his expression resolute as he tips his head in acknowledgment. I nod before turning away.
Leland gives me a curious look. “You don’t need to send him away on my account. It’s evident to everyone there’s more between you two than you’ve allowed yourself to believe. Despite what he’s done to me, I still believe he wants the best for the miners and railway workers—but he doesn’t trust that you do. Go to him. Show him you aren’t your mother.”
I shake my head. “That’s impossible.”
Leland’s brows crease. “You’re going to be queen of this kingdom in two years’ time. It will be your decision how you reign, not your mother’s. An advantageous marriage won’t solve the problems in this country. Only you can do that.”
I pull back, a burst of laughter escaping me. “You’re right! I’ll ask him to stay.”
Leland smiles. “Best of luck, Genny.”
I take his hand and give it a squeeze before turning from one choice and walking toward another—to the man who’s never left my heart.
