“Maybe.” But Gerard didn’t think that was a possibility. They had nothing in common. They were completely different in character, temperament, and level of attractiveness.
What could they possibly bond over?
Chapter
Sixteen
“Please come join me, Your Royal Highnesses.”
Elias and Prince Gerard strode towards the front of the banquet hall where the grand monk stood.
Elias watched Prince Gerard. However, Prince Gerard only glanced briefly at Elias, inclining his head respectfully, and then looked at Grand Monk Ferdinand.
They stood side by side in front of the grand monk. Prince Gerard did not look at Elias again. He kept his head high, chin lifted, and neck turned, gaze forward on the grand monk.
It’s fine. You knew he didn’t like you. You didn’t arrange this marriage because you thought you’d be happy together. You did it because you didn’t want Beau marrying him.
And even if Prince Gerard despised him for the rest of their lives, he found he didn’t regret his interference. It wasn’t like Elias expected happiness or love in a marriage. He’d known this was a political arrangement. Like he’d said to Colette previously, he’d not expected to even get along with his spouse.
But it would have been nice if Prince Gerard could tolerate Elias. Or like him, even.If he knew the true me, he might.
Elias almost rolled his eyes at the ridiculous thoughts.Then what will you do? Tell him how you almost killed him! Reveal all your sacred secrets?
However, perhaps Elias could charm Prince Gerard. Elias could be charming. If he acted more likeable and less silly and frivolous, maybe Prince Gerard would dislike him less. That would make the marriage more tolerable.
The grand monk bowed his shaved head. “Your Highnesses. Please clasp hands with each other.”
Elias held out his hand. Prince Gerard’s warm hand engulfed Elias’s, so much bigger than his own.
How would his touch feel on Elias’s body?
The wedding was a while away. Would Elias have to wait until the wedding night to have sex with Prince Gerard? Or would Prince Gerard be open to fooling around beforehand? Considering the fact that Prince Gerard kept his gaze on their joined hands and wouldn’t meet Elias’s, he doubted it.
But maybe Elias could tempt him. Elias could be very tempting when he set his mind to it.
“In approximately one month, these two individuals representing the Kingdom of Draconia and the combined Kingdoms of Zephyrias and Voltaria will marry,” the grand monk said to the crowded banquet hall. “They will marry here in the White Monastery, binding themselves in a sacred covenant.”
Elias took a step forward, trying to catch Prince Gerard’s eye. But the man now stared at the grand monk again. Elias pursed his lips.
Would he rather marry the grand monk than me?
The grand monk smiled. “Their marriage will be one of the eight marriages that will seal the peace treaty, which will herald a time of happiness and prosperity amongst the six noble kingdoms. And of course we hope for a joyous union between these two honourable princes.”
Not if my future husband won’t even fucking look at me!
Elias stopped himself from pouting.
Even if he doesn’t like me, it’s no big deal.He glanced back at the table where his family sat. His father beamed. He clasped the empress’s hand. The empress stared blankly at Elias.
Elias turned back to the grand monk. It was better to be in a marriage where you couldn’t stand each other, than be in love with someone who manipulated you, hated your child, and made you into a fool.
“We the Monks of the Way of the Dove are proud and honoured to assist in the continuation of peace. That is what we have vowed and dedicated our lives to.”
Elias had heard variants of this same speech before. In fact, a couple of days ago, the grand monk had announced the betrothal between Beau and Duke Albert Drachen. Then yesterday he’d announced the betrothal between Princess Senta and Lady Juniper.
Elias wasn’t sure why he hadn’t announced the betrothals all on the same day. Perhaps he did that to give them the appearance of being special, rather than a list of marriages that had to be completed to seal the peace treaty. He knew they were taking some efforts to space out the weddings. Perhaps it was for the same reason.
“In the coming weeks, they will go through a courtship period, which will include balls, quests, tournaments, and banquets. They will allow the couple to get to know each other.” The grand monk’s grey eyes gleamed as he spoke.
