“Aldric.” She kept her voice neutral. “I didn’t realize you’d returned from Tuknis.”
“I came as soon as I heard about your miraculous survival.” His blue eyes swept over her with an appreciation she neither welcomed nor enjoyed. “You look radiant, as always. The ordeal clearly agrees with you.”
“Crashing in the mountains and nearly dying? Yes, very refreshing. I recommend it.”
His laugh was smooth, easy. “Still that sharp wit. I’ve missed it.”
Behind her, Rykan went very still.
Aldric’s gaze flickered to him, lingering just long enough to be deliberately dismissive before returning to her. “I must congratulate you on your handling of recent events. Takingcontrol of the company, dealing with your aunt’s… unfortunate betrayal. Very impressive for someone so recently recovered.”
“Thank you.”
“In fact, that’s precisely what I wanted to discuss with you.” Aldric stepped closer, close enough that his cologne—something expensive and aggressively masculine—washed over her. “I’ve given considerable thought to our families’ relationship, and I believe the time has come to formalize what has long been assumed.”
The words landed like stones in her stomach.
She knew what was coming. She’d known it was coming since she was sixteen years old and her father had first mentioned the Martok family’s interest in an alliance. The Martoks controlled a significant portion of Port Cantor’s shipping infrastructure. A marriage between their families would create an economic powerhouse that few could challenge.
It had seemed inevitable once. Aldric was handsome, wealthy, and well-connected. Their union would be the social event of the decade. Everyone expected it.
Everyone except her.
“Ember.” Aldric’s voice became intimate despite the public setting. “I am formally declaring my intention to court you. Our families’ interests align perfectly. A union between Duvain and Martok would benefit us both—and ensure stability for Port Cantor’s commercial sector for generations to come.”
Around them, conversations faltered. Faces turned towards their little tableau, eyes bright with interest and speculation.The orchestra played on, but the dancers had slowed, attention diverted to the drama unfolding at the edge of the floor.
Political theater,she thought grimly.And I’m the leading lady.
“That’s… quite a declaration.” She kept her voice even. “Perhaps this conversation would be better suited to a more private setting.”
“Why?” Aldric’s smile widened. “I have nothing to hide. I want everyone to know my intentions.” His hand reached for hers. “I want everyone to know that Ember Duvain will have the full support of the Martok family as she assumes her rightful place. As my future wife.”
The audacity of it stole her breath. He wasn’t asking. He was announcing. Presenting their union as a foregone conclusion, forcing her to either accept or publicly reject him in front of Port Cantor’s entire elite.
Clever,she admitted reluctantly.And utterly despicable.
“Aldric—”
“I understand you’ve had a difficult time,” he said sympathetically. “Your father’s death, your aunt’s betrayal, the trauma of your accident. You’ve been forced to shoulder tremendous burdens alone.” His blue eyes were warm, concerned, and completely empty of genuine feeling. “Let me help carry them. Let me stand beside you as you rebuild what was lost.”
His hand was still extended, waiting for her to take it. Waiting for her to perform the expected role, to accept the inevitable, to surrender her future to the proper alliance.
Then his gaze shifted to Rykan.
“Surely your escort can step aside.” The dismissal was elegant, casual, and absolutely deliberate. “This is a conversation between equals.”
The silence that followed was deafening.
She felt the weight of a hundred watching eyes. She felt Rykan’s presence behind her—solid, steady, waiting for her lead. She felt the pull of expectation, the crushing pressure of propriety and tradition and everything she’d been raised to accept.
But she also felt something else. A spark of defiance, bright and hot, burning away the chains of obligation.
I chose him,she thought.On a mountain, in the snow, with nothing but firelight and truth between us, I chose him. I chose him then and I choose him now.
She moved her hand out of Aldric’s reach.
“I appreciate your offer,” she said, her voice carrying clearly across the suddenly silent ballroom. “But I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.”
