“I want you to meet Adelaide’s betrothed.”
Chapter 32
Theo
Theo halted inhis path, startled. “I’m sorry. Did you sayAdelaide’sbetrothed?” he questioned.
Genevieve’s smile didn’t falter. “But of course.”
“When was this decided? Does Adelaide know?”
“The arrangements have been in preparation for seasons but were finalized tonight after meeting with the prince.”
“Prince?” Theo asked. “Who are you intending to marry her to?”
“The prince of Mensnet,” she said.
Luke Gavell?Theo immediately loathed the tall and lanky man standing with such despicable poise. He bowed and kissed Genevieve’s hand, his dark eyes attempting to enchant her. It worked, because her cheeks blushed a shade darker than her hair.
Prince Luke was younger than Theo expected. As the sole heir to the kingdom of Mensnet, he was the talk among members of society. Apparently, his age had merely been passed by. He couldn’t have been any older than twenty.
A smile tugged at the corner of the prince’s lips as he offered a briefbow of his head to Theo. It was as if all color drained in his presence. The prince wore an entirely black ensemble, and even his hair was a shade of midnight settling to his shoulders.
“It’s an honor to finally meet the great Captain Theodoric Fastrada. I’ve heard of your valor during the war. I must say I’m impressed that, at such an age, you’ve accomplished what you have.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Theo returned the prince’s gesture with a bow of his head, as it was only proper.
“Please, Luke will do fine.” He smiled. “As we’re to become family soon enough, I see it only fitting. Helen, a pleasure to see you again.” Luke nodded to Helen instead of kissing her hand, already seeming to know she had an aversion to court formalities.
“Your Highness.” Helen smirked, taking a sip from her goblet.
“Have you met my sister?” Theo asked, knowing full well he hadn’t and the wrath that would ensue.
“I haven’t had the pleasure. I hear she is a remarkable woman, and I look forward to it,” he said.
“Any man would consider themselves lucky to have the honor of simply knowing my sister.” Theo’s voice was cold as his eyes narrowed on the prince, watching his expression grow cautious.
“Adelaide is indeed—” Genevieve began.
“She is intelligent, cunning, brave—”
“I don’t doubt those things,” Luke interrupted Theo. “I’ve heard of her…skills.” He hesitated.
Theo wasn’t fond of such implications. Hardly anyone knew of Adelaide’s skills with a blade or her ability to gather any secret she desired. He contemplated further questioning the young prince but thought better of doing so in Genevieve’s presence.
“She’s more than that,” Theo snapped. “She’s a better person than anyone in this room, including you.” The thrumming of his pulse reverberated toward his ears, drowning the party around them.
“Mensnet is known for their fierce warriors and courageous leaders. She’ll do well by my side,” he calmly stated, but Theo saw the shadows brewing within his navy eyes.
“I thought they were known to hide within the Dark Mountains. Many would call that cowardly,” Theo snipped.
Genevieve threw him a glare, but Theo persisted. He couldn’t stop, not when it came to Adelaide.
Helen turned and pressed her lips together to contain her laughter. She played the part of Duchess of Ebonmaw well, but occasionally, her true self showed. She would prefer to be sipping swigs of kusu out by the stables and having a betting match at who could throw their dagger the farthest.
“That was my father’s choice to remain neutral in the war,” Luke replied, his voice still unwavering.
Godwin and Mensnet have had a treaty regarding peace and trade for resources for the last several hundred years, but it didn’t speak to aid in times of war. The kingdom had elected not to assist Godwin or Soyenia in the Trade War.
