“During the reveal to your parents. I hope you’ll be there to watch me win this.”
My heart is racing. “Addison, please believe me when I say you don’t want this position.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Stop saying that. I hope you know that when anyone tells me I don’t want something, I have the overwhelming urge to have that thing. Sometimes, following rules is difficult for me, and so is listening to those in authority. Each time you tell me I can’t or I shouldn’t …”
“You want to do it. So, does it work the other way as well? For example, if you’re doing something and I tell you to keep doing it, then you’ll want to stop?”
“Sometimes, yes,” she says.
“That must be a mindfuck.”
“Youare a mindfuck.”
“You are as well,” I say.
“Tell me why you want me to go away.”
I swallow hard. “I can’t. The crown won’t allow me to discuss it with anyone. Unfortunately, duty calls.”
Her brows furrow. “Sometimes, I don’t understand you.”
“You’re not meant to. At all. So, I’ll take it as a win. Anyway, I must get going. I’ve got prior engagements.”
“A date?” she asks.
“Actually, yes,” I tell her, knowing I won’t be able to lie. “But also a requirement.”
“You’re being forced?” she asks.
Our eyes meet, and even though I don’t say a word, she knows the answer.
“Louis, this isn’t the 1800s anymore,” she says, meeting my eyes, like she sees me, like she understands what I’m going through.
“Good night, Addison. Good luck.” I move toward the door, knowing I need to escape her before I do something that I absolutely shouldn’t.
“Good night,” she says. “See you tomorrow.”
“See you.”
I make it halfway down the corridor before I let myself breathe.
She might not know the fine details about the marriage arrangement, but she’s aware that something is happening. Addison looked at me like she had put the pieces together. I should’ve told her it was a dinner with a diplomat or any of the hundred excuses I’d used before. Instead, I told her the truth and watched her face transform from teasing to something sadder.
It was pity, or maybe it was understanding. I’m not sure which one I hate more.
When I reach the east wing, I see her knight has moved. The note she left reads:
Condolences. You’re going down!
A smile touches my lips. With her handwriting staring back at me, I’m not sure I want to keep playing it safe anymore.
I move a pawn, then write beneath her words.
Have dinner with me.
9
ADDISON
