“Why must it be anything bad?” She gives me a peck on the cheek. As I move to sit down, she grabs my arm, leading me in the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” I have a guess as to where we’re going, but a feeling of dread starts to wash over me.
“Well, with the engagement being announced soon, it’s about time we got Zara a ring, don’t you think?”
“Mum! We’ve barely been dating a few months!” My voice echoes around the empty hall.
She stops, turning to face me. “James. You knew what was going to happen when you met Zara. You can’t tell me you’re surprised by this.”
I open and close my mouth, like a gaping fish. “But things have been going well for the two of us. I guess I just assumed that maybe you might back off this whole arranged marriage thing.”
“If I were to back off, you’d likely dump that kind girl in a heartbeat and be out at the clubs within the hour.”
“Ouch. Thanks, Mum.” I turn away from her, scrubbing my hand down my face. As crazy as it sounds, I haven’t wanted to go to the clubs in weeks. Not when I have Zara. But does she really deserve to be brought into this crazy life?
“You’ve been doing a marvellous job lately, and I have no doubt it’s thanks to Zara. But this marriage is moving forward as planned.” Her tone leaves no room for argument. Her no-nonsense attitude causes my blood to boil.
“Fine, Mum. Lead the way.” My jaw ticks in anger. My teeth could crack I’m so upset.
Following Mum down to the vaults here at the palace, I try to push my anger aside. The vaults are dark, lights shining on the jewels inside.
“I’ve taken the liberty to pick a few out that Zara might like.”
“Of course you have,” I mutter under my breath.
I walk over to her, looking at the rings laid out before me. Christ, I’m really doing this, aren’t I?
“All of these have been in the family for centuries. It will be the perfect ring to symbolize the past but also signify a new future for the two of you.”
“I thought my past is what got us in this situation.” Bitterness undercuts my tone.
“There’s no need to be rude, James.”
I slam my hand down on the table in front of me. “And there was no need to ambush me today about picking our engagement rings, but here we are.”
“Will you please excuse us?” Mum motions to the guards behind her and they leave. Once they’re gone, she fixes me with a look that could strike down a lesser man. A lesser man wouldn’t be gearing up for a fight today.
“You need to lose this attitude. Like I said before, you’ve come a long way since Zara has entered your life, and solidifying your union will secure your place in the eyes of our country as a steadfast King. I will not hear another word about it.”
I screw a fake smile on my face. “Fine, Mum. Being forced to pick out an engagement ring when I was hoping I could do this down the road on my own sounds brilliant.” I turn to look at the rings laid out before me. “This one should do.” I don’t even care what it looks like.
I know I’m acting like a child, but when Mum keeps shoving her agenda down my throat, I can’t help it. If they want to have me pick a ring for Zara that means nothing to me, I’ll do it. Zara would love the stories behind these rings, but there is no way I’m going to give her something that I was forced to pick by my mum.
“Are you actually going to look at any of them?” Mum’s voice is angry now.
“I looked. This one is fine. Do you have ideas as to when I should propose? How?”
It’s a shitty comment, but at this point, I’ll do anything to be dismissed from her presence.
“We’ll be announcing your engagement in a few months. How you want to do it before then is up to you.”
“Is that all then?”
She turns, giving me a soft look. “I’m just looking out for you. When you’re a parent, you’ll understand.”
I don’t give her another word, turning my back on her and leaving the vault. I know my behaviour back there was appalling, but Mum just brings it out in me. I was hoping that with time, I could do this on my own.
The more I’ve gotten to know Zara, the more I wanted to be able to do this the right way. I wanted to talk with Marnie and find the perfect ring for her. Plan an elaborate ruse to make her think I’m going to propose, but then do it in the quiet of our home.
