“Don’t be dramatic. You’ll be fine.”
Easy for him to say. He knows why we’re going to the palace. Between his cagey looks and his tense posture, it feels like I’m being led straight to the dungeons with no warning as to what is to come.
Chapter Four
James
“Again, why are we having tea today?” Lounging on the loveseat, I lament being at the palace today. My diary was all set for the day before this unplanned event with Mum. I had a visit to a new hospital wing on my calendar but was told that it was going to be rescheduled. What the Queen wants, the Queen gets. And my new plan of action is going to have to wait another day.
“James. Might you appear more proper? You look like you’re hanging out in a club.”
“I can’t help it if you’re keeping me in the dark about what we’re doing.” It’s hard to keep the contempt from my voice. After the other day, this must be part of Mum’s plan.
I stand, pacing the small space in her sitting room. “I’m taking your words to heart, Mum. I have a plan to do better.”
She’s staring out the window to the back gardens. It’s a grey, rainy day. “And what is your plan, my dear?” She turns a stern eye on me.
Shite. I should’ve known she would ask me this. After our little chat, I knew I needed to do better. But I hadn’t gotten that far.
“More charity work. Fewer clubs.”
“That’s your plan? We’re far worse off than I thought.”
“Your Majesty. Your guests have arrived.” The announcement draws my attention away from Mum. Anger is boiling just below the surface like a volcano. I’m ready to erupt when a portly man with a bushy moustache enters the room. Behind him is a willowy brunette, long hair flowing around a simple black dress.
“Lord Kendall. Lady Zara. I’m quite pleased you could join us today.” She tips her head in his direction, as he bows before her. Mum addresses Zara with the appropriate title of a duke’s daughter. I’m wary of what this means.
“Your Majesty. The honour is all mine.”
“James, this is Lord Xavier Cross, Duke of Kendall.” Mum extends her hand in his direction.
The man bows to me, the woman following. “Your Royal Highness. It’s always a pleasure to be in your presence. May I present my daughter, Miss Zara Cross.” He motions to the woman behind him.
“Zara. I’m thrilled you could join us today.”
“Your Majesty. The pleasure is all mine.” As she curtsies to Mum, this poor woman’s face is equally as confused as mine. Hers does hold less contempt than mine, however.
“Zara, it’s nice to meet you.” I try to grab her attention, but her eyes keep flitting around the room. If you’ve never been to the palace, it’s easy to be distracted by the glamour of it all.
“Please, come have some tea.” Mum motions to the small table set up in the sitting room. An unsettled feeling starts to come over me. I don’t know what’s going on today, but I can’t imagine it will be in my favour.
“Thank you, Ma’am.” This delicate woman accepts a cup and sits. I take the empty seat next to her. Stretching out my legs, I lean back in the chair, drinking my own cup. The harsh look from Mum tells me she isn’t pleased. That makes two of us. She straightens, setting her tea down.
“I’m sure you two are wondering why we’ve brought you here today.” Zara gives me a look, only a small one. “The duke and I have entered into an arrangement.”
Oh feck. This can’t be good. “And what sort of arrangement is that?”
“An arranged marriage for the two of you.” Her voice is curt as she drops the bomb.
“Are you fecking kidding me?” Outrage drips from my voice as I explode out of my seat.
“James! Where are your manners?”
“Oh yes, I’m sorry. Where are my manners when you’ve just told me I’m to marry a complete stranger!” I throw my hands up in the air. There’s no beating around the bush with Mum. She came right out with why she brought me here today. Zara’s staring up at me, shock written all over her face. “One typically doesn’t hear of arranged marriages in this modern age.”
“Zara, I apologize for my son.”
“Your Majesty, may I ask the reason for such an arrangement?” At least Zara has better manners than I.
