“Yes, my dear.” Mum is so composed; it just further angers me. “James, can you please sit?”
I have half a mind to refuse, but it will only drive home Mum’s point that I’m not ready to be King.
“James needs a wife. One that is fit to be Queen.” Zara’s eyes go wide, mirroring my own. “You will be the perfect match for James.”
“And do I not get a say in my own life? In finding my own wife?” My words are harsh.
“Are you able to make sound decisions with the kingdom in mind?”
It would not do well to get into a pissing match with the Queen, but every fibre of my being is itching with disdain right now. An arranged marriage? “We’re not in the nineteenth century anymore. I think we’re both perfectly capable of making our own decisions.” Anger drips from my voice.
“But why me? I’m sure there are hundreds of eligible women.” Zara’s voice carries the shock that I feel, but I can’t help turning my anger on her.
“I’m sorry, eligible women? What is this, an eighteenth-century courtship ball?”
“Sorry to offend you, but this is rather sudden.” She pins me with a glare. At least she’s not falling at my feet. I’d be more concerned if she were. “I’m trying to wrap my head around all of this.”
“Rather sudden? Do you know anyone whose parents have found them their future partner?” I’m not doing well to keep my annoyance to myself, as evidenced by the glare from my mother. It’s hard to be concerned with her right now.
“Your Highness. There is no reason to raise your voice to my daughter.” Lord Kendall turns his grey eyes on me. What kind of person promises his daughter to someone in this day and age? Only someone who isn’t in the position to refuse the Queen.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t be here.” I move to leave, ignoring the voices calling me back. This day has taken a turn for the worse. Does Mum really think an arranged marriage will make me fall in line?
Zara
“Zara,dear. I’m very sorry for my son. He hasn’t been himself lately.” The Queen is stunned at the departure of her son. I can’t say I blame him. An arranged marriage? I was supposed to be teaching lessons today, but instead, my entire future has been decided for me. Shock and anger are fighting for control in my head. Why on earth would Dad do something like this?
“It’s quite alright. Not the sort of news any person expects to hear, I’m guessing.” I sip my tea, not making eye contact with either the Queen or my dad. When Dad said we were meeting with the Queen, I didn’t know what to make of it. I certainly didn’t think it’d be an arranged marriage.
“Xavier, all of the arrangements will be made. I think a spring wedding would be ideal. That would give the country time to get to know Zara.”
The country? Getting to know me? Even though my father is a duke, I’ve never been one to enjoy the spotlight. I like staying behind the scenes while my students shine.
“Don’t you think this fall will be better? Make the press think they’ve been together longer than just meeting now.” Dad runs his hands over his moustache. “I think that would be better.”
“Fall it is then. I shall have my advisors meet with you, and Zara, you too, to make plans.”
“A fall wedding? Can a royal wedding be planned in only six months?”
A fall wedding. To the future King. An arranged marriage. My head is spinning.
“What about my students? What about my job? Will I have to move into the palace?” Questions burst out of me before I can grab onto them. I don’t think I’ve ever been so overwhelmed in my life.
“There will be plenty of time to sort that out, darling.” The Queen is cavalier in her response. Easy for her to say. Her whole life wasn’t changed in a matter of mere minutes.
“Will you please excuse me? I need some fresh air. This is all quite a bit to take in.” I stand, giving the Queen her curtsy, as required.
“The gardens are at your disposal. Take a left, and at the bottom of the stairs, go straight until you see the garden doors.” The Queen is polite in her response. “Don’t worry, Zara. Everything will work out.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.”
Once I’m out of the sitting room, I follow her directions to the formal gardens in back of the palace. The rain has died down a bit since we arrived. Spotting a gazebo, I run in that direction, but not before slamming into a solid mass.
“Oof. I’m so sorry.” My hands are on the most solid chest I’ve ever felt.
“Zara. Did they send you out to find me?” James’s disgust is now aimed at me.
“Your Highness, please. I am just as shocked by this as you are.”
