“Call me James. I am to be your husband after all.” I wince at that. Husband. I’m going to have a husband. A husband that I met a mere thirty minutes ago. Sure, I’ve known my whole life who James is. It’s hard not to when you grow up with the royals surrounding you at every turn. But to marry this man? He was just plastered all over the news with his latest woman. What makes Dad and the Queen think he’ll actually settle down?
“They did not send me out here to find you. I needed some air. I can assure you, this came as just as much of a surprise to me as it did to you.” My voice is quiet as the rain falls softly around us.
“Christ, come on.” His warm hand slides down my arm, pulling me in the direction I was heading. The patter of rain on the roof is a welcome distraction. “I’m sorry for going off back there. It’s just a shock for me.” James’s hands are pulling on his hair. Objectively, he’s quite handsome. Thick, dark hair. Bright, blue eyes. He’s tall—taller even than I am in my heels, which is not the norm. And from what I felt earlier, he must work out quite regularly to have such a strong physique.
“Is this all because of the photos that leaked?”
He pierces me with a punishing stare. I can see how this stubborn man always gets his way. It doesn’t faze me. I’m used to these pleading looks from my students.
“Yes. My mother doesn’t seem to think I’m fit to be King.” He leans against the railing, crossing his thick arms over his chest.
“And how is one determined to be fit to be King? Is there an exam?”
A smile cracks his full lips. “You haven’t heard? One must play polo, learn how to smile and wave the proper way, and know the waltz to dance at the ball. All boxes that must be checked before one is proclaimed King.”
“It’s the polo playing you’re having trouble with?”
I don’t try to hide my smile as he barks out a laugh. “Quite cheeky, aren’t you?”
“Just trying to wrap my head around everything that’s going on today. It’s a bit much.” My eyes grow wide at what I just said. “I’m so sorry. I don’t mean that you’re too much. It’s just, I’ve never been promised to someone before.” That sounds terrible. Are we promised to one another? “I’m mucking this all up.”
“It’s alright.” James walks over, rubbing his arms up and down mine. It’s meant to be soothing, but it just grates on me. I’m supposed to convince the world I’m in love with the prince? “I mean, if I can prove to them I can do this, they won’t actually make us get married next year, right?”
Even he doesn’t believe that. “Hate to burst your bubble, but they’re talking about a fall wedding.”
“A fall wedding?” The words explode out of him. “You’re fecking with me, aren’t you?”
I shake my head. “Somehow Dad seems to think that it would be more believable, like we’ve known each other longer than a few months.”
“Bloody hell. How in the world did it come to this?” The words are whispered, meant for just himself.
Nerves are rolling off him in waves. It’s setting me on edge. I don’t want to be here any more than he does, but this is the unfortunate situation we’re now in. I have no idea what possessed my dad to agree to such a thing, but just the thought has me fuming.
“I know you don’t want to be in this situation any more than I do, but this is going to be our new reality. We might as well try and make the best of it.”
James turns his blue eyes on me. They’re heated. I shouldn’t like the intensity I see there, but I do.
“And how do you suggest we make the best of it?” Sarcasm hangs on every word.
“I’m sorry if this wasn’t your idea. It wasn’t mine either!” I snap at him. “You’re acting like a petulant child. No wonder your mummy had to come up with such a drastic plan.”
His shoulders sag with regret. “I’m sorry, Zara. I’m really not handling this well.” That’s an understatement. He drags his hand down his face, jaw stubbled with scruff. “I had this grand plan of what I was going to do to show Mum I was ready to take over the throne.”
“That’s just it, though. Why are you showing her you’re ready now? It’s not like you’ll be taking over the reins tomorrow. You’re thinking too big. You need to pull back.”
This time, James gives me a pensive look. “How would I do that? Think smaller?”
“Based on the fact that they are marrying you off, instead of trying to rewrite your entire personality, show people you can do the work. Focus on the charities that you have. No one’s expecting you to take over tomorrow.”
James walks over to me. Even though I’m eye level with his chin, his presence looms large. Like any good future King should.
“Zara, I believe this is the start of a beautiful relationship.”
Chapter Five
Zara
“I’m sorry, you’re what?” Thank God, Marnie hadn’t taken a sip of her wine, otherwise she would’ve spit it all over me.
