Beside me, Elle says, “The kingdom is feeling a little restless without a High King on the throne. It’s been centuries since we’ve only had a High Queen. By marrying, you ease the concerns of the kingdom and present a unified front to any outside threats. In marrying, you also tie our court to another court, which guarantees allies and presents an even stronger front to any threat.”
I repress a groan and keep my posture straight, trying to pretend like that doesn’t piss me off.
“I’m not ready,” I say firmly.
“Mae—” Luca begins, but Elle cuts him off.
“All due respect, Mae, you need to decide. I know you’re not ready. I know you were promised more time. I know you’ve barely had enough time to get to know the princes, but all the High Kings and High Queens before you were set up in arranged marriages and didn’t get a choice. At least you get a choice.”
I grit my teeth. “Fine. When do you need my decision by?”
“Today,” Ivan says softly.
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Give me one more night with them. Call them all to the library tonight for a group date. I’ll give you an answer first thing in the morning.”
I don’t wait for their answer. I stand and exit the room, leaving them behind to go prepare for my final date with the princes.
Tonight is the night I decide my future and the future of my kingdom.
Chapter 31
When Ruby and Norapulled out tonight’s dress, I protested, saying the date was casual. At least, I assumed it would be. This is anything but. The library has been transformed. Hundreds of minuscule orbs float on the ceiling, resembling the night sky. Flowers adorn every surface, pink roses, daisies, and white peonies resting on stacks of books and tables and shelves.
My dress now makes much more sense. It’s made of cream tulle, and the bodice is covered in colorful flower appliques that trail down the gown. The dress is cinched at the waist, but a single slit runs along the skirt of the gown, starting at the middle of my thigh. The sweetheart neckline dips in between my breasts, accentuating what little curves I have. The flower appliques on the dress are the exact flowers on display throughout the library.
Ruby is a genius.
An appreciative whistle rings through the library. I whirl my head toward the sound. August stands by a table of food, of course. His suit is the color of the summer sky, perfectly matching his eyes. “I didn’t exactly forget how gorgeous you are, but I definitely forgot how good you look in a dress,” he says, an ear-splitting grin on his face.
I walk to him, and he pulls me into a tight hug. “You look incredible,” he whispers in my ear before releasing me.
“Thanks, August,” I say, unable to contain the smile on my face. “You to, too. Where is everyone else?”
“They’re on the way. I came early for the food,” he says, turning back to the table of appetizers.
“Here I am, thinking you’re here for me,” I say sarcastically.
“Hey, if I don’t end up with you, I might as well take advantage of the food, huh?”
I shove him playfully, and he stumbles back. “Damn, Mae. Elle’s been putting you to work, huh?” he asks, rubbing the spot where I shoved him.
I roll my eyes.
“Are you okay? I heard about what happened at your aunt’s,” he says, his jovial tone turning grave.
I grab a plump strawberry from a bowl on the table beside him and pop it into my mouth. “Nothing I couldn’t handle,” I say with a shrug, even though Asmo had to come to my rescue—again.
“I heard it was an osseris. Those things are scary.” He piles his plate high with freshly baked rolls, creamy cheeses, and slices of roasted chicken.
“You’ve seen one before?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No, but I’ve heard of them. My sister always used to try to scare me when we were kids. One of her favorite scary stories involved an osseris.”
“I forgot you had a sister,” I say, trying to change the subject. Despite my carefree attitude about the attack, I don’t feel like talking about it.
“Lola. She’s younger than me by a couple of years. You’d like her.”
“I’m looking forward to the day I get to meet her. I could use some more friends around here.”
