“I promise I will, Father.”
“There are still a lot of eligible men in this kingdom you haven’t met.”
“Yes, I’m sure there are—”
“And I have connections in other kingdoms, as well. In fact, just last week, Queen Ruth from the kingdom of Edan was in town with her son, Prince Ormond. He is your age and unattached. I was thinking that the two of you should meet.” The king shrugged. “Who knows what could happen after that.”
She really hated when her parents tried to find her a beau, but in this case, perhaps she should allow her father to arrange the meeting. It made sense to marry a prince from a neighboring kingdom and combine their lands.
She nodded. “Set up the meeting. I would love to meet Prince Ormond.” She tried to say it with the conviction she didn’t feel.
Her father smiled, and she was glad she’d helped relieve one of his many burdens. She just hoped Prince Ormond wasn’t a toad like many of the royal men she’d met. If so, she knew her father would be able to read the disgust on her face. She didn’t want to disappoint him.
“I shall find a time for Queen Ruth and her son to come to dinner. That way we shall meet them together so the moment won’t be awkward. How does that sound?”
“I think that is the perfect solution. And I shall try to get to know him to see if he’s marriage material. But—” she met her father’s gaze with a stern look, “I don’t want you pushing me. Deal?”
He nodded. “Yes. Thank you for at least trying to make this work.”
She hooked her hand over his arm as he led them back toward the hospital. She hadn’t realized until now how much she’d missed her father when she was visiting her cousin.
He patted her fingers. “Daughter, I’m so very happy that you are home. Your mother and I have missed you terribly.”
“And I, you.”
Four of the king’s guards stood out in front of the hospital. Immediately, she recognized Ryder Grey. It was difficult not to notice him. He was definitely more handsome and more muscular than the other guards. When his gaze met hers, a smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.
“Are you going to return home?” she asked her father.
“No. I have a few more meetings this afternoon in preparation for the hospital’s remodel. I’m sure you want to get back home and rest, though.”
“I do; however, I thought since I was here in town I’d drop by and visit some of my friends in the village.”
“Wonderful idea.” He nodded. “I’m certain they have missed you as much as the rest of us have.”
“But...” She paused, wondering how to say this without her father getting suspicious.
He stopped and glanced down at her. “What is it, my dear?”
“I don’t want a bunch of your guards following me. One will be enough, I assure you.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Just one?”
“Yes, Father. That way your guards won’t be bored to tears following me around.”
“If you’re certain.”
“I am,” she answered quickly.
He looked at the four guards waiting by her horse. “What if you take Paul—”
“Actually, Father, I’d like Ryder Grey to accompany me. I remember him from when we were younger. He was always such a good friend.”
She studied her father’s reaction closely. Although he didn’t make eye contact with her, his lips tugged as if he wanted to grin.
“Ah, so that’s the reason you’ve been looking at Ryder a bit longer than necessary.”
She laughed uncomfortably. “Yes, we’ve known each other for years.”
