Like a tennis match, I look back and forth between her and my father, because I can’t say anything. Nothing. Otherwise, this dark, boiling rage would spill out all over this room like lava from a volcano. But I’ve sworn not to lose it in front of my father anymore, and right now, it’s taking all my willpower to hold back.
I press my jaws together tightly, clench one hand into a fist, and remain silent.
“Wrong, my dear. You were to marry the heir to the throne. No specific name was mentioned. And now that Nicolas is the heir…” he gives me a disapproving look, which I ignore “…and no one knew of the upcoming engagement with Philipp, you two will be married in six weeks.”
Amelia blinks like an owl, her small fingers clutching her black pants so tightly that her knuckles turn white. Henry flashes her a sharp look, and she humbly lowers her head, but I can see how she presses her lips together. How much she has to restrain herself from saying anything.
For once, I can understand her, because my father must be insane if he thinks I’ll go along with this farce.
“What happens if we refuse?” I’m proud of how calm, how controlled my voice sounds when I throw the question into the room… Henry and my father immediately fix their gazes on me.
“You have no veto right. The contract was established long before you were born and is based on our laws.” The words snap out of his mouth like a whip, and now Amelia flinches.
Immediately, my father’s gaze softens, and he looks at her with almost fatherly affection.
“Everything will be fine, dear. Trust me. Nicolas is very much like his brother. Just wait.”
A scoff escapes her lips, and my father suppresses a smile before his gaze turns back to me. Not with the warmth he just showed, but cold and merciless.
A sharp sting reminds me that I am the black sheep, the outsider, and my anger towards Goldilocks rises irrationally.
She’s not to blame. She’s not to blame,my conscience repeats over and over, but I can’t change it. I want to punish her. For getting that look, for having time with Phil. For being who she is. As unfair as it may be, I can’t shake these feelings, this disgust.
But I’ll comply. I’ll do what my father says. Just in my own way. Ultimately, I have no choice. I’m stuck in this deal, whether I like it or not. But I won’t admit that here and now.
“Amelia will adapt to you and be a good wife. She will represent you and your people impeccably. She will not cause you any trouble. Isn’t that right, Amelia?” Henry looks at me triumphantly, and my father raises an eyebrow at his words.Apparently, he’s also noticed that Henry speaks of his sister as if she were a broodmare.
Amelia stays suspiciously quiet, and I narrow my eyes, keeping her in sight. For once, my father remains silent. A miracle.
“Is that so? Are you going to be a good little wifey?” Damn, I should keep my mouth shut, but I want to provoke her, to get a reaction out of her.
Marry. Her! Damn it all.
“Of course.” Her gaze meets mine, and I’d be damned if it didn’t reflect the opposite. Her blue eyes practically blaze, promising me hell on earth.
A devilish grin spreads across my face.
“Well, then, Amelia Perlington. Looks like we’ll be getting married in six weeks. I’m looking forward to it.”
Her eyes widen briefly as she catches the underlying promise in my tone. But she quickly regains her composure.
“Wonderful. Since we’ve surprisingly managed to settle that so quickly, let’s move on to the next point. Next week, you’ll have your first public appearance as a couple at the charity gala. By then, we’ll have launched a romantic story about your engagement and relationship. All I ask is that you appear somewhat in love and act as a couple. Oh, and, Amelia, darling…” My father turns back to Goldilocks, who has gone paler and quieter, narrowing her eyes briefly as he looks at her sternly. She doesn’t want to hear what’s coming, and I probably don’t either.
“You’ll be living in the castle with Nicolas after the public announcement. Until then, have your fun but keep it under wraps. do what you need to do—but do it discreetly. Now, Henry, take your sister home. She needs to rest.”
And with that, we’re officially dismissed.
Henry stands up, and so does my future wife, though she sways slightly. Her brother notices and quickly grabs her arm, which somehow bothers me—for some reason.
“Nicolas. See you around. Hit me up for a drink if you like,” Henry says, guiding Goldilocks out without so much as glancing at me. I watch them leave, frowning.
“Don’t screw it up, my son. Amelia is different than you think. And if you won’t do it for me, at least do it for Philipp. He loved her.”
For the first time since his death, my father lets his mask slip, letting me see the grief and pain in his face. And for the first time, he doesn’t look at me with that cold, expressionless gaze, but almost with concern.
A strange pull tightens in my chest as I look at him. To avoid sparking any more conflict, I give him a quick nod and swiftly leave the room. I need to do my homework before marrying little Miss Perlington. I want to know who I’m dealing with.
“You have to WHAT?”Damien stares at me with wide eyes, while Cedric just watches me silently.
