He rubs his temples as if this entire night has drained the very soul from his body, and exhales heavily. “I apologize. I know you have traveled far. If I’d known you’d arrive at such a time—”
“An apology isn’t necessary, King Edric.”
He blinks, caught off guard by my indifference.
“However,” I continue, stepping closer, lowering my voice. “There is something else I wish to discuss.” I incline my head toward the doors, where the princess vanished in a storm of silken rage.“I want to marry Princess Vivienne.”
King Edric’s jaw drops as he stares at me in shock, and I hold back a grin.
“Shall we discuss my proposal?” I ask, and he nods.
Every man here believes she is something to conquer… something to tame.They don’t understand her. But I do.
And I know, with a certainty that has already rooted itself too deeply to be undone, that none of them will have her. Because I’ve already decided.
She will be mine.
CHAPTER 3
AUREN
As I walk down the castle corridor, I think of Princess Vivienne. I’ve seen beauty before, but nothing has ever made me feel like this. A slow smile tugs at my lips as I recall the way she eviscerated every man who approached her, her tongue sharp as a blade, dismissing each of us, one by one.
Her father had looked mortified. The suitors were furious. But me? I was completely mesmerized.
My boots echo against the polished floor as I follow the castle steward down a long hallway, while my men split off in another direction to be taken to their rooms.
My head is still spinning from the speed of my decision. I came here for trade negotiations. Instead, I saw the princess and decided she would be mine.
As I turn a corner, a voice calls out, “Auren?”
I glance up to see Prince Eryl of Anara. He has a goblet of wine in hand. His blue dragonfly-like wings are tucked close to his back, his violet eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Eryl,” I greet, inclining my head.
The second Fae prince of Anara grins. “Just arrived?”
“About an hour ago.”
Eryl sighs dramatically, rolling his eyes. “Consider yourself lucky. I’ve been trapped here all evening, enduring the punishment that is Princess Vivienne.” He swirls his wine. “Father insisted I come and try my luck with her; he wants me to find a mate and settle down.” He shakes his head. “As if I would be foolish enough to marry a woman who clearly wants nothing to do with the idea of marriage.”
He leans closer. “She’s a menace, you know,” he says in a voice so low only I can hear. “I pity the man who ends up with her.”
I smirk. “Then I suppose you should pity me.”
Eryl laughs, but when I don’t join in, his amusement falters as his brows shoot up toward his hairline. “For the love of the gods, you’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am,” I state proudly.
“Well, I wish you luck, my friend.” He arches a teasing brow. “I suspect you’re going to need it.”
Perhaps another man would take offense at someone speaking that way of his future bride, but not me. It simply means less competition for her favor.
Princess Vivienne is unlike anyone I’ve ever encountered. She is rare and magnificent. Any man who doesn’t see that is a fool.
I clasp Eryl’s arm, and we part ways amicably.
As I continue down the hallway, my thoughts are on her. The steward leads me to my chambers. It’s a sprawling set of rooms with a stone fireplace, a roaring fire burning in the hearth, a large four-poster bed, and a balcony overlooking the palace gardens.
