A soft huff of laughter escapes me.
When I stand to leave, I sense someone nearby. I whip my head back and find the king with one of his guards. He walksover to me, his gaze tracking Vivienne as she disappears down the garden path.
“She has never been easy,” he says quietly.
“Nor should she be,” I reply. “And I wouldn’t wish her to be anyone other than who she is.”
Edric studies me for a long moment, as if measuring the truth of my words before he exhales slowly. “You’re a good man, Auren. If it were anyone else, I’d be hesitant to do this, but… I believe you’ll be good to my daughter.”
I incline my head. “Always.”
“I hate deceiving her,” he adds, “but I’m left with no choice. I told her you asked for her hand, and wanted to meet her, but she didn’t care. She wouldn’t even listen to reason.” He clenches his jaw. “The bargain will come due soon and I’ll not have her wed to the Goblin King.”
Neither would I. Fierce possessiveness surges through me. Even if the carefully laid plan I’ve made with her father doesn’t work, and she still refuses me, I’ll go to war with the Goblin kingdom rather than allow the bargain to trap her in marriage to their ruthless king.
“Are you sure about this?” King Edric asks. “You’ve seen her fire, but you’ve yet to deal with her anger.”
If she directs her anger at me, so be it. I’ll gladly be a target for her wrath, rather than see her forced to belong to the Goblins. “I’ll find a way to manage.”
The king’s mouth tightens, but he nods once. “Very well.” He shakes my hand. “Then, tomorrow we’ll do what must be done.”
It’s not deception for its own sake. It is the only way to keep her from being claimed by a monster who wouldn’t hesitate to break her.
If she knew the truth, she’d refuse me. And refusal would cost her everything.
Tomorrow, Vivienne will be bound to me and under my protection… even if she does not yet understand why.
CHAPTER 4
VIVIENNE
The last day of the ball is just as miserable as the first. The only difference? I’m growing dangerously bored.
I adjust the silk skirts of my sapphire-blue gown, the fitted bodice laced so tight I can barely breathe. My jewels glitter beneath the chandelier’s golden light, and my hair has been twisted into an elaborate crown of braids, each strand meticulously placed.
I may not want a husband, but I do like looking my best. And yet, every man in this room is dreadfully dull.
The latest offender stands before me now—a Fae lord draped in velvet, his silver eyes gleaming with confidence. He’s been droning on for several minutes about his land holdings, his wealth, his many assets.
I can’t take it anymore. “Apologies, my lord, but I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t mention your most prized asset.”
He frowns. “What do you mean, Princess?”
I lean in slightly. “Why, your overwhelming self-importance, of course.”
His smile vanishes and someone behind him spits out their drink.
As the evening wears on, the crowd begins to thin. I gaze out the window and see several carriages already leaving even though it’s the middle of the night.
The last suitor remaining is an Elven lord. My father pleads with him to stay, but I pointedly ignore him when he asks me to dance.
When he storms out of the room, my father’s patience finally breaks. “Vivienne!” He surges to his feet. “With me. Now.”
“What? Why?” I blink, feigning innocence as I move closer to the exit. “Perhaps we can talk later?”
“That was not a request,” he grits through his teeth. “It’s a command.”
Goosebumps prickle my flesh. Father has always been patient with me, but there’s something dangerously final in his tone. Perhaps I’ve finally pushed him too far.
