“What my father means is that ending the Non-Magic Age has created far more changes than we expected,” Crown Prince Bennett said. “Handling them has been difficult, and our laws—”
“Yes. You’ve complained endlessly about the laws, Bennett,” King Maximus said irritably. “I told you they will take too long to reform. The more immediate solution is your marriage. You were set to marry last Season but it is better you waited. Perhaps this will be more effective than any witch committee you and Ash can pull together.” His tone surprised me, but I schooled my features when he met my eye. “Lady Narcissa. I reckon the three days were enough to make your decision?”
I wrung my skirts beneath the table. “Yes, Your Majesty. I have decided to accept.”
The king breathed a sigh. “Good. Very good. I am afraid the future of the kingdom depends on this union.”
I bowed my head. “I am honored to serve Olderea.”
“As am I,” Crown Prince Bennett said shortly. “May I suggest something, Father?”
The king stiffened again. “What is it?”
“Perhaps we should have an engagement tour.”
“A tour?” I said, unable to mask my surprise. The crown prince hardly seemed pleased with the arrangement. Why would he want to parade our marriage around the kingdom?
Crown Prince Bennett turned to me. “I hope you won’t be opposed to it, Lady Narcissa. A crown princess has many duties.”
I pressed my lips together. Was he belittling me? “Not at all, Your Highness.”
King Maximus raised his brows. “That is the most reasonable thing you suggested all week, Bennett,” he said, tapping his armrest. “It is a good idea. The people ought to see for themselves what a proper non-magic and magic union looks like.”
Father looked similarly astonished. “And when will this take place?”
“As soon as possible, preferably. We will target the regions with the most unrest: Coriva, Vandil, and Alevine,” Crown Prince Bennett said, pointing at the map splayed out on the king’s desk. It seemed like he had prepared for this beforehand. “We will need a procession of guards.”
Father sat straighter. “I will put together a group of my most trusted men.”
King Maximus nodded. “Of course. But you must stay here with me, Captain. There are many things to be done here.”
Father dipped his head, albeit reluctantly. “Yes, Your Majesty. May I suggest that Lord Frederick lead the men?”
“A capital idea. Frederick can house the procession in Coriva as well. I will have to write to my sister for lodging in Vandil...” The king’s reply faded in the background as my mind raced.
A kingdom tour? I expected a grand wedding. But touring the kingdom and appearing before the people was entirely different. A tendril of panic raced up my throat. Seeing so many people after half a year of isolation...
You’re doing this to defy Mother, to fix everything she destroyed, I reminded myself.
The king stood, straightening his ermine coat. “Bennett, I believe you have a few words to say to your fiancée. I will leave you to it. Captain, join me for a walk in the gardens?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. In fact, there is something else I wish to speak to you about.” Father followed the king to the door. He threw me a concerned glance, but I shook my head ever so slightly, assuring him I’d be fine. Hopefully.
The door clicked shut, leaving me alone with the crown prince.
Though neither hulking nor grizzled, Crown Prince Bennett was an imposing figure—tall and elegant, and broad enough around the shoulders to fill out his mulberry coat. His cravat was crisp and white, setting off his tanned skin to perfection. Father was right that he was handsome. Though I wished he wasn’t, so it would be easier to face him.
The crown prince pulled a velvet box from his waistcoat, flipped it open, and slid it across the table. Inside was a blood red ruby set in an embellished gold band.
“For you, Lady Narcissa.”
I dipped my head, though I did not reach for it. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“The tour...” He glanced down at the spot between us, running a hand over his knuckles. “You seem reluctant.”
“I assure you I am not.” I cringed. The words sounded more defensive than I meant them to. “It came as a surprise, that is all.”
He flicked his gaze to me, dark eyes guarded and calculating. Of course. What did I expect? Soft words and sweet nothings?
