Page 8 of The Marked Princess

“And? Which illustrious men have you and father deemed worthy of sharing the crown?”

“You needn't be so snippy. Your father was insistent that we consider your preferences, as well, you know.”

“How very generous.”

The sarcasm was lost on Lady Merridale, who nodded primly and refocused on the list in front of her. “Lord Dayton Hughes, the future duke of Devon, is by far the most qualified candidate. Devon is the most prosperous duchy in Eldour, and Lord Dayton has been groomed from birth to be a leader.”

Josselyn wrapped her arms around her waist, keeping her back to the room.

“Lord Dayton, got it. Who else?”

“Sir Edgar Preston would make a good match. He has a very distinguished war record, and he's one of your father's closest confidantes, aside from Lord Burgundy.”

“That's probably because they're almost the same age. Sir Edgar is in his forties, at least.”

“He's a bit older, yes, but I think you would benefit from a more mature husband, someone who could help temper that recklessness of yours.”

Josselyn sighed. Arguing would just draw things out, and her head was beginning to throb.

“Fine. Lord Dayton and Sir Edgar, are those my only choices?

Her aunt hesitated. “There is Prince Stefan, of course.” Josselyn turned her head, her eyes widening in shock.

“Now, hear me out.” Her aunt held up her hand to stop the protest that was already forming on Josselyn's lips. “I understand your concerns about marrying an Antoski, but there's no denying it would make for a very powerful alliance. All I ask is that you consider it.

Josselyn gritted her teeth. “Fine, I'll consider it.” Consider how much it's never going to happen.

“Good. Now, let's see, that just leaves... ah, yes, Sir Edmund Brandt.”

“Edmund? He's on the list?”

“Your father thought he should be included, as he not only comes from an excellent family, but the two of you have known each other since childhood. He wouldn't be my first choice, but your father has always been rather sentimental when it comes to you.”

Josselyn turned back to the window, staring out through the glass blankly. Could I really consider marrying Edmund? He's always been like a brother to me. It'd be better than marrying a stranger, though. She bit down on her lower lip. Is he even interested?

Her aunt continued to ramble on about this lord or that, who was worth speaking to and who was a waste of her time. Josselyn was too lost in her own thoughts to care, murmuring vague acknowledgments whenever her aunt paused. The sound of the door closing indicated that she was finally alone.

A hand-picked list of approved suitors. How... neat. No messy emotions like love to contend with, heaven forbid.

Not that she'd ever been in love before, not really. As a girl, she'd focused all of her energy on her training, honing her skills in order to keep up with the boys who were so much larger than she.

A memory pricked at the back of her mind, reminding her that there had, in fact, been one boy whom she'd cared for, had even fancied herself in love with. He'd made his disinterest in her clear, however, squashing the budding feelings before they even had a chance to bloom.

Now, as she faced the reality of marriage, his face flickered through her mind, unbidden. She touched the glass pane, her mind conjuring his image on the grounds outside. Her lips parted, and his name slipped out on a whisper.

“Alex.”

Chapter Five

Five years earlier

Thirteen-year-old Josselyn walked around the wall of the training grounds, the sword her father had specially made for her as a birthday gift clutched in her eager hand. He'd finally relented and given his permission for her to join the group of boys who trained with General Weston every morning. Today was to be her first time, and she was practically skipping in her excitement.

“Is it true the princess is going to be training with us now?”

The disgruntled male voice brought her up short, and she hesitated just outside the entrance, listening.

“That's what they're saying.”