Page 98 of A Cruel Kindness

It was the smile of someone who had gotten exactly what they wanted. His eyes rose slowly, his smile widening. “Darling girl, what did I tell you when you informed me that you had a Mark.”

Panic was starting to build, causing the Bond to thrash around internally. “You said good. Then you told me that at least there was an Edelstenne over there.”

It had actually been a ten minute monologue about Edelstenne strength that ended with him reminding me that I was beautiful and to use that to my advantage.

“Precisely,” he replied, grinning ear to ear. “And exactly as I’d hoped, the Muli royal family took good note of that.”

“What does that mean?” I asked, even though I had a haunting, horrible feeling I knew exactly what he was referring to.

That was impossible. I couldn’t.

“It means that the Prince has made a formal offer of marriage.”

My world crashed down around me, shattering like a thousand glass flutes that sprayed champagne everywhere in their wake.

“I—what?” My confusion was cut off a second later when my father shoved the letter into my hands, letting me read for myself.

I had minutes, if Elijah was to be believed.

My vision was hazy as I tried to understand what was in front of me.

Emperor Edelstenne,

It has come to my attention that your daughter has traveled to Muli.

I am considering her arrival on my planet to be a blessing, rather

than a continued example of your abhorrent behavior. Make no

mistake, my patience has been the only reason we have not

obliterated all of your defenses and subjected your world to the

treatment you have given mine.

As a final suit for peace, I am extending an offer to your daughter,

Bellamy Edelstenne, to join me in marriage and bridge the gap

between our two worlds. She presents a unique asset, able to

communicate messages between us as negotiations unfold. That

being said, she will of course be required to reside on Muli during

the duration of the marriage.

If you choose to ignore yet another gracious attempt by my family to

sue for peace, I will have no choice but to abandon our concern for

innocent life and engage in a full-fledged assault on Vir.

Kindly,

Caspian Silverthorn XIV

Prince of Muli, Protector of the People, Future Son-in-law