I sigh and chase the expertly-prepared vegetables around the plate one more time with my fork, wondering how long this beautiful life will last.
“I bet he’s met a woman.” Drucilla sniffs.
I could almost believe it. Tremaine wouldn’t hesitate to disappear into the arms of a wealthy widow. Part of me can’t blame him if he did. His daughters are safe and cared for. I’m out of his reach. Why shouldn’t he pursue his own pleasure?
Because he’s a terrible person.
I shush the little voice inside of me. I refuse to become vindictive. I’m worried about his safety. I am. Truly. But mostly, I’m uneasy that the cunning jackal will find a way to spoil my hard-won happiness.
“You’re quiet, Cinderella,” Drucilla says, sneering the nickname she’s saddled me with. “Where is your prince? In the arms of a prettier woman?”
With no one around to hear their digs at me, I suppose she feels emboldened. A twinge low in my belly reminds me of the wondrous afternoon I spent in Alistair’s bed. My heart clenches.Let this be real.I want him to love me enough to understand that revenge isn’t what I want, even if he feels compelled to seek satisfaction through violence. No matter how much Tremaine deserves punishment, I am desperate to forget that chapter of my life.
“Alistair said he was searching for husbands for the two of you,” I inform her neutrally, gauging their reactions. “I asked him to find you suitable partners. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all be married together?”
I beam at my stepsisters like this is the best idea I’ve ever had.
“A husband?” Stacia perks up.
Cilla scoffs.
Narrowing her eyes, Stacia says, “Just because you don’t want one doesn’t mean I have to be a spinster forever.”
“It’s customary for the eldest daughter to marry first,” says Cilla. “I never said I didn’t want a husband. I have no intention of being a spinster. I still plan to persuade Prince Alistair to make me his queen.”
I gasp at her audacity. My stepsister lifts her chin, daring me to challenge her, but Stacia speaks before I can.
“You can say your vows first.” She smiles smugly.
I shouldn’t open my mouth. But it pops out despite my better judgment. “Technically, I am the eldest. I should go first.”
Both sisters glower at me. I give them my sweetest smile. “But, since I am marrying the prince, and you will not be, Cilla, I can be convinced to allow you to walk down the aisle first. I can afford to be generous.” I shove my chair back from the dinner table. “If you’ll excuse me.”
* * *
The next morning,I encounter Alistair when I get lost between the dining room and my bedroom. He pops up the stairs displaying no hesitation whatsoever when he sees me.
“Sunshine.”
I can’t help but smile. A simple endearment and that cocky bounce to his step, exuding confidence, is enough. He hasn’t yet won my favor though, and I must hold his feet to the fire if I’m going to have the kind of husband I want. “How are things proceeding?”
He takes my hand and brushes a kiss across my knuckles. Heat flares in my core.
“Halfway there, my love. A few more hours, and I should have our wedding preparations finalized.”
“Really.”
“Yes, my sweet Elinor. I am as eager to be wedded as you are. Did you think I wasn’t up to the task?”
“No. I was confident you would come through. I thought it would take longer, that’s all.” This is suspiciously quick work.
Again, he kisses my hand. This time, he lifts his gaze to mine and holds my eye. “Each passing moment without knowing you are mine is agony. I would move heaven and earth to be with you.”
“Sounds as though you have.” I laugh nervously.
“Almost. One challenge yet remains.”
“Killian?”
