I patted her shoulder, but she seemed cold. “By ‘we’ he means himself and the kingdom he represents,” I explained.
She didn’t even blink, but she said, “I will sign a non-disclosure on any matters that concern the crown—though I do want to take pictures of my home and freely share what pertains to my modern lifestyle blog.”
Right. This wasn’t about being in love or even attracted to each other. She’d agreed to marriage because of a deal. My stomach shouldn’t turn because of this. I’d agreed to marry her for reasons other than love, so my skin didn’t need to prickle when my father said, “Then our lawyers should be able to work out a deal.”
I forced myself to smile and met my father’s gaze. “That was easy.”
Now I went cold. Perhaps I’d train with my own unit this morning to get the tension out of my system.
My father’s eyes drilled into my skin. “I want my children happy.”
I let out a long breath and shook my head scornfully. “My happiness has never been a consideration before now.”
His gaze narrowed as he stared at me. “You’re wrong there, son. But I can never be your mother and coddle you, so you need a proper wife. I’m hoping that Nicole, here, will bring you that happiness and stability that only marriage brings.”
Not going to happen. I had to find my own way to ensure that my mind was at peace, because no one else would ever care.
Emily spoke first, “We all miss Mom, father.”
He glanced at my sister and brother and my shoulders lightened considerably. I’d never be my father’s favorite son or be able to compete with his only daughter. And I never wanted to be either of them.
Nicole didn’t move, though she finished her sandwich. I did the same with my own and had a third and final cup of coffee for today, as my father told the others, “That’s good to hear. And I know she’d want every one of her children to be happy, as we were.”
They’d been right. I was the test case. My soul shouldn’t be slacking right now, but I pressed my lips closed and refused to start that conversation here.
He was the king, and I was his pawn. Soon, Nicole would understand why our lives would be better once we retired from a life in court.
This was the reason I had agreed to marry her. I had no right to expect more.
Chapter 7
Nicole
My room was a tower room. Seriously beautiful view. I snapped a picture of myself near the windows that overlooked the winding river, green trees, the nearby town with yellow, red and orange houses, and the ocean bay in the background. Seriously, the water was so blue it was hypnotic.
I’d have to write a blog on clean water soon, as that was so important to have in our lives.
Norden was unbelievably picturesque.
I held my finger on the share button. My room was not part of the non-disclosure agreement, and I wasn’t showing any part of the castle that might be considered private.
Most important, though, was that I wasn’t married yet and no contracts had been signed. I still needed to do my job.
So I hit the button.
Done. Shared. I was about to toss the phone onto the bed, but then my text beeped. My sister, Stephanie.Can I call now with my answer?
My heart raced and I jumped.Yes.I typed fast. It had been a year since I’d seen my sister in person, but I needed her right now. I answered on the first ring, skipped the “hellos” and asked, “Stephanie, you can come?”
She laughed. I had missed that sound. Georgie’s laugh was like a mom sound. Our sister Indigo had a commanding laugh. Ridley had the “let’s cry together” laugh. Olivia had the curious laugh. But Stephanie … she had the best laugh. She had the “let’s have fun” giggles at the table. My heart lurched now that I heard it again, as she said, “Sure, Norden is much closer than Pittsburgh, and I miss you.”
“I miss you,” I said and twirled in my pink dress.
And then she took a shaky breath, and I froze. Had she been crying? I gulped and asked, “What’s wrong?”
She let out a soft sob but masked it with indifference. “My wedding is off.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said. I had nothing else to offer right now. If she was close, I’d hug her.
