I hang my head. The prince won’t want to marry a bastard. That much is obvious. I suppose it’s time to end things. Stepmother knowing this truth means she can hold it over my father and prevent him from doing anything to change my situation. He wouldn’t want that shame to get out to court. All hopes of my father’s intervention crash and burn like a star falling from the sky.
“Now hurry and make yourself presentable,” Stepmother commands. “Best to get this over with.”
I nod and make my escape to my room, tears flooding my eyes. Through blurred vision, I rifle through my limited options and pull out the least offensive dress.
The room-temperature water in my small basin doesn’t do much to clear the puffiness of my eyes, but it’s the best I can do. I pin up my hair and pinch my cheeks—I look like a mess, but it’s not like I’m supposed to impress the prince. I’m supposed to push him toward one of my sisters . . . or half-sisters, I guess.
Rolling my shoulders back, I take a deep breath. I can do this. I can face the prince and turn him away, and then I’ll plan my escape. I owe this family nothing.
Chapter Twenty-One
KIAN
Lady Astoria sweeps back into the foyer, a self-satisfied look in her eyes, like the cat who’s eaten the canary. Or at least won some prize she’s been after. My shoulders tense. I don’t trust this woman. Not a single bit.
“Lady Raelyn agreed to see you,” she says. Her smugness now surprises me. I’m the one who won here, right?
“Wonderful. Now, will you show me to the parlor, or are you inclined to have me stand in the foyer for another hour?” I bite back.
Her lack of regard shocks me after how she fawned over me at the ball. I like to think I’m somewhat of a catch despite my alter ego’s nighttime activities. Perhaps even more so because of them. I seem to be the only prince who cares about the welfare of his people, not that anyone other than Alex and Margot know. I also highly doubt Lady Astoria cares much about anyone other than herself.
“Of course,” she croons. “My apologies for my rudeness, Your Highness. I have been a little out of sorts trying to manage themanor. My husband has been gone for quite some time now, as you perhaps know.”
A little too late to turn on the charm.
“I never knew how challenging it would be to arrange marriages for so many daughters. I only have sons from my previous marriages.” She laughs, but it sounds fake to my ears.
“I’m sure that has been difficult for you,” I reply, hoping I don’t come across as too annoyed. Her audacity in changing her tone with me from one moment to another is astounding.
She leads me to the parlor and urges me to take a seat on the settee facing the windows. The sky is quite overcast today, and I can’t help but wish for sun, even if for nothing other than healthy crops. I haven’t found any information or word of Kyros since the mention in Cary Astoria’s journal from almost thirty years ago. The urgency to find the lost god is even more pressing with the visual reminder.
“I’ll have tea sent in for you momentarily,” Lady Astoria says with a sickening sweetness. “I can send Lady Erika or Lady Chessa in to keep you company while you wait.”
“No, that’s quite all right,” I reply. “I don’t mind the quiet.”
“Nonsense,” she declares. “I’ll send one right in. Lady Raelyn might be a while.”
What in Luna’s name is going on with Raelyn? Does her stepmother know I saw her cleaning the floors like a servant last time I was here? I palm my face. None of this is going to plan.
I fully intended to call on Raelyn earlier this week, but Colin made it impossible for me to get away. The king also made it very clear that if I did not at least attempt to spend time with Helene, there would be dire consequences. I feel like the worst kind of ass, knowing that, in all likelihood, Raelyn has heard rumors of my courting Helene and probably thinks the worst of me.
Spending time with Helene is what I imagine spending time with a little sister would be like. And as lovely as she mightappear, no single part of her is appealing to me as a partner. It doesn’t help that she comes across completely vapid. The more time I spend around Helene and Juliana, the sorrier I feel for Colin. What a drag to be married into that family.
When Colin announced they were finally returning to the country estate last night, I wanted to jump for joy. I couldn’t wait to get away from court.
Lady Erika sweeps into the room, excitement making her eyes glow. Fantastic. I truly have little desire to entertain Raelyn’s sister, but what else can I do?
A maid enters with the tea service and starts bustling around, preparing our drinks.
“Your Highness, such a pleasure to see you again,” Lady Erika simpers.
Her voice puts me on edge, but I suppose I can at least be grateful it isn’t Lady Chessa. Her reputation of being the most aggravating female to attend court precedes her.
“A pleasure to see you as well,” I lie.
Lady Erika adjusts her full skirts as she sits across from me. I don’t miss how she tries to perk up her chest to show off her assets, or lack thereof. The women of court are all the same, thinking they can flaunt their bodies and have us men falling all over them. And yet, can I blame her? If one were to listen to all the rumors at court, this is exactly what one would think I look for. Times like this make me wish I didn’t have to play a role. I wish I could be myself and fully known. Regardless of who I marry, that will never be possible.
“I have to say, I’m quite surprised to see you here,” Lady Erika says, arching a brow. “I understand you’ve been courting Princess Helene all week.”
