“I’m sorry.” Kian groans. “I didn’t mean to screw up our marriage before it’s even truly begun.”
I reach across the table and place my hand on his, giving it a light squeeze. “It’ll be all right. Don’t beat yourself up.”
His smile looks part grateful and part relieved. “Eat up, Rae. You’re going to need your strength to face the king.”
I shudder. “He is quite intimidating.”
“I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” I threaten, but my voice is light.
After we devour the food, a maid shows up with an armful of dresses for me to choose from. Where they came from, I’m almost afraid to ask. If Kian has a secret room stashed with dresses for his conquests, I’ll die of embarrassment.
Having a maid fuss over me and fix my hair is incredible. I missed being taken care of, but even the thought just makes me feel spoiled. I vow to treat people better. Having been forced to look after myself has given me a sense of responsibility that feels good. I can take care of myself if I need to, but I also appreciate that the servants who work for us deserve to earn a living wage for their work.
Feeling refreshed and prepared to face the king—as much as I can be—I pace the prince’s sitting room, waiting for him tofinish getting ready. I worry that if I sit still for too long, I’ll nod off from exhaustion.
Kian finally enters the room, looking completely put together in his tailored pants and matching grey waistcoat. Damn, he really is good-looking. I can’t believe he’s my husband.
He throws me a smile and offers his arm. “Ready?”
Kian leads me down the long hall. Portraits of his family line the walls, ranging back generations before him. Old-fashioned suits of armor stand guard in the alcoves. The halls are so quiet, I feel like I have to whisper, so I do. “Where are we meeting him?”
Kian looks at me oddly and speaks at a normal volume. “He’s in the throne room. Today is the day he listens to petitions from our people. I’m hoping to catch him before he starts.”
A fresh wave of nerves crashes over me. Gods, I sure hope this goes better than I’m anticipating.
As we get nearer to the throne room, Kian pulls me a little closer, leaning his head down to whisper in my ear, “Smile, love. We need to sell that we’ve never been happier.”
I really hope I can do this.
“Just take a deep breath. We have the bond seared into our skin. He couldn’t stop this if he tried.”
Except he can. Death is the only thing that can end a marriage bond, and while the king might not be willing to kill his own son, he has no such loyalty to me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
KIAN
Ihave to be strong for her. Showing my nerves will only make the beautiful woman on my arm even more anxious than she already is, and I really need us to sell this.
We take the side entrance into the throne room, and to my relief, the king isn’t yet seeing petitioners. He’s seated on his throne, flipping through pages of intelligence. I can only pray to the gods he’s in a good mood today.
“Father! I’m so happy I caught you,” I call out as we approach. Letting go of Rae’s arm, I wrap an arm around her waist, tucking her into my side. To my relief, she rests a hand on my chest, turning in toward me while her other hand slides around my waist. Her curves press into my side, and for a moment, I forget what I’m supposed to say. She fits so perfectly—as if she were made for me.
The king raises a brow and looks down on us with a frown. “Kian, what a surprise.” His gaze moves to Raelyn, suspicion high. He probably doesn’t recognize her.
Might as well get this over with.
“Father, I’d like to present Lady Raelyn Astoria.” I pull her in just a little closer. “My wife.”
The king’s face turns a sickly shade of purple, and the veins in his temple protrude as he rises to his feet. “What. Is. The. Meaning. Of. This.” Each word is punctuated with spittle as he accusingly points a finger in my direction. “Tell me you’re joking.”
Raelyn flinches, and I squeeze her waist in what I hope is a reassuring way.
I straighten my shoulders as I hold his glare. “Is that any way to treat the brand new princess?”
Fury pours off him in waves, and I feel very bad for whoever walks through that door next.
