“She’s scared about marrying the three ofyou,” Arthur says, a dark note to his words.
Prince Lucien laughs. “Women are not scared to marry us. They’re thrilled by the prospect. Why would Harper possibly not want to marry us?”
Arthur scoffs. “Because you’ve beensonice to her? Because, based on your treatment of her, she hasallthe reasons in the world to think your marriage will be a good and happy one?” Every single one of Arthur’s words are brimming with sarcasm.
Prince Lucien bristles. “Surely, she understands that we’re capable of being different, right?”
Silence.
“Harper?” Prince Alaric says my name, but there’s a question in it.
Arthur steps around me. “You think she hasn’t told me all the bullshit you’ve been putting her through? Punching her? Disrobing her in public? Calling her names? Isolating her? Controlling her? You guys don't deserve a drop of trust or faith from her.”
“We haven’t been that bad–” Prince Lucien begins, but he has a look on his face I haven’t seen before. He looks like a dog that’s been kicked after stealing food off the table.
“Would you want your daughter to marry someone who had treated her the way you three have treated Harper?”
More silence.
“This whole thing is bullshit. Either be honest that you don’t care about her and that this will be a marriage in name only and leave her the fuck alone, or step up and be the kind of men she needs.”
Arthur sounds so similar to Ebron that it’s scary. I guess all the men in my life share similar feelings about how to handle me.
“What does that mean?” Prince Alaric asks, looking between us.
I pat Arthur, silently telling him to stop, but he's on a roll. “Take some time to get to know Harper on a deeper level. Ask her questions. Find out about her likes and dislikes. Find out about her family, her home, and her interests. Hell, even find out about me and the rest of her friends. Take opportunities to be kind and loving. If you want a real marriage, act like you do.” He takes a breath. “And know without a doubt that you have some major groveling to do if you have any hope of winning Harper’s heart. Which, for sure, should be the prize you’re after.”
No one speaks.
Arthur continues. “I know for a fact that marrying Harper will be the best thing that happens to any of you. She will make your life better in every single way. So, ask yourself, how will you make Harper’s life better? And forget all the titles and land bullshit, because she doesn’t care about that. Ask how you as people will make her life better.”
“I mean, we’re not that bad,” Prince Lucien says softly, but I don’t even think he believes that any longer.
“You’ve failed Harper. You’ve fucked up. Now, start working on fixing it.” Arthur turns and gives me a kiss on the head. “I’m going to give you time to talk, but I’ll be right outside. If there are any problems, just call, and I’ll come.”
Then he shoots them all the dirtiest glare and strides out, leaving them looking properly whipped.
14
Harper
I’m calm now.Almost painfully calm. Arthur’s words unlocked something inside of me. He’s right. It might feel like I don’t have any control over my life right now, but I absolutely do. Even if the ways forward might not be easy. One of those paths certainly is marrying the princes and the Hollowborn, but there are many paths that don’t end that way.
“Let’s just start with the most important things,” Prince Gareth says.
Drawing my shoulders back, I wait, curious to see what he thinks is most important. I know that whatever it is might be a good sign for what’s to come.
“There shouldn't be any more men in your bed.”
My jaw drops open.
Prince Lucien nods. “It’s not proper.”
“I mean… you’re our fiancé,” Prince Alaric adds.
My gaze slides between the three big men. How can they be so strong, so handsome, and so idiotic all at the same time?Restricting who I hang out with is what’s most important to them? Controlling me? Not all the other stuff that Arthur said.
“You’re sure as fuck not going to tell me what to do. You’re especially not going to dictate any rules in my friendship, including whether or not I can spend the night in a bed with someone I’ve been sleeping with since I was two years old.”
