“Maybe it’s how this one could work if the right person were involved. If that right person liked the king.”
Finn turned to face his brother. He could tell Jericho wanted to know – one brother to another. If Finn said that he didn’t like the king or have an attraction to him, he knew Jericho would drop the subject and never mention it again. But it would be a lie, and Finn didn’t do that.
“I’m really attracted to him,” Finn admitted quietly. “Me…attracted to the king. Is that completely insane?”
“No.” Jericho’s expression softened. “It’s human. He’s an attractive man, from what I’ve seen. And if you liked his personality, too…”
“I barely know him.”
“Which is why he’s offering you a week. So you two can get to know each other better. People like us have gotten married with a lot less. At least he’s giving you the chance to get to know the man behind the crown before the vows are said.”
Finn leaned against the window frame. His heart was pounding, fear and excitement tangled together in a way that made no sense. He shouldn’t want it. He definitely shouldn’t have even been considering it. He was the only person in his family who’d spent his whole life avoiding court politics. The idea of being consort to a king was absurd.
But that moment in the throne room kept replaying in his mind. The way Darragh had looked at him, really seen him, when Finnhad talked about Safe Harbor’s strengths. The way he’d laughed, when Finn had said he’d contradict the king if necessary.
He wants someone who won’t bore him,Finn thought -someone who’ll be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.
“A week,” Finn said slowly. “One week to figure out if this is completely ridiculous or…”
“Or maybe the best opportunity you’ll ever have.”
“For what? To embarrass myself in front of the entire royal court?”
“To find out if you and the king could actually build something together.” Jericho stood. “Look, I know I pushed you into this. I know you’re angry about that. But I’ve seen you around the village, Finn. You light up when you’re helping people, when you’re solving problems. The king needs someone who can do that on a larger scale. The best person for that job is one who sees people for who they are instead of the title they have.”
“I still don’t know the first thing about running a kingdom.”
“Did you know the first thing about fixing roofs when you started? About organizing village projects? About negotiating with merchants for better prices on supplies?” Jericho smiled. “You learned, Finn, because you cared about getting it right.”
Finn wanted to argue. He wanted to point out that roofs and kingdoms were completely different things, that caring wasn’t enough when a man was dealing with international politics and strict protocols, or a summit that could make or break Safe Harbor’s reputation.
But the letter was still sitting on the desk. King Darragh’s signature at the bottom, bold and decisive. A week. Not a lifetime commitment, just seven days to see if an impossible idea could somehow work.
“I need to think about it,” Finn said.
“You have three days before you need to be at the castle. That’s plenty of thinking time.”
“I need to think about it alone. Without you hovering and looking smug like you do.”
Jericho held up his hands. “Fine. I’ll go tell Mother that you might need some formal attire prepared, just in case.”
“Jericho…”
“What? I’m being practical.” His brother headed for the door. “Oh, and Finn? For what it’s worth, I think you’re braver than you give yourself credit for. The fact that you’re even considering this proves it.”
He left before Finn could respond.
Finn looked at the letter again. The king’s seal was pressed into dark blue wax. It all looked very official and intimidating. But the words themselves were straightforward. No flowery language, no excessive formality. Just a clear request for Finn’s presence.
He could have chosen anyone for second interviews,Finn thought.All those other candidates, the ones with actual court experience and political training. But he chose me.
The thought should have been terrifying, but it made his heart sing. Finn picked up the letter and read it one more time, slower the second time. Looking past the signature, he noticed a postscript at the bottom, written in different handwriting than the formal request. Smaller and less precise.
Don’t overthink this. Just come and see if we can stand each other for a week. - D
Finn laughed. That line was pure Darragh and was just like the man who wrote it - cutting through the formality to say what he actually meant. No pressure, no expectations. Just an invitation to see what might be possible.
“This is completely insane,” Finn said to the empty room. But he was already mentally cataloging what he’d need to pack.
