I focus on the man now standing before me, his hand extended. I glance at my mother. She nods, smiling.
What are you nodding at, old woman? Didn’t I make it clear just a few days ago that I don’t want to get married? So why this stupid setup?I scream at her inside my head, which she, of course, completely ignores.
I place my hand in Aziel’s, and we walk toward the exit, Avi and the other prince falling into step behind us. Once we’re outside, he releases my hand, for which I’m more than grateful.
“You have a beautiful name, Miss Bennett,” Prince Qais says to her.
She chuckles awkwardly. “Thanks, Mr. Alfredo.”
I bite my lip to hold back a laugh. Prince Qais doesn’t, he laughs outright.
“It’s Al-Fadhl.” Aziel corrects her, his voice cold.
Qais’s laughter dies instantly. He speaks to Avi, “Don’t mind my brother. He’s very serious about family name.”
We walk into the garden. Our guards follow us in but don’t venture deeper into the garden.
Qais halts Avi near a cluster of rose bushes while I continue on with Aziel.
“Our parents are planning our betrothal. I’d like to know your thoughts on the matter.”
“My thoughts?” I pause, searching for a diplomatic answer. “I’m not ready for marriage.”
He nods. “I understand.”
We settle onto a couch, keeping a careful two feet between us.
“This marriage would unite two powerful parts of the world. May I ask why you’re not ready?”
What do I tell him?I have a strong feeling whatever I say here will go straight back to his parents. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he files it away as ‘The Response of King Alessio’s Daughter to a Marriage Proposal.’
But what mature response can I possibly give him?
He’s waiting, his eyes fixed on me, making me more anxious by the second.
“I don’t think I’m ready to take on the responsibility of marrying someone as powerful as you.”
He smiles. “No one is born ready for such responsibilities. And no one becomes perfect without practice. But that only works if you have the will.”
I smile politely.What I have is no will to marry you—but that would be the wrong answer.
“Do you agree?” he presses.
I nod.
“Then that’s no longer an obstacle.”
Shit. I just got maneuvered so smoothly.
“Since we have no issue here, may I take that as your agreement to the arrangement?”
“I have another concern.” I pause. “I don’t want a politically convenient marriage. I want to marry for love.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. We can fall in love first and then marry.”
I sigh. “I’m already in love with someone else.”
There’s no other way to make him understand that this advantageous marriage isn’t advantageous for me.
