Page 2 of Her Royal Rebellion

“I’m not sure. I received a message from Ewen during the meeting.”

“Do we have time before the call?” It was almost eleven and I hated making people wait for me.

“As long as it’s quick. I can start the meeting if needed.”

I nodded, grateful she was so on top of things. I never wanted to know what it was like without her. She’d been my assistant for two years, since I graduated from university, but she was also a mentor and trusted advisor. I could rely on her to get things done and I trusted her to represent me whenever needed. That was a rare privilege and I was extremely lucky.

“Thank you. Hopefully I can keep this short.” I headed toward my father’s office while she continued in the opposite direction. I nodded to the few guards scattered along the first floor. Charlie and Serena found their presence intimidating, but I preferred them being stationed throughout the palace than following me around. It was nice when we didn’t have any guests staying in the palace because protocol relaxed a little.

I smiled at the two guards standing on either side of the door to the king’s office. “Morning.”

Only one of them met my eyes and he gave the tiniest nod. As if a proper greeting would distract him from his job. I knocked once and waited for Ewan, Dad’s assistant, to open the door.

Instead, it was Mum that let me in. “What are you doing here?”

Something in my gut told me to be suspicious. It wasn’t entirely uncommon for my parents to meet together, but something felt off.

“We wanted to speak to you together.” She tried to smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Whatever was going on, she wasn’t pleased.

I ran through the last few days in my mind, trying to think of anything that would have gotten me in trouble, like I had as a child. Nothing stood out. Maybe this was about Cian’s wedding. It seemed to be all Mum thought about lately.

I took the soft, oversized leather chair across from my father while she circled his wide desk to face me from his side. They were trying to present a unified front. I knew this well. If it was simply a matter of the wedding or an upcoming event, Mum would have sat next to me.

Dad sat straight with his fingers interlaced and resting in front of him. “Thank you for coming, Isla.”

Like I had a choice. The king requested my presence.

I looked between them, waiting for the bomb to drop on my head.

“We’ve come to a decision and wanted to let you know in advance of the announcement.”

Were they getting a divorce? Had someone died? Why were they both so grim? “What is it?”

“We are inviting appropriate suitors to the palace.”

I peered at Mum, waiting for her to explain her husband’s ludicrous statement. Her eyes dropped to the floor, and I knew this was bad.

“What do you mean? Cian is engaged. You’ve given your approval. They’re getting married in just seven months.”

Dad’s blank expression didn’t waver. He gave nothing away. “The suitors aren’t for him.”

My stomach plummeted. Oh no.

“They’re for you.” He confirmed my worst nightmare.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m only twenty-three. I have no plans of marrying anytime soon.”

“Your mother was married and expecting Cian when she was your age.”

I looked up at Mum and her eyes flickered to mine before she turned to face the window. She didn’t agree with this, so why was she letting it happen? Dad wasn’t some tyrant. He ruled with my mother at his side. They always discussed things and came to an agreement before major decisions like this.

“I don’t understand.” My hands were shaking so I clasped them together on my lap. “I’m not required to marry, and I mostly certainly will not agree to an arranged marriage.”

“You will do as you’re told.” He growled out the words.

I felt like I’d been slapped. My father never used such a tone with me, and he hadn’t forced something on me since I was a child and wanted to wear pants to events like my brothers.

“Is something else going on? Is there a threat or agreement in the works? What benefit are you after?” I knew this wasn’t just about me getting married. It couldn’t be. Cian was engaged, Aiden wasn’t far behind, so why were they worried about me? The people had plenty to celebrate for the next few years. The news and media had enough to keep them occupied, so why was I being offered up?