Page 47 of Crowned In Sin

However, there is something more behind my brother’s stoic expression. There is hurt as well. Hurt I knowingly caused him, even if I could not admit it to myself at the time.

I didn’t think he would intervene because I thought of him as ruined, just as he has since the battle. I thought he would keep himself hidden. Even if Casen did not, I thought Princess Cora would⁠—

Shame turns my face hot. I thought Cora would fear him. Recoil from him. My plan was to orchestrate their meeting so that I could reassure her that he was not as he appeared.

That was a mistake. A grave mistake. Part of me wishes to argue that it was not as grave a mistake as taking the princess to bed when I was supposed to be the one courting her, but deep down, I know it was far worse.

Because the truth is that I will never have a kingdom without my brother. I cannot father children. Casen’s note speaks the truth. His wounds are on his face, but mine are hidden.

If I am to have an heir to take my crown and kingdom when I pass, the child will need to be fathered by my brother.

What kind of a man am I to assume there could be no attraction between Casen and a woman? What did I assume of Princess Cora, to think she could only have feelings for a man with a face unmarked by war and battle? Did I truly believe that she would only feel pity for Casen? Did I believe pity was all he deserved?

He was wrong, but I was also wrong. I do not know how we will overcome this. Where do we begin? Where does this end? Nothing has been settled by this conversation. It has only brought more hurt.

I fold the note into my pocket, buying myself a few more moments to gather myself.

Then I face the king.

“Your Majesty,” I begin, and feel Casen’s eyes on the side of my face. After a moment, I hear him turn to face the king as well. He watches us both, his expression unchanging. “There are…other matters to be discussed between us.”

The king raises his eyebrows. “You have reconciled, then?”

I hesitate to address his question. Swallowing my own shame, I answer, “We need to speak of what has happened, and then I am sure my brother and I will come to an understanding.”

The king nods, looking between me and my brother. He takes a couple of steps toward us, then pauses again. This man has protected the princess to the best of his ability since the passing of his queen, and I do not want to disappoint him. I do not wish to disappoint any of us, or be disappointed once again.

“You may use whichever room you find most convenient to have your discussion,” the king says. “What you will not do is shame my daughter for your actions. You may not leave the castle until she has made her decision.”

She has made her decision.

His statement haunts me. Perhaps the princess will choose my brother and keep her kingdom separate from my own…and take my brother from me. The very idea chills me. The loss would be unbearable. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Casen nod his agreement.

“I will go up to ensure the Princess Cora is well,” the king says with a curt nod. “Good night, Prince Jasper. Prince Casen.”

Chapter 21

Cora

I’m too unsettled after all that has happened to keep anything from Isabel. If I could confess to my father, surely my dearest friend should know.

When my father leaves, she comes back into my chamber and embraces me without saying a word. For a few minutes I cannot speak. There is too much I have not admitted to her, and not enough that I have admitted to my father.

When Isabel releases me, I catch her hand and look into her eyes. “I think—I am ready to talk about what happened.”

Although her eyes widen with surprise, Isabel nods and pulls me to my feet. “Then we shall talk. But first, we must make you presentable.”

She insists on washing my face again. I change my dress, which has stains down the front from my tears. When I come out of the washroom, there are several servants in my chamber, setting out dishes for dinner.

“Oh,” I breathe. “Has so much time passed?”

“It has,” Isabel says with a smile. “I am told Prince Jasper is dining with your father in the great hall. The king has told everyone that you will dine in your chamber tonight.”

My heart skips a beat and the tips of my fingers go numb. “Did he announce⁠—”

“No announcement other than you will eat here, Cora. The court does not need any other explanation.” She eyes me curiously. “Although it is odd, it is not uncommon for the king to dine with his potential son-in-law outside of the presence of his daughter, no?”

I nod slightly, although the court will want an explanation, especially if the princes leave tonight. If they go without a formal final meal with me, then rumors will fly through the palace. Saying nothing will not be an option once people have made up their minds about what they think happened.