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“I know you made that offer long ago,” Evie says, tone gentle, “and I understand if you’d like to revoke it. I won’t force you into an arranged marriage, but if you willingly agree, I think it could help you.”
“How so?”
Her expression turns sly, calculating. It’s a face I’ve seen many times before. “First of all, marrying a prince—ahumanprince—will automatically improve your reputation where this scandal is concerned. Not only will you gain the humans’ respect by marrying such an important man, but it will also prove you aren’t trying to steal your clients’ husbands. Who would go after a humdrum married mortal when they have a prince at home?”
“No one,” Breeda says, tone perfectly austere.
My sister’s theory is sound. Human royalty is a novel concept in Faerwyvae. Following the war, the fae seized political control over the isle, reclaiming the land that was rightfully theirs to begin with. Humans were forbidden from reigning henceforth. These days, some fae royals have human or part-human partners, but no pureblood human is allowed to rule over any of the courts alone. So it makes sense that the humans would admire a Brettonish prince.
“Why me?” I ask, and it’s a legitimate question. I couldn’t have been the Alpha Council’s first choice. The council is comprised of every ruler in each of Faerwyvae’s eleven courts. With both a seelie and unseelie monarch in each court, that makes twenty-two royals. Of all the possible brides that could have been selected from their pool of respectable relations, I highly doubt I made the top of the list. Not even Evie’s.
“To be honest,” she says, “we’ve been working on this for a long time. We’d already chosen a bride, scheduled Albert’s arrival and wedding date, but the bride decided to elope last minute.”
“Was she that desperate to evade the marriage?”
“Perhaps. What matters to the council is finding a replacement and securing formal peace with Bretton. If we offer King Grigory the same terms and the same timeline, I don’t think he’ll mind his son having a change of bride. So long as she’s a close relative to one of the royals—or a royal herself—the match will be adequate.”
I huff a laugh. “I doubt Prince Albert will consider someone embroiled in scandal to be at all adequate.”
“He won’t be aware of your scandal. You know how slowly gossip travels between our two countries. Albert is scheduled to arrive here in one week, and the wedding is to take place at the end of the month, which is two-and-a-half weeks after his ship docks.”
My heart leaps into my throat. I’d have to wed a stranger in just overthree weeks?
Evie continues, oblivious to my moment of panic. “As soon as word goes around that you’re engaged to a prince, all talk of that scandal will die out. By the time he’s here, it will be like it never happened.”
I find myself leaning toward my sister, drawn in by her logic. “But…but what if the people see through my ruse? What if they know the marriage is one of convenience, manufactured to clear my name?”
Evie shrugs. “Does it matter? The humans will want to gain Prince Albert’s favor for the mere fact that he’s human and a prince. They can’t do that if they shun his wife. Besides, you will prove just how real your pairing is.”
I quirk a brow. “There’s more to this plan of yours?”
Her expression brightens. “In the two weeks between Prince Albert’s arrival and your wedding date, you’ll present your union to high society. A tour of sorts. You and Albert will attend the most respected social functions across the isle. Flaunt your latest fashions, all the ones you couldn’t display at the showcase when the scandal erupted. You’ll be sure to bring Bartleby’s crawling back, begging you to attend the next showcase. But even if Bartleby’s fails to see reason, you’ll be presenting your work anyway. You’ll become the most popular emerging designer in human fashion with or without that stuffy department store.”
“Because I married a prince?” I say dryly.
Evie gives my shoulder a playful shrug. “No, because ofyou. Your prince will erase the scandal from everyone’s minds, but the tour will demonstrate your artistry. That’s allyou, Ami.”
Tears prick my eyes. I always knew Evie supported my career, as evidenced by her refusal to throw out the horrendous first creations I made for her. But this plan…it’s smart. Not that I ever doubted Evie’s brilliance. She’s always been the intellectual one.
Her tone shifts to a more somber quality. “I’m not going to lie and say this tour idea doesn’t benefit me too in some way. The Alpha Council wants us to pair Albert with someone we trust. Someone who can report on any suspicious activities before the marriage is finalized. If there’s any sign that the offer of peace came with ulterior motives, the agreement is off.”
“I am to spy on my own fiancé?”
Breeda kicks her legs against the backrest. “That sounds exciting!”
“To be blunt, yes,” Evie says.
I ponder her scheme, seeking weaknesses. “If…if the peace offer seems genuine and I proceed with the marriage, must I…you know…”
She gives me a sympathetic frown. “He only has to be your husband in name. You know there are no rules regarding marital consummation in Faerwyvae anymore. No requirement that you must share a bedroom. You can keep your cottage and we can set him up in a manor of his own. So long as you present yourselves as a couple to the public eye, the marriage will suffice, both in the name of peace and to improve your reputation.”
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. “And what if he wants…more from our marriage? What if he doesn’t take no for an answer?”
I shudder as hazy memories fill my mind. Of Cobalt compelling me to think I still loved him. I didn’t get the chance to say no then, but I won’t put myself in the position to be taken advantage of by a man ever again.
Evie’s expression turns cold. “If he so much as touches you without permission, we’ll kill him. Same goes for any suspicious actions he takes. King Grigory wants this alliance more than we do. I won’t hesitate to kill his son.” I know she means every word. Like me, Evie is no stranger to death and violence.
I sink back into the couch cushions. Can I do this? Can I marry a stranger to save my career? Evie was right when she said I’m famous amongst the fae. I could be satisfied with that.
