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His expression is infuriatingly smug. “When I was in the capital, I managed to gain an audience with the Emperor. Ididmention to him that I have a daughter, comely in looks, healthy of body and mind, and fortunately, still of child-bearing years. A maiden, at that. I mentioned itspecificallybecause Emperor Duthriss is a consummate politician, and has been known to influence strategic matches between the children of Rahava’s most powerful families. Cunning old wolf. Perchance that he might know of a lord in need of heirs; one that has done him favors, whom he could reward with a suitable noble woman of good breeding and decent looks.”
I’m overcome with the sudden urge to pick up my glass of water and splash it in his face.
I don’t, of course.
I don’t want to be beaten to within an inch of my life. Inwardly, I can’t help but feel bitterly smug.
I’mnota bloody maiden, but father doesn’t know that.
My stepmother is silent. Of course. She’salwaysquiet when father speaks.
Father is looking more and more pleased with himself.
Dread pools in the pit of my stomach.
“He made a suggestion.” My father’s tone is insufferably smug. “No, it was more than a suggestion. It was a proposal. Of course, I deliberated upon it, and after giving it careful thought, I accepted on your behalf.”
No!My heart feels like it’s about to explode out of my ribcage.I can’t believe this is happening!
But I always knew this day would come. Father has been waiting for such an opportunity. He’d been planning that trip to the capital for months.
I take a deep, shuddering breath. Close my eyes for a moment. Curse my stepmother for being incapable of saying a single word, but then again, why would she, when she herself was married off in exactly the same fashion?
Poor Lady Dorava.
“Who is he?” I barely recognize the sound of my own voice. It sounds like death warmed up.
My father doesn’t answer straight away. He allows the silence to stretch out, enjoying my fraught anticipation. “Finley Solisar, you must be grateful that I am a good negotiator, because the man you will marry is far above your station. Most would consider himfartoo good for someone of your rank and temperament, but considering his approval of the match, Emperor Duthriss seems to look favorably upon our family.”
“Who,father?” My impatience spills through the brittle cracks in my composure.
“After lunch, you will arrange for the maidservants to pack your belongings. Make sure you take your thickest coats, because I hear the winters in Tyron are brutal. Although I’m sure the Archduke will have plenty of resources at his disposal to ensure that you are outfitted with garments befitting of his station, it is best to be prepared.”
My insufferable father pauses, savoring my shocked silence.
Tyron.
I blink.
The silver fork handle digs into my palm as my grip tightens.
Tyron.
That inhospitable, mountainous region to the south.
The biggest of Rahava’s territories.
It widely considered untamable… that is, until the Archduke took over the Mountain Fortress.
No. This isn’t possible.
I stare at my father, my anger momentarily swept away by sheer disbelief. “I… I am to be betrothed to Corvan Duthriss?”
My future husband is not some old geezer, as I’d feared.
In many ways, this is worse.
I’ve heard the rumors; the stories. They talk about him in the village square, in the halls of the castle, in the kitchens and the stables. My own family speaks of him at the dinner table.
