AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re skeptical.”
“I have to be,” I said.
We landed in Norway and made our way to the estate. I couldn’t shake the feeling of Theo’s absence. I was going to miss hanging out with him. I could already feel the tension creeping back in the moment I stepped inside the palace. It was a return to my gilded cage. I knew my parents were in residence, but they didn’t come to greet me and I didn’t seek them out.
I went to my room, feeling a mixture of emotions about being back. I liked home, but I hated the restrictions. Astrid was busy unpacking my things and making a pile of clothes that needed to be cleaned. I opened the curtains and stared out at the courtyard. I found myself counting down the days until I could see him again.
My return was marked by a grand feast hosted by my parents in my honor. The long dining table was adorned with an array of delicious dishes. It was a nice gesture and made me feel like I was missed. I took my usual seat at the table with my mom at one end and my father in his spot at the head of the table. It wasn’t exactly warm and cozy, but it was something.
“Emilie, my dear, tell us about your trips. How did they go?” My father seemed jovial, which wasn’t normal for him. I wondered what it was about.
“Both trips were a great success. We visited the properties in Wales and Scotland. Theo has a lot of hope for them. He doesn’t think they were as bad as we thought. Theo and I worked closely with the property managers to outline plans for renovations and updates.”
My father’s brows lifted in interest. “And the results?”
I couldn’t help but smile as I recounted the progress we had made. “The potential for tourism and revenue generation is promising. It’s as if these properties have been given a new lease on life thanks to Theo. He really knows what he is talking about. Even better, there’s nothing major required. It won’t be much of an investment.”
His eyes gleamed with approval. “Your dedication to the well-being of our country is commendable. I knew you would understand the benefit of a good match.”
I tried not to cringe. He had a way of stripping away all the good and making it all about the business.
My mother nodded in agreement. “You’ve shown you understand your new role. We’re very proud of you.”
Unfortunately, they weren’t proud of me for doing anything other than obeying their wishes. They were proud I wasn’t speaking up and telling them what I wanted and didn’t want. I couldn’t really take it as a pat on the head. I was just doing what I was told.
As the feast continued, we discussed the specifics of our plans for the properties and the potential benefits for our country’s finances. My parents were fully aware of the financial challenges, which was why I was supposed to marry Theo, AKA Mr. Moneybags.
“I must admit, I’m impressed by Theo. He has proven to be a valuable asset to our family and the crown. I knew we chose correctly.”
It was like he was proud of choosing the right dog from the breeder. “He’s a good man,” I murmured.
“Theo possesses a unique blend of vision, leadership, and diplomacy. I can see him playing a pivotal role in our country’s future. He has earned my respect. I look forward to sitting down with him and discussing more of our business matters.”
Theo was the prized horse. He was the son my father never got. I wasn’t necessarily jealous, but it was a little insulting. Like I was the bait he needed to reel in the big fish. I was paraded out to lure in the right man that would refill the family’s empty coffers.
“He’s a great match,” Mother agreed. “The family is honorable. It’s a good alliance, even if they don’t have real titles.”
It was a subtle dig, but not unheard of for her. I took a bite, refusing to engage. Everything was transactional in their world. I knew it wasn’t just them. They didn’t invent the idea of trading off your name to get ahead. It was how our society functioned. Few people got love matches. My aunt and uncle were a rarity. As were Roman and Anabella. I wasn’t going to commit to love just yet, but I did see the benefit of giving it a chance.
My father took a drink and then wiped his mouth. “At least one of my daughters got it right.”
His words hung in the air, and I couldn’t deny the sharp sting they brought to my heart. Nora had been my best friend throughout our childhood, and her abrupt departure had left a void in my life that I hadn’t anticipated. I hated that they could dismiss her so easily. She was their daughter. She was the one they favored because she was the firstborn. To know they could dismiss her because she did something that made her happy was disturbing. Parents were supposed to love their children unconditionally, or so I’d heard.
Theo had described Roman’s choice to break his match with the full support of his parents. The Ashford parents cared more about their son’s happiness than their reputations. That was what I wanted. I supposed that was what everyone wanted.
My mother noticed the shift in my mood and gave me a sympathetic glance, her eyes filled with understanding. I was sure she missed Nora as well. She wasn’t a total cyborg. She had to feel something for Nora. She and Nora used to spend a lot of time together. At one point, I had been a little jealous of the time they spent together.
“I think we’re ready for dessert,” my mother said.
The server that had been standing in the corner quickly left to get the last course.
I wasn’t hungry, but I pretended to eat, pushing around the pie on the plate. I barely heard my parents discussing their plans for the week.
I was lost in my own thoughts, thinking about Nora and her decision to leave. I couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal that had crept up on me when she left. I wondered if she ever thought about me, if she missed me the way I missed her.
As the conversation around me continued, my mind wandered to the possibility of finding my own happiness. Theo said that was what he wanted, but what if he got to know me better and decided he didn’t like me? What if he decided he couldn’t handle my father’s meddling and demands?
“Do you not like it?” Mother asked.
