Page 68 of Desperately Yours

The double doors at the back of the room rumbled and clanked as they were pushed open. Music swelled in the orchestra, brought to life by the arrival of the would-be queen.

Bishop swore in a voice loud enough to carry to the fifth or sixth row. Evident in the way a few ladies of court actually clutched their pearls. My cousin frowned and glared. “Oh, get off it. You know this whole ordeal is bleeding dramatic.”

I ignored his exchange entirely, feeling disconnected from reality. Mother entered through the doors first, walking with haste toward the throne. Pleased as punch, she smiled her victorious triumph, and took a seat on the throne behind me.

Had I really lost? Was this it? I’d hoped for something more. I’d waited for a miracle and yet, Sadie, the common girl from the Eshein Province stepped through the double doors next, clothed in white, ready to marry her prince.

“What are you going to do, Cousin?” Bishop’s whispered question forced me back to reality, back to admitting this was actually happening. Sadie began her slow march toward me as the room stood in her honor. My thoughts continued to race, falling in no logical order, just one desperate cry for help after another.

Was Michaela dead? Should I stall to try to give her more time? What if my father truly didn’t die tonight as the doctors had predicted? Would I make a good king?

At least she wasn’t wearing Michaela’s dress.

My gaze swept over the congregated guests. Most I’d known my entire life. These were the people I would want here to witness my marriage to Michaela, and yet it felt empty with this new reality dawning. Nausea threatened to overpower me, and I pressed a clenched fist against my mouth to quell it. This couldn’t be my life. All eyes focused on me, watching, waiting, anticipating my future and the direction of the country.Everyone expected this to be the start of a new era in Nolcovia, a time when…

My thoughts derailed as I saw someone in the gathering who watched Sadie with a different intent. I didn’t know this man, never had laid eyes on him. Shoulder-length hair, wet with gel to keep the curls intact, a strong jaw but gaunt features as if he’d been starved for the last month at least. His gaze never wavered from her, locked with devotion, an emotion I knew all too well.

He loved her. He loved her like I loved Michaela. I couldn’t look away, too dumbstruck by the realization that I was taking another man’s love away from him. Did she know? Did Sadie have any idea how much this—

The stranger must have felt my gaze because our eyes met, nearly stealing my breath. If I had been in his place, watching someone else marry my Coco, I would have met him with only the most murderous intent, and yet, that wasn’t what I found in his eyes.

Pleading. Begging. For him? For her? I couldn’t be sure.

His mouth formed words, easily read even if I didn’t hear the sound of it.

Take care of her.

What did he mean? Was he bound to let go because of my station? Did he want better things for Sadie, and he knew I could offer them? Why on earth would he offer her up like this if his love burned this fiercely?

“Don’t do it,” Bishop broke into my thoughts. “You can’t do this, Cousin.”

I shook my head, trying to stay strong in the midst of this rising storm. “I have no choice.”

Bishop pressed closer still, a nagging voice in my ear. “You love Michaela.”

Sadie moved closer with every step. She didn’t stare at me though. She simply walked as if she had no other option, and her distant gaze locked on nothing and everything all at once.

“Love doesn’t run a country,” I answered Bishop.

“No,” Bishop wrapped his grip around my forearm, “butIcan.”

In the most unbelievable turn of events, had my cousin just offered to throw himself on the pyre? Was he offering to marry Sadie in my place and rule the country to keep me from marrying for less than love?

I shifted to face him, surprised by the sincerity I found in his expression. Bishop stood ready to sacrifice himself for my happiness.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “Truly. And thank you for forcing me to see Michaela for what she has always been for me.” I took hold of his arm with a squeeze. “Even if it was short, I knew love like many never will. I wouldn’t trade it for a lifetime of mediocrity. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Leo…” Bishop felt the change, obviously frustrated I wasn’t willing to take his offer.

I released my grip and turned to Kabir. “Please, go to my father soon. I don’t want him alone right now.” I didn’t wait for my guard to leave before I faced my future bride who stood at the base of the throne’s stairs. As much as I wanted to step back and allow Bishop to take my place, I knew I couldn’t.

I’d done my best to stall against the inevitable but my time had come and there was no turning back.

“Duty calls,” I whispered, as much to myself as to Bishop.

Michaela

The dress was probably a mistake. It was really best used as a symbolic gesture of rebellion than a practical one.

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