Page 69 of The Reluctant Heir

I’min a mood?

Is he serious right now?

“Did you not hear what I said?” I throw my arms up. “My dad, the king, said I have until the end of the month to choose a husband. In case you weren’t aware, that’s less than two weeks.”

“I’m failing to see what has made you upset.” He furrows his brows like he’s genuinely confused.

I take a deep breath through my nose and slowly exhale. “I have less than two weeks to choose my husband.” I pause, then repeat, “Ahusband. You know, the guy I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with. The guy I’m supposed to have children with so I can have heirs. You know, that guy.”

He stares blankly at me. “I’m still not sure what you’re upset about. This is what we’ve been preparing for. You’ve always known that this is your duty.”

Myduty.

I groan, letting my head thump against my desk.

I’m doomed.

Why did I think Kaine would sympathize with me about this? Just because he was nice to me last night doesn’t change the fact that he’s a jerk. And he hates me. He was probably only being nice last night because he knew what my father was going to tell me today. Maybe he thinks I’ll be easier to manipulate since he said some nice words.

Kaine shuts his heavy law book and pushes it to the side of his desk. “Have you given any thought to your options? I’d like it if you met with Prince Lucas again since you never did give him a chance.”

I lift my head and hold up a finger, shaking it back and forth. “Nuh-uh. Absolutely not. No way am I going to meet with Prince Lucas. He’s the most boring guy on the planet. I’m not spending the rest of my life with a guy like that.”

Kaine rolls his eyes. “You’re surprisingly petty.”

“And you’re a jerk.” I clasp my hands together on my lap. “But you’re not changing my mind about Prince Lucas. Or any of the other stupid princes.”

“Why are you complaining?” he asks. “I thought you liked Prince Damek.”

I nod. “Idolike Damek, but I don’tknowhim. I’ve barely spent any time with him. And while I think he could be a potential marriage candidate, I’d like longer than a few weeks to get to know him. We’ve only hung out a handful of times.”

“And talked on the phone for hours every night,” Kaine mumbles.

My eyes widen. “You know about that?”

He sighs. “Yes. I know everything. It’s my job—youare my job. Though I’m still not sure why you like Prince Damek. His family is strong and would make good allies, but our history with the Rune Clan is so sketchy. He might not be the best choice.”

“Right. You think I should choose somebody boring.” I roll my eyes at him.

Kaine groans. “What did I do to get stuck with you? Lucien was so much more logical. You think too emotionally.”

“Because choosing a husband should be emotional.” I cover my face with my hands. “I’m so doomed.”

“And now you’re being dramatic.”

I look up at his accusation. “You could try being a little sympathetic, Kaine. What if you were the one being forced into a political marriage?”

He shrugs. “I would do what I could to make my clan stronger. Besides, I would be happy to be chosen to marry a princess, though I never would. I know my place. No born vampire is going to marry a turned vampire. I’m simply not as strong and therefore not a good marriage candidate.”

“I didn’t know that turned vampires aren’t as strong.” I study him to try and gauge his feelings on the matter. Is he bothered by his lack of strength?

“Well, we aren’t.” He looks away from me, which makes me think he’s bothered by the weakness.

“What about when Lucien comes back,” I say, changing the subject away from turned vampires.

Kaine’s eyes flash up to me. “What about when he comes back?”

“Then my political marriage would have been for nothing.”

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