Page 74 of The Reluctant Heir

And that kiss…

What I’d like is more time to explore whatever this is between Kaine and me.

“It doesn’t matter,” Kaine says before I can answer his question. “It doesn’t matter how much I wish you could choose me, you can’t. We can’t be together. Your father would never allow it.Iwon’t allow it. It’s not what’s best for the clan. We need this alliance—not only for the good of the clan but also to protect you and your family.”

In theory, I know he’s right. But it doesn’t mean I like what he’s saying.

“I want the freedom to choose.” Tears well up in my eyes as I try to convey what I’m feeling. “Why can’t my dad just give me more time?”

“I’m sorry.” Kaine runs his fingers through his hair. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but your father has given youa lot of freedom. Usually, when it comes to a marriage alliance, heirs aren’t given the freedom to choose. You are lucky. You get a say in who you want to spend your life with. And if it’s Damek you choose, I will respect that.”

I wonder how he can say that after he’s just admitted that he has feelings for me.

“So that’s it?” I ask. “I just have to marry one of the monarchs? I have no other options at all?”

“No. If there was another way, I would tell you. But there’s not.” Kaine takes a step closer and puts one hand on my shoulder. “I am sorry, Madeline. Truly I am. But this is for the best. You were always meant for more than ordinary. I can see it. And I can see that you’re far out of my league, even if you don’t know it.”

The thought of me being out of Kaine’s league is enough to make me laugh. Because it’s not true. Not at all.

Maybe I’m not the only one who lacks confidence and self esteem.

“You only think that because you’ve been taught that turned vampires are weak,” I counter.

“Weareweak compared to born vampires.” He drops his hand from my shoulder.

I shake my head. “Look at what you’ve accomplished. It’s not luck that you’re in this position. It’s not even because you and Lucien are best friends. You’re my advisor because you’re smart. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are. That isn’t something a weak person could do.”

He offers me a smile. “Thank you for saying that. You have no idea how badly I wish things could be different, but they can’t. I know it’s hard to accept, but this is just the way things are.”

“I know.” I lick my lips. “I’m still going to talk to my father and see if I can get out of this marriage alliance thing.”

“Good luck,” he says, but with zero conviction. He knows it’s a lost cause.

Whether I want it or not, I will be choosing a husband in a little over a week.

21

ADVISE

Before going to bed that morning, I decide to call my mom. I have only talked to her via text since I arrived. Part of me is still pretty upset with her for keeping me away from my father. I get why she did it—it wasn’t just to protect me, but she also wanted to protect my dad and his wife. I’m sure I would’ve been hard on their marriage, especially in the earlier days. But it still would’ve been nice to grow up with my dad. I wish I could’ve gotten to know Lucien and now who knows if I’ll get the chance. And Julien is my favorite person. I wish I could’ve grown up with him.

Still, I try to push my negative feelings aside as I dial Mom’s number. She picks up right away.

“Madeline, how are you?”

I can hear the eagerness in her voice, which makes me feel sick to my stomach. I should’ve called her sooner.

“Hey, Mom. I’m doing good.” I peek out the window of my bedroom. From here, I can see the steam rising from the blue pool water. Julien is doing a cannonball into the water, which makes me shake my head. It’s in the thirties today and he’s wearing nothing but swimming trunks. Out of all the vampiric traits I could’ve gotten, why didn’t I get immunity to the cold?

“That’s good to hear,” Mom says. “I’ve been worried about you. Your father has called a few times to update me on how you’re doing, but it’s nice to hear from you.”

“I need to talk.” I step away from my window. “I could use some advice.”

“Really?” Mom’s voice brightens, making me feel even guiltier for not calling her sooner. “I would love to help you out however I can.”

I chew on my bottom lip, trying to think of the right words. “I have to get married.” I blurt out the words so fast, that they’re nearly unintelligible.

“What?” Mom asks.

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