Page 78 of The Reluctant Heir

I turn to face Damek. He is watching me with a hopeful expression. He told me he would come up with something when we parted last night and that is exactly what he did. He gave me time. Not just time, but a peaceful time.

I look at my dad again as I clasp my fingers together behind my back. “I think we should accept their offer.”

Dad gives me a curt nod before turning to King Rune. “I’ll sign the alliance papers and we can make a formal announcement of their betrothal.”

I swallow hard.

Betrothal.

The thought of being engaged makes me feel queasy, but there is no other option. It’s this or it’s marriage. What Damek has done for me is more than I thought I could get.

Who knows—maybe Lucien will come back in those six months and I can be free from a political marriage. Until then, I’m going to take the gift of time that has been given to me.

A few hours later, after King Rune and Damek leave, Dad calls me to his office to talk. I sit down in a chair opposite him and smooth out the skirt of my dress.

“You wanted to talk?” I ask.

He studies me carefully. “You’re okay with the betrothal?”

I sigh, then nod. “Yeah, I think I am. It’s not exactly what I wanted—what I wanted was to be free to date and choose my husband. But I do like Damek. He’s a nice guy and I could see us having a happy life together. I’m very glad that I get the chance to get to know him before I marry him.”

Dad’s shoulders relax. “I’m glad you like him. The last thing I want is for you to be forced into an unwanted marriage. The Rune Clan is a good one. Out of all the clans, they have offered the best alliance. It’s unexpected, given our history with their clan, but King Rune and I are both ready to put the past behind us. This is a good thing that you’re doing, Madeline. And Prince Damek is one of the good ones. I believe he will make you very happy.”

“I know he will.” I lick my lips, which suddenly feel dry. “And I appreciate the time that I’ll have to get to know him.”

“That wasn’t me,” Dad admits. “King Rune tells me that it was Prince Damek’s idea. He argued to give you an entire year. He thought you needed time to get used to your new role in vampire society. But King Rune and I both agree that six months is enough time.”

Ayear.

Wow, Damek really did try.

My heart swells as I realize that he is looking out for me. It would’ve been easy for him to demand us to get married in a couple of weeks. I wouldn’t have had a choice but to agree. This is the best gift he could’ve possibly given me.

“The Rune Clan is very powerful. You honor the Scott Clan by agreeing to this betrothal. Thank you, Madeline.” Dad shuffles some papers on his desk. “I’ve informed Kaine of the arrangements. He is going to go over everything with you and make sure you understand all the details of the alliance.”

My mouth goes dry.

Kaine knows.

I wonder what his reaction will be.

I never should’ve kissed Kaine. It wasn’t right. To be fair, at the time I had no idea that he had feelings for me.

Will he be heartbroken over the betrothal?

I stand from my chair. “Is that all?”

He nods and turns back to the papers at his desk, dismissing me with a wave.

Kaine is waitingfor me in the office.

I stand at the door, not ready to head inside just yet, but I can hear his heartbeat on the other side. Which means… if I can hear his heartbeat, he can hear mine.

Still, I hesitate.

It was only yesterday, in this very office, that I kissed Kaine. At the time, I did it because I was scared. I wanted a way out of the marriage alliance. And after what Kaine told me… I had to know how I felt about him. But it didn’t change anything. All it did was confuse Kaine. I shouldn’t have done it.

I take a deep breath and force myself to push the door open.

---