Page 15 of The Royal Engagement

I absently run my hand along the arm of the chair. “I would feel a lot better if Lucien were here. I know that I’ve never met him, but I feel like we need him. He’s the one who trained for this, not Julien and me.”

Kaine snorts. “Julien as heir would be a disaster.”

I don’t know aboutthat. I happen to think Julien could make a great ruler, but he doesn’t want this and I can’t blame him. I didn’t want to be queen. Yet, here I am, engaged to Prince Damek. I’m destined to be queen one way or another, even if it’s in name only.

“Julien may surprise you.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I think he’d do a better job than I would.”

“Not a chance,” Kaine says. “You are going to make an incredible queen one day. I’m glad that you’re marrying Prince Damek. The Scott Clan needs this alliance with the Rune Clan—they offer so much to us, the most important thing being protection. After your marriage, nobody will dare come after us again.”

That is a relief. I do want my family and my clan to be safe.

But that isn’t why I chose Damek.

I don’t bring it up because I get the feeling that Kaine isn’t ready to hear about it and I don’t want to hurt him any more than I already have.

I stand up from my chair. “I’m going to head to bed. Don’t stay up all day, okay?”

He smirks. “I’ll be fine. Good morning, Madeline.”

I grin when he doesn’t use my title. “Good morning, Kaine.”

I turn and leave his office, heading for my bedroom.

Things with Kaine are complicated, but I have hope that they won’t always be. Someday, the two of us will be friends again. And Kaine is going to find an incredible woman who is worthy of him. He was wrong when he said he didn’t deserve to marry a princess—he deserves it more than anybody I know.

As I get to my door, I notice that Julien’s door is open. I stick my head through the doorway.

“You’re up late,” I comment.

Julien spins around to face me. He’s holding a very large book in his hand. I recognize the title.

‘Vampire Succession, Volume II,’ I read.

“Are you studying vampire law books?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

He rubs his eyes with his free hand. “Unfortunately. Do you think you could temporarily call off your engagement to Damek? Just until Lucien is found. Because Dad is insisting I read up on vampire law, just in case. And this stuff is so boring.”

I grin. “Sorry, little brother.”

He groans. “It’s okay. I know you actuallylikeDamek. It gives me hope that someday I will marry somebody I like, though it’s doubtful considering my marriage will be politically motivated.”

“Does it have to be?” I lean against the doorframe. “Since I’m marrying into the Rune Clan, can’t you marry who you want? Once Lucien is back, you’re the third born. You won’t even be the spare.”

Julien purses his lips as he considers my words. “Maybe. I’ll read this.” He holds up his book. “I know some families try tooffer their third child up for political marriages, but if I can wiggle out of it, I will.”

“Good luck,” I tell him. Though I don’t imagine he needs it. Julien is the charismatic one. No matter who he marries, I believe he will be happy.

Still, I hope he is as happy as I am with Damek. The only thing that could make it better was if Ilovedhim. I’m not there yet.

“Do you think it’s possible to fall in love with somebody you’re arranged to marry?” I ask Julien.

His gaze snaps to me. “Are you asking if I think you will fall in love with Damek?”

I want to deny it, but it’s very clear who I’m walking about. I clear my throat, “Yes.”

Julien takes a step closer to me. “From where I stand, you’re already half in love with him. The two of you spend half the morning talking on the phone instead of sleeping.”

My cheeks grow warm. “You knew?”

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