Page 17 of Dueling the Suitors

“Maybe yes, maybe no.” He shrugged, his eyes still as gentle and earnest, and it grated on her nerves. She wanted him to snap at her, fight, and be done with it. But no, Jasper was far too patient. “My point is, married life shouldn’t scare you. It’s the Creator’s gift, a beautiful one where you spend the rest of your life with the one you love, growing old together. If you let me, my love could carry us—”

“Jasper, I told you, I don’t want to get married. Not to you or anyone.” Astoria stared him down fiercely. “I want nothing more than friendship between us, so if you pursue me again, we shall lose it. Please understand my grudge against marriage has nothing to do with you.”

With that, she turned and stalked out of the training grounds, ignoring Jasper calling after her.

She wouldnotget married. No suitor was powerful enough to beat her in a duel. She would continue fooling her father until he passed away, no matter how long she had to keep this going.

Besides, it was fun.

And if the Emperor came to invade one of the unconquered kingdoms—which he hadn’t yet, or had sent his troops as Wizard Orion claimed nine months ago—she would be ready, just as the prophecy foretold.

She didn’t need a union to magnify her powers, and she would prove to every man on the continent what a woman could do.

* * *

Astoria walked to her father’s study later that morning, having been summoned. She raised her hand to bang on the door when it opened to reveal Marcia.

Marcia’s lips curled into her signature, tight, sneer-like smile. Astoria returned it with her own sneer.

“Good morning, Daughter.”

Astoria hated when she called her that, but there was no point in correcting or reprimanding her. The woman kept calling her the same thing no matter how many times she told her not to. Of course, Astoria had considered threatening her with her powers, but each time, Emmett’s warning rang in her ears.

He didn’t want her to abuse or misuse her powers unless absolutely necessary. He believed that was the act of an evil Mage and wanted her to be a good one.

She, of course, would never think of disappointing her brother. Marcia just got lucky.

“It is almost noon,Marcia,” Astoria countered, emphasizing her name.

Marcia pursed her lips as if she wanted to reprimand Astoria but held back. Marcia had been their father’s old love and Astoria and her brothers’ governess before he married her. Astoria had always hated her. When the woman tried to continue as her governess after becoming her stepmother, Astoria rejected her and requested a new one.

“Your father wishes to speak with you.” Marcia forced a tight smile and gestured inside.

“Why else do you think I am here?” Astoria pushed past her. Inside, her father sat behind his desk, hands clasped under his chin and a frown on his face—he had heard their exchange. She lifted her chin. “You called for me, Father?”

The king regarded her with serious eyes before looking at his wife. “Please leave us, Marcie.”

It took Marcia a full minute and a firm look from her husband to leave. Then he turned his attention back to Astoria.

“Do you know why you are here?”

Astoria bit back her usual snarky response and shook her head, adopting a businesslike manner. “I don’t.”

“Sit down.”

She obliged without protest.

The king heaved a sigh. “This cannot go on, Astoria. You must stop this game and get married.”

Had Jasper confronted him and asked for her hand in marriage?

“You cannot force me, Father. We signed a contract. If you break it, it will be an act against the law, and as King, your power—”

He knew where she was going with this, so he cut her off, shooting out of his chair, his face contorted with rage. She smirked inwardly.

“Do you realize there is no noble Mage left in all the unconquered kingdoms, and you have bested them all in your blasted dueling tournament?”

Astoria stared at him, unfazed. “I guess I am happy to know that.” When he glared, she added, “Or am I supposed to sayI am sorry?”

---