Page 30 of Dueling the Suitors

The next morning, Astoria was summoned to her father’s study before breakfast. She entered with Skylar in her arms and froze at the sight of her betrothed on a chair across from her father.

Silas turned. Their eyes locked. He smirked slightly and rose.

In an instant, Astoria was taken back to the day she walked into her father’s study and it was Wizard Orion in Silas’ place. It felt like a very long time ago.

Astoria ignored him and how her heart jumped at last night’s recollection and averted her eyes to her father’s smiling face. A smile that made him look ugly. Next to him stood one of his scribes who executed a bow at her sight and continued shuffling through the papers in his hands.

Her stomach dropped in dread. She knew exactly why she was summoned today.

Sky, do me a favor and get Emmett, please.

This is what I think it is, isn’t it?Skylar asked and didn’t wait for her answer. He hopped down and scrambled out the door.

If Emmett and Silas haven’t found a loophole yet, my fate is going to be sealed, yes.

Don’t worry. Just tell me where you think I can find your brother since he wasn’t in his room when we left the suite.

Astoria immediately realized where he would be. He promised he wouldn’t rest until he found a loophole.Library. He’s in the library.

Alright. Buy me some time.

Astoria closed the door behind her and walked to the center of the room, feigning nonchalance. “You called for me, Father?” she asked, lifting her chin with mustered courage.

“Yes, my daughter, please take a seat.” The king waved towards the vacant chair next to Silas.

Astoria ignored her betrothed as she grabbed the chair and dragged it away from him before sitting down. In her peripheral view, she saw him sit back as well, the smirk still on his lips.

“I hope you both know why you have been called in here?” The king looked from Astoria to Silas, his eyes twinkling.

“Yes—”

“No, Father. Would you care to explain?” Astoria interjected, keeping her expression and voice blank.

“Oh, I thought it was obvious!” Usually, her nonchalance would annoy him, but today, her father was too cheerful to be annoyed. “You two are here to sign your betrothal contract. Since the wedding is the day after tomorrow—”

“Yes, since the wedding is in two days, why not postpone it until then?”

The king frowned at her. So his good moodcouldbe shaken. “Because that is how it’s done in our kingdom, which of course, you are aware of, my daughter. Any couple getting married should sign the betrothal contract before their wedding.”

“Oh, I am willing to bet that no one has ever signed a betrothal contract merely two days before their wedding.” Astoria gave a hollow laugh. She knew she was being ridiculous, even annoying, but she needed to buy Skylar time to get to the library and return with Emmett.

“Astoria.” The king sighed exasperatedly and gave her a pointed look. “You knew this was expected of you from the beginning.”

Astoria had plenty of retorts waiting at the tip of her tongue, but strangely today, she didn’t feel up for a fight. So she gave up on that topic and moved on to her next option to buy Skylar time. She glanced at the scribe who was watching her and her father with apprehension, familiar with their heated arguments and her threats.

Astoria smiled sweetly at him. “Lord Fern, would you please read me everything written in those papers that I am to sign, so I can make sure I’m not getting myself into a trap.”

“Of course, Your Highness, if it’s alright with His Majesty…” He trailed off, glancing at the king. At her father’s wave of hand, the older man adjusted the spectacles on his nose and began to read.

Astoria put on her best listener expression and seized the opportunity to telepath with Skylar.

Sky, did you find him?

I just turned the corner to the library, Princess. Are you successful in buying me time?

Yes, but please hurry back.

I will, but I haven’t figured out how I am supposed to tell your brother the urgency of the matter.

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