Page 66 of The Reluctant Wife

I incline my head. "This is considered the definitive version. I didn’t realize the owner agreed to sell it."

His smile widens. "It took some coercion, but —" He raises his shoulder, leaving the rest to my imagination.

Ryot scowls at his grandfather. "We’re not here to talk about your art investments.”

“Indeed, we’re here to talk about the future of Verenza”—Arthur sends a significant look in Ryot’s direction—“aren’t we, grandson?”

Something passes between him and Ryot. Something which sends a frisson of apprehension down my spine.

There’s some kind of silent communication taking place between two of them, and for some reason, I suspect it might have to do with me.

Ryot’s shoulders flex. His biceps stretch the sleeves of his jacket further. He has changed into a freshly-pressed suit, tailored to his dimensions, and black in color. In contrast, the white of his shirt almost glows. His tie is a muted grey. It should look dull, but the flecks of green hidden in the material bring out the green in his eyes.

His eyebrows knit, and his look turns fierce. "You don’t get to play with my and the princess’ future,” he growls.

“Me?” Arthur assumes an innocent expression. One which is so patently false, a giggle bubbles up. Or maybe, that’s because I’m nervous, because there’s something taking place here, something I can’t quite put my finger on.

My father’s eyebrows rise, but Arthur doesn’t seem surprised. The silence stretches. A log breaks in the fire. It seems to be a signal, for my father rises to his feet.

He walks over to me and takes my hand in his. "I am sorry I put you in the position of needing to marry Gavin. I should not have put the responsibility of saving the future of our country on your shoulders."

"But I wanted to help. I'm the princess of Verenza. It’s my duty to do what is needed to help my country. But now"—I wring my fingers—"now, I feel like I’m risking our future with my decision.”

My father shakes his head. "The responsibility for our nation’s future does not rest solely on your shoulders, Aurelia."

I shake my head. I’m relieved to not have to go through with the arranged marriage to Gavin, but the thought of having undermined the financial security of my country sits like a stone in my stomach. "I could have made a difference, and quickly,” I say softly.

My father’s expression turns contrite. "It’s true, it would have been a silver bullet of sorts to have Gavin’s family bring their familial wealth into our country to help with our reserves. That does not mean I will allow my daughter to sacrifice herself."

“Thank you, Papa.” It feels good hearing that from him. Yet, that part of me which has always put country before myself wishes things were different. “If only there was more, I could do—” I fold my arms about my waist.

Arthur leans back in his seat, a thoughtful expression on his features. I don’t know him well but having grown up exposed to the politics amongst my father’s closest advisers, I can spotsomeone who enjoys manipulating people a mile away. And Arthur counts among them. And based on how Ryot is watching him carefully, I'll bet he feels the same way.

"I should not have put you in a situation where you felt compelled to agree to an arranged marriage.” My father looks pained, then seems to get a hold of himself. “Either way, marrying Gavin is out of the question." He turns to Ryot. "Thank you. I owe you for keeping my daughter safe."

Arthur drums his fingers on the armrest. "It would seem Ryot is personally involved when it comes to the princess."

"The fuck do you mean?" Ryot asks in a cold, hard voice.

"Language," Arthur comments, his tone mild. He fixes his gaze on Ryot. "How did you know when to come to the princess’ aid?"

Ryot sets his jaw. "I was outside her room."

"You were?" I ask, surprised.

A flicker of movement crosses his eyebrows. "I was on guard.”

"You were?" I am repeating myself. But I thought he was pissed off with me. I thought, after the stunt I pulled, he’d never want to see me again. But he walked to my room to check in on me? I rub at my temple. "I…uh, I didn’t expect that."

"No matter our differences, you’re my principal. I wanted to make sure you were okay." His expression turns even more remote. "Your safety is my primary concern."

I flick a glance in the direction of the two older men to find them watching both of us with curiosity.

"Of course." I swallow. He was doing his duty. Ryot is too much of a professional. There's too much of the Marine in him to leave anything half done. He felt responsible for my safety because he took on the function of my bodyguard. That's the only reason he came to my room. "I’m glad you were there. You didn't come a moment too soon."

“You never should have gotten engaged to that tosser. He's beneath you.”

I agree.I don’t think I was wrong in agreeing to marry him. It was the only way I knew to help my country. But meeting Ryot changed everything. Well, I got my unvoiced wish. The marriage is off. And my country is no better off. I’ve just put the future of my people at risk.

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