Page 20 of Bride of the Fae Prince

Father called me to him this morning forthe talk.I want to block that conversation from my memory. He said he was sorry my mother couldn’t give it to me, or some other lady from the court, but that there was simply no time. A sentiment which I echoed more heartily than him.

He gave me no specifics, mercifully. Just general advice on my conduct, and an emphasis that my cooperation was paramount to the success of this alliance.

I am to give Prince Trenian whatever he wants. No resistance, no tears, not a single whimper. A little maidenly shyness is fine, welcome even. But too much shyness will ruin everything. No hesitation, no requests.

I want to believe he won’t hurt me. I want to believe he will be gentle, like he was during our single dance. But there is something about him, an edge of wildness and danger, that terrifies me. He’s a stranger, and the son of our ruthless enemy—a fae. He is no human. Fae are known for their debaucheries, their baseness. They are not known for their kindness.

I hope the prince is disappointed when he removes my veil. Maybe then I can fade into the background, away from his notice.

I doubt I can fade away tonight, however.

Drawing a deep breath, I stand up a little straighter. I can do this. I can face whatever is ahead of me today, tonight, and beyond. This is good, I remind myself, because if I wasn’t marrying Prince Trenian, Amelia would be. She’s too good and sweet to be lost to Faerieland.

The day rushes by in a whirl of silk, brocade, and lace. I hardly have a moment to breathe, and for one blissful moment, I collapse into a chair in my underthings while the tailors and Vivienne fuss over the dress.

Then I’m dragged back to my feet, and the insufferable thing is wrestled on me once more.

Before I know it, it is almost time for the ceremony.

“How did the negotiations go?” I ask Amelia, who has attempted to be my spy throughout the day.

“They went well, apparently.” She fusses with the back of my gown, making sure it falls just so. “I couldn’t find out what happened, except one of my servants told me that another servant overheard a couple of the advisors talking about it afterward.”

“What did they say?”

“It was a little jumbled and didn’t really make sense.”

That is an evasion. My gut sinks. “Tell me.”

“Oh just something about—”

I twist back toward her. “Tell me, Amelia.”

She looks at me, worry streaking a line across her forehead. “He made Father promise not to invade Faerieland if anything happened to you.”

Dread fills my core. But then I shake myself and say briskly, “Well, of course he had to do that. This alliance is to prevent a war, not start one. Besides, invading Faerieland would be a deathtrap. Father would never do such a thing.”

Do you intend to kill me, Your Highness?

I would never hurt you.

Did he lie to me? No, no, he couldn’t have. Right? He seemed genuine. But what do I know of genuine when it comes to fae? I could have misread everything. Maybe everything is a glamour.

Amelia squeezes my hand. “You can still escape, Isabelle.”

As if I could! This dress is as effective a prison as any iron bars. I force a reassuring smile and squeeze her hand back. “You cannot convince me to forsake my duty.”

“Duty schmooty!” Amelia cries, tears welling up in her eyes. “What abouthappiness? Let it all burn!”

And this is why it is good that I am marrying the prince instead of her. “My greatest wish,” I whisper to her, leaning close, “is for your happiness.”

Then a servant is knocking at the door. “It’s time, Highness.”

Now. This moment. It’s arrived. There’s no going back.

I straighten my shoulders and try to ignore the fluttering in my belly. It’s time to become the bride of the fae prince.

Chapter 9

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