Page 53 of Bride By Coronation

I snatch it from him and pull out my chair. I sit, staring at the skull on the back.

"I need you to open it and read it."

I point to the door. "Get out."

"Did you not hear me? I have to give him your response," Brax asserts.

"So? Take two steps out the door, shut it, and I'll get to you when I'm ready," I order.

He pins a challenging scowl on me.

I toss the envelope on my desk, sit back, then cross my arms. "Fine. I'll read it later."

"Fiona, I have shit to do!"

"Then do what I said," I bite back.

He takes several deep breaths and then caves. "Don't take too long," he grumbles. He stomps out of my office and firmly shuts the door.

I pick up the envelope, read my name on the front, then turn it over. I carefully break the seal, pull out the torn, cream linen letterhead, and unfold it.

My dearest Fiona,

Thank you for your letter.

I'm happy you love the ring. I understand your guilt, but your mother doesn't know about The Underworld. She never can. Her time to know was when your father was alive. Now that he's gone, her place at the table has evaporated. So the ring would have sat in the box forever had you not chosen to wear it.

I glance at the brilliant diamond gleaming on my finger. The sadness I feel regarding my parents mixes with joy. It's too pretty to stay locked away in a gold box forever.

I continue reading.

Unfortunately, those same reasons are why I cannot grant you the wish to have your mother at ourwedding. No one can attend any Underworld ceremony or ritual except members of The Underworld. She can never know our world exists. Please trust that if I could change the rules, I would. I don't want to cause her any more pain, yet this decision is not mine to make. Your father carefully crafted our laws, which we must abide by.

The little hope I had fizzles. I shake my head, hating the laws my father created, and still not understanding why he thought they were so necessary.

I return to the letter.

You asked about my age. While I cannot disclose it, I can assure you that I am younger than what your father would be, and will never ask you to call me Daddy.

I bite on my smile.

My flaws are not anything you listed. I will not abuse you, or chop you up in millions of pieces. In fact, if anyone tries, they will be the ones sliced into unrecognizable pieces.

I like to assume I don't smell bad, but I'll let you tell me what you think when we're finally alone. And, no, I don't declare my business over the phone to the world. In addition, I can assure you that meat will always be on the menu.

"Good to know," I mumble, smiling, but then my face falls.

If those aren't his flaws, then what is so bad?

I can't think of anything else that would annoy me for all eternity or hurt me, so I return to the letter.

It doesn't surprise me that you have a million questions. You're an intelligent woman, and the secrecy drove me nuts too, before I became king.

So, I'll tell you the truth. Once you're my queen, I'll be able to answer whatever questions you have. There will be no more hidden agendas or restricted scenarios. You will have as much access as I do to The Underworld's past, present, and future. And you will rule with me. It was your father's vision for husbands and wives to play an equal role, and we will achieve his dream together.

Together.

A flash of anticipation mixes with the fear of the unknown.

---