Page 5 of Love Letters & Lemon Drops

He shrugs. "I don't think any of them have found anyone they want to marry yet."

"You say that as if our marriage wasn't arranged."

"It was, but only after we'd written to each other for a few years," he points out. "And if either of us had said no, it wouldn't be happening."

I nod. "I suppose."

"If you decide you don't want this now that you're here, I can talk to my father. I'm sure he can work something out."

I blink a couple of times. "Cancel the wedding?"

"If that's what you wish."

I reach up to touch my necklace. I don'twantto end our betrothal, though I have to admit to being a little more nervous now that I'm here and standing in front of the man I'm supposed to marry. But I think that's just the natural feeling of being somewhere new as opposed to any doubts about Arthur or the wedding. I'll feel better once I've settled in and have had something to eat.

Before I can think of what to say in response to him, Felicia starts squirming in the basket, almost knocking it out of my arms.

"I'm sorry, I need to put her down."

"Oh, I didn't think..."

"It's fine."

"You should come through here, then," he says, gesturing to another door.

I frown and follow him through, holding the basket with both hands to stop Felicia escaping before we're somewhere safe.

"This is your private sitting room," Arthur says, gesturing into the room. "It'll be for your use however you see fit, whenever you see fit. I'll only come in here if you invite me."

"But isn't this your home too?" I ask.

"It will be, but that doesn't mean you can't have a space to yourself. But that's not actually why I brought you in here today." He takes a couple of steps to the side and gestures towards the towering cat tree.

I swallow hard. "Arthur..."

His face lights up at the sound of his name, and I realise it's because it's the first time I've said it since I arrived. There's a small part of me that wants to tell him that I meant to sayYour Highnessinstead, but that feels strange after so long calling him Arthur in my letters, and the way he reacted to me doing that just now.

I can't say anything else before Felicia pops her head out of the basket and lets out an annoyed meow.

Arthur chuckles. "I think we're being told off."

"A little bit," I say.

"May I?" He gestures to the basket.

I nod, though I'm a little worried about Felicia deciding she doesn't like him and giving him a scratch.

He crouches down and looks right at my cat. "Hello, Felicia. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

"Meow."

He chuckles. "Would you like to see the cat tree?" he asks her.

"Meow."

He looks up at me, and a funny feeling spreads through me. There is aprinceon his knees in front of me. I know that it's because of my cat, but it still feels strange.

"Can I pick her up?" he asks.

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