Page 65 of Royal Player
“You know what your father means,” my mother says.
I set my teacup down and take them both in. This is it. Nothing else is going to get through to them, I have to lay down an ultimatum. “I will marry Oscar and take my place here as queen, or I will leave Beaumont forever.”
Silence.
My mother looks shocked. My father’s face is stone.
I’m on the edge of my seat because I’m bluffing. I could never leave Beaumont forever, especially now. And I don’t even know if Oscar would be willing to stay here permanently. I need to know he’ll be accepted before I invite him.
“You would turn your back on us?” my mother asks accusingly.
“You would be banished for your selfish choice,” my father says. “Kingdom above self, or you are not fit to wear the crown.”
My stomach drops. I reached too far. They remain unbending when it comes to their unruly daughter. They’d sooner banish me than allow me to do what I believe is right. After they allowed people to shelter here and didn’t raise a word of protest about me running around the island, forgoing all royal protocol, I thought they’d honor my wishes.
I stand on wobbly legs, my throat choked with emotion. I can’t believe it’s come to this—I must leave Beaumont, either through banishment or my own free will, to marry the man of my choosing. It’s no longer a bluff for me. Oscar is too important, and I won’t be pressured into marriage to any other man.
I swallow hard and manage to say, “You will do what you must, just as I will.”
My mother’s eyes plead with me to go along, but I’m done with that. My father stares me down as if I’m an opponent in a war I’ve never wanted.
Just then, the door creaks open, a servant announcing, “Excuse me, Your Majesties, you have a visitor who was quite insistent he see Her Highness. May I present His Highness, Prince Oscar Rourke.”
I whirl, my eyes instantly tearing at the welcome sight of Oscar. His thick dark hair is messy, his face drawn, his eyes tired, yet he’s never looked so good. I hadn’t called him to me yet, waiting for a time when he would be welcome, but I see now that there’s no sense in waiting. He took action, just as I must.
I rush into his arms and hug him tight. “Oscar! I’m so happy to see you.”
His arms wrap around me, and he kisses my temple. “I couldn’t let you go.”
“I’m glad.” I look up at him. “Never, ever let me go.”
He glances over at my parents. “Hello, Your Majesties.”
They stare at him in apparent shock.
He turns back to me. “I need a few minutes alone with your parents.”
“Oh! You sure?”
He nods once and heads over to them.
Oh-kay. I let myself out and just catch Oscar speaking in French to them, asking for permission to have a brief private conversation.
I stand on the other side of the door, eavesdropping shamelessly. Damn. He’s speaking too quietly to hear through the door. I wait, my mind turning over what in the world they could be talking about. Is he asking for permission to marry me? Is he telling them how much he loves me? Those are both sweet gestures, but ultimately won’t make a dent in my parents’ stand on what Beaumont needs. They don’t recognize thatIam what Beaumont needs and can serve better with Oscar at my side.
Then I hear my mother say in surprise, “That is very generous.”
My father says in a cross tone, “This is not how it’s done.”
Just because Oscar isn’t from a prosperous kingdom, they see no value in the alliance. Wait. Generous? Did Oscar offer money in exchange for our marriage? What the hell is going on?
Finally, the door opens and Oscar gestures me in, his expression solemn. My parents are looking at him like they don’t know what to make of him.
What did I miss?
My mother fills in the blanks. “Oscar has made a generous contribution to Beaumont for rebuilding.”
I turn to him. “That’s wonderful! Thank you, Oscar. I’m sure it will be put to good use.”
