Page 8 of Royal Player
“I changed my mind after spending some time with him. When I return, they’ve arranged a six-week courtship before the official engagement.”
“Don’t do it.”
I let out a breath. “It’s fine.” I debate telling her about the blackmail, but Anna and Gabriel already bailed me out once, and they have enough to worry about with the baby on the way, their business, and the kingdom. Besides, I’m trying to keep my parents’ debt to Peter quiet. I must handle this on my own. I’ll figure something out.
Anna grips my arm tightly. “I can see you have doubts. It’s written all over your face. Marriage is forever in your kingdom. You should get to choose a husband you love.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear, grateful for her support, even if she doesn’t understand my impossible position. Arranged marriages are common in my kingdom, so she believes my parents are the sole reason I’m pressured to marry Peter. My parents love me and, if they knew about the blackmail, would forbid the marriage. But then Peter would carry through with his threats.Hello, corner!And there’s still the matter of law—a woman can’t rule alone in Beaumont. With my father stepping down, my marriage must happen soon. I give her part of it. “If I defy them and remain single, they’ll pass the leadership over to my younger male cousin.”
She gasps. “Just because he’s a guy?”
“Yes. That’s the law. I don’t agree with it, but I won’t give up my birthright either. Beaumont is in my blood and, when I’m in charge, that kind of patriarchal law will be abolished.”
She takes both my hands in hers. “What if we found an acceptable substitute for your husband? Someone with royal bloodlines you could one day love.”
My mind flashes to Prince Oscar and my unusual reaction to meeting him. My mind went utterly blank, and I could barely mumble a polite greeting at our introduction. I’ve never felt such a strong pull toward a man, almost magnetic, like Ineededto get closer. I mean, yes, he is handsome, but I’ve met many handsome men. It was unsettling and made me feel not in control of myself.
“Adrian is so smart, top honors at university,” Anna says enthusiastically. “He’d be a fantastic help to you. And you’re close in age. Peter’s old enough to be your father.”
I give her a rueful smile. “Adrian isn’t interested in me and, frankly, I think I’d drive him crazy. He’s so reserved. I’d constantly be trying to get a rise out of him.”
She winks. “Not a bad thing to get a rise out of him. Seriously, though, Gabriel is much more reserved than I am, and it totally works.”
I incline my head. No one could argue with their love match, but Gabriel’s position was very different from mine. “It’s beside the point anyway. An alliance with Villroy wouldn’t be nearly as advantageous as an alliance with Peter. He owns half the resorts on the island.”
She plants her hands on her hips. “So? Your kingdom has been thriving up until now with him owning half the resorts. It could continue to do so without the marriage.”
“I have to think long term for what will be best for my kingdom. The crown always comes first.” Especially when it’s in danger of being toppled.
“What about Oscar?”
I flush with heat just hearing his name. Ridiculous. “You don’t give up.”
She smiles. “You thought he was gorgeous, right? I see that telltale pink in your cheeks. He has potential. I know he has a partying player rep, but maybe?”
I shoot her a look, needing to end this dangerous line of thought. Anna can be quite persistent. “I need a future king. Do you have another Gabriel hiding around here? Preferably with pockets deep enough to make Peter look like small fry?”
She smiles and shakes her head. “Sorry, he’s mine, and they broke the mold after him.”
I point to her huge belly. “Maybe she’ll be similar. A great leader.”
“She absolutely will!” Anna proclaims fiercely.
I swallow over the unexpected lump in my throat, wishing my parents would believe the same for me leading alone. I’m sure they would’ve preferred their only child was a boy instead of a headstrong girl.
I kiss her cheek and quietly take my leave.
~ ~ ~
That night after a delicious seafood dinner, we all head up to the rooftop garden to continue the party. I can see why Anna loves her adopted family. They may rib each other a lot, but the love shines through. A far cry from my own family dinners at home, where the only sounds are Mozart and the occasional clink of silverware.
The men go to the liquor cart for drinks, and I follow Anna and Alice to the far edge of the roof to take in the view. Marge missed all the festivities, exhausted from travel and her illness. She shooed me away when I checked on her earlier, saying all she needed was sleep. I know she’s unwell if she didn’t even worry over my lack of a chaperone tonight. What do I need one for anyway? I’m only weeks away from being shackled for the rest of my life—courtship, engagement, marriage. There is not one step on that path I’m looking forward to. God, I need a plan. Something to turn this impossible situation around.
“It’s so beautiful,” Alice says in a breathy voice, gazing at the view. “I can’t believe I actually get to live here.”
I’ve just met Alice today, but she’s so enthusiastic and genuinely interested in everything and everyone I can’t help but feel like we’re simpatico. She has a zest for life, like me, though she’s a lot sweeter than I am. And she has the most darling black cat’s-eye glasses with little hearts on the sides. The hearts are because she writes romantic stories. I’ve never read love stories, but I may read one of hers just because I like her.
I take in the horizon, the sun setting over the vast sea. It’s not such a different view from home for me, and that brings a sense of peace. I suppose when you grow up on an island, the sea is always part of you.
