Page 83 of Spearcrest Prince

This thought rears itself, small at first and then monstrous and dark.

I’m leaving at the end of the year.

The more time I’ve spent with Séverin, the more it’s obvious he doesn’t suspect my plan. When I was first working out a way of escaping the engagement, I always assumed Séverin was doing the same.

The womanising socialite, the high-society playboy—why would he settle with a bride he didn’t choose? An arranged marriage? A future trapped in married life?

Now, I’m not so sure. If I had to put money on it, I would guess that Séverin has no plan at all. Séverin, the incurable playboy, seems ready to go through with this engagement.

And that hurts like a knife to the chest.

“Hey, Anaïs.”

I look up with a start, almost dropping my phone.

Parker, the boy from the photography class, is approaching me across the lawn.

He’s a handsome boy—though his beauty fades to ashes when compared to Séverin’s—but who’s comparing?

There’s nothing to compare.

Séverin is sullen and mercurial and doesn’t know what he wants. Parker is walking towards me with a bright smile and determined steps, looking like he knows exactly what he wants.

“Remember me?” he asks, stopping in front of me.

“Of course. Parker, right?”

“Right.” He stands with his hands in his pockets, kicking the frost off the grass with boyish hesitation. “Are you going to Kayana’s party?”

My heart twists in my chest. “I think so, yes.”

“Well, I was wondering if… well.” He smiles. “Do you want to go with me?”

The two paths branch out in front of me.

Say yes and teach Séverin he can’t tell me what to do. He might be a king here at Spearcrest, but I don’t answer to any monarch. Say yes—and risk Séverin’s fury.

Say no and pacify Séverin with obedience. Make what remains of my life here easier for the time I’ve got left. Séverin would love this: my pride sacrificed so that his may be spared.

I don’t want to go to the party with Parker. I don’t even want to go to the party at all.

But I can’t bring myself to give Séverin the satisfaction.

“I’d love to go with you, Parker.”

Chapter 29

Le Poing

Séverin

Thecoldairwhipsagainst my face as I run through the trees.

A little ahead of me, Iakov and Evan half-race each other. This is supposed to be a casual run, but Evan’s an athlete at heart. He can’t help but be competitive.

As for Iakov, he’s running like a man being chased by his demons.

I roll my eyes and keep pace behind them. Unlike them, I’m not running to compete or to escape demons. I’m running to clear my head.

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