The contingency.
The spare.
“To break the betrothal would bring dishonor to this household. Could bring war back to our shores. I am still your king.” His eyes fell closed, and he whispered, “Your duty is to honor the contract.”
I don’t know how long I sat there staring, my world falling apart once again.To him, this was a business arrangement, pure and simple.To me, it wasn’t.
This was my life. Roisin’s life. Tying the two of us together would only end in disaster.With my brother gone, the throne—and its mountain of responsibilities—would fall to me.
Wasn’t that enough?
As king, I’d be expected to marry, but it didn’t have to be her. It could be someone else—anyone else.
Dammit. I didn’t want to be king.
When my father began to snore, I eased off the mattress, careful not to disturb him. Perhaps Lady Seren had been wrong and he’d recover, hold the throne for another decade or two. Then I’d have some time to prepare. To figure things out.
I stalked out of his bedroom into the privy chamber, knowing such notions were a fantasy. My father wouldn’t last a decade. I’d be lucky if he lasted the month.
I knew for a fact that Roisin would rather carve out my heart than have me as her husband. Perhaps she would. It was no less than I deserved after what had happened to Alrec.
Broderick stepped out of an alcove, and I nearly rammed into the man. I’d never get used to the way he moved, silent as a bloomin’ wraith. At times it was like he appeared out of thin air. Now that my brother was gone, he’d been assigned to me. I didn’t need a blasted guard. I wanted to be left alone.
He followed me through the king’s study and into the hallway.
Did Roisin know that she was expected to honor the contract? If not, someone should tell her. I was the last person she’d want to see. Still, we needed to discuss what was to happen now that everything had changed.
What should I say?
First, I needed to apologize for this mess. Why the hell had I pushed Alrec that day? Why hadn’t I kept my mouth shut? Bitten my tongue? Insisted he drive his sword through my worthless heart?
“Do you have much experience with women?” I asked, turning to face my guard.
Broderick’s eyes widened, and he looked around. “Sire?”
“Women. What do they like?”
Redness crept from his high collar to his ears. “I . . . um . . . Well . . .” He cleared his throat. “I’m not sure I understand the question.”
I glanced down the hall toward Roisin’s room. “I need to speak to Lady Roisin. But I’m probably the last person she wants to talk to.” Bloody hell, this was a disaster. “Do you have any ideas on how to make this easier?”
Broderick blew out a breath. “Oh, right. Ah . . . my mother used to like when I brought her flowers.”
Flowers. Of course. I would get Roisin some flowers. I started for the gardens, my new guard close behind. Five minutes later, we stepped onto the sandstone patio surrounded by raised beds.
Why were there so many to choose from? Red ones, blue ones, yellow ones . . . Which would Roisin like best? I glanced at Broderick. “Any ideas?”
“Not one.”
The pink ones looked nice. And they reminded me of her cheeks when she blushed. I grabbed a handful, tearing them out by the stems and getting the roots as well. Dirt tumbled all over my boots. Broderick reached into the sheath at his belt and withdrew a dagger, cutting the stems at the base.
“Thank you, Broderick.”
“You’re welcome, your highness.”
* * *
I paused in the doorway to Roisin’s chambers. It was just a door. Nothing to be scared of. All I had to do was knock. Just raise my fist and give it a swiftone,two.