Chapter 35
The Following Day
“Are you telling me your fake engagement turned real? You’re actually getting married?” Josephine asks.
“I am. And I was the one who proposed.”
“God, Jazmina. You’re incredible. So sure of what you want!”
“Sure?” I scoff. “I proposed out of pure desperation!”
Although that’s no longer the reason I want to become the Duchess of Kindubh,I confess silently.
“When you say desperation . . .were you afraid of your brother?”
“Not afraid. Neither Kaled nor my father would ever hurt me, but I have no doubt that after the stunt I pulled with the fake engagement, they would’ve forced me back to Rheadur.”
“Look, I don’t want to be a buzzkill, but don’t you think getting married is taking things a little too far? I mean, okay, I get that your family would lose their minds over the scandal, but surely sitting down and talking would’ve solved it.”
“I apologize in advance if this sounds rude, but you don’t fully understand our culture because you grew up in a different environment, Josephine. As if it weren’t enough that I’m a woman in a society where men make the rules for their own benefit, I’m also a princess, which raises the level of my obligations.”
“Like what, for example?”
“We don’t marry for love but rather for the country’s advantage. Either way, things between Rodrick and me have changed. I truly want to marry him.”
“Will your brother allow you to marry a Westerner?”
“We didn’t give him much of a chance not to. We informed him of our decision. I think he agreed so quickly partly because trying to undo our engagement would cause an even bigger scandal. It also helped that Rodrick isn’t just any Westerner; he’s his friend. Still, I don’t believe that’s the main reason Kaled didn’t oppose it more strongly.”
“Then what is?”
“He knew I didn’t want to marry any of the neighboring princes and that I wanted to live outside our country. I don’t think he’ll ever admit it, but by giving his blessing for me to marry Rodrick, he ended up prioritizing my desire for freedom without breaking any rules or customs of Rheadur.”
“Your brother is a good man. Whenever I think of sheikhs, I picture some of the novels I’ve read—so sexist, authoritarian.”
“He is honorable and fair, but don’t be mistaken about the authoritarian part. Kaled is extremely controlling. Actually, Rodrick is cut from the same cloth.”
“No wonder they’re close friends.”
“Yes. To be honest, even though I was nervous, I enjoyed the conversation. Kaled tried to argue that Rodrick wouldn’t be able to remain faithful. After that, they started exchangingcoded messages about past secrets during the video call. I suspect—no, I’m certain—that neither of them was a monk when it came to women, so if Kaled said he didn’t believe Rodrick could change, it meant that he himself hadn’t either. Which would’ve put him in hot water with Adeela.”
“And what do you believe?”
“I don’t know. I don’t have enough life experience to be sure, but from what I know of him, I don’t think Rodrick is the cheating type. He ends things first. Remember what I told you? He said he didn’t intend to sleep with the wife he married. That says a lot about his character. It would’ve been a formal agreement only, almost a business transaction.”
“True, but you managed to put your duke in his place: completely at your feet,” she says, laughing.
“He’s not at my feet. Besides, I don’t think Rodrick is the kind of man who kneels for any woman. But enough rambling. I need your help.”
“Always at your service, Princess. Oh, and speaking of help, I’ve already made a list of what I’ll need to produce your cat pendant.”
“Great. Send it to me along with the cost.”
“No cost. I’m not charging you. Just give me the materials. You’ll be my showcase. If it turns out well, I’m sure I’ll get more commissions.”
“That’s not fair, Josephine. You deserve to be paid like anyone else.”
“Believe me when I say you’re a walking advertisement, Your Highness. After I sold you that silver bracelet, I got three more orders. But don’t worry, they’re all unique pieces. I never make the same jewelry twice,” she adds, clearly misreading my stunned expression.