"If you aren't chosen this time, what will become of your future..."
My hands clenched, nails biting into my palms.
Lester wanted to bring home a decorative wife, a marriage in name only.
Every noble daughter in Aurelia was his for the choosing.
Why did he insist on clinging to me?
Was it simply because the Blacks had fallen far enough to be bullied?
Too bad for him. He'd miscalculated.
The summons for the Crown Prince's bride selection arrived, just as I'd expected.
My mother rose before dawn to help me dress.
The palace robes were elaborate, the hairpiece heavy on my head.
She steadied my shoulders, her eyes rimmed red. "Norma, whatever happens, selected or not, your father and I and every last member of this family will stand behind you."
A sharp ache bloomed in my chest. I nodded.
The carriage bound for the palace had been waiting outside the gate for some time.
After saying goodbye to my parents and my sister, I climbed in alone.
Then, outside the Eastern Palace, I ran into Lester Vance.
He was helping Scarlett down from a carriage.
His gaze was indulgent, almost tender. "I've delivered you safely. Satisfied now?"