The emotion wiped clean from Rhys’s eyes until I was staring at steel walls, harder and more guarded even than when we’d first met. I wished I could tell him it wasn’t about the throne or power, and that if I could, I would give up a kingdom for him.īut I’m sorry were the only words I was allowed to say. I wished I could tell him I’d never been happier than when I was with him. You’ll never know how much my heart is breaking right now. Just like that.” It came out low and dangerous, edged with pain. One tiny movement, but it would haunt me forever. I…” Tears clogged my throat, but I pushed past them. “I’m the crown princess, and I need to act like one,” I said, hating myself more with every second. “Plus, Steffan and I have the rest of our lives to get to know each other.”Ī shudder rippled through his body, and hurt slashed across his face, so raw and visceral it cut through my soul. It’s about suitability, and the fact is, he’s suitable and you’re not.” I hoped Rhys didn’t notice the wobble in my voice. “Royal marriage isn’t about knowing someone. You went on three fucking dates with the guy.” I wanted to be selfish and steal more time with him, but that wouldn’t be fair to either of us. You sure as fuck aren’t marrying someone else. “What did I tell you in the gazebo, princess? I said from that point on, no other man touches you, and I meant it. Black shirt, black pants, black boots, black expression. As a bonus, the engagement would drive the allegations about me and Rhys out of the headlines, as Elin had not so subtly pointed out. Per the agreement, Steffan would officially propose next month, after the furor over my grandfather’s hospitalization died down. Just like that, I had a fiancé, at least in theory. It’d all happened so quickly it made my head spin. Markus had reached out to the Holsteins yesterday and made them sign an NDA before making the proposition. You need all the political goodwill you can get, Markus had said.

“I have to marry or at least get engaged before my coronation.” There would already be backlash against me taking the throne so soon. “Don’t say it.” His voice was so quiet I almost didn’t hear him. “Because of the Royal Marriages Law, I have to-” “That’s not all.” I could barely speak past the lump in my throat. I mean I’m going to be queen in nine months.” Tension lined his face and notched a deep groove between his brows. “You don’t understand.” I washed my hands and returned to the room, where I finally looked at him again.

Twisted Queen by Penelope Black