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“It was a good joke.”
I didn’t argue with him. I didn’t care to.
“I thought you were American… your accent.”
“I was educated in American schools and by American tutors, as I am sure you were educated in British schools by British tutors. Most women love the accent.”
I was notmost women. And I was educated by British tutors. He was correct. However, there was no time to give him my life’s most mundane details.
“Look, we haven’t much time. My grandmother has butted out for now, but no doubt will be scheming by dinner,” I said.
I was determined. I could tolerate his grip better than Celeste's stranglehold. Rick annoyed me, but he was easily plied with drink. I was cleverer. I channelled my most zen Queenliness and began walking again towards the state dining room.
“Where are you going?” Rikard asked.
“I am taking you to the dining room, then the throne room.”
He caught up.
I kept my voice low. “And I’d like to propose an arrangement.”
He sputtered, “Oh… really… we probably should… like… talk?”
“Oh, you don’t think we’re… going to have sex?” I burst out laughing.
He looked deer-in-the-headlights. “Well, yes. Why not?”
I flushed hot. “I wouldn’t… I don’t evenlikeyou?—”
“You don’t even know me, Your Majesty. How can you judge?”
He confused me with the way he said it. It wasn’t as flat or angry as he had been before. Was he flirting? If so, I wouldn’t know. There was no time to waste. I trudged on.
“Look, I’m not making an indecent proposal, but a decent one. If we marry, we can end the regency. I get the feeling you’re in a rough place. Your parents want you to settle down, right? I’m not a terrible choice. I’m not much of a choice, I’ll grant you, as I don’t much know myself and?—”
He cut me off. “What are you talking about? And don’t sell yourself short. You’re at the top of a short list of women my parents wish I would marry. And I’d say you’re in the lead by a mile.”
Was that a compliment? I blushed. I hated that his words couldmakeme blush. Or was it the way his eyes focused on me? Or was it the stupid cleft in his chin?
“Don’t act surprised,” Rick said. “Now what is this about a regency and going straight to marriage? That seems an… escalation, Your Majesty.”
“I am trapped in an abusive regency. My Grand-Mama controls everything from what I eat to who I see to what activities I do. I am a prisoner here. I know it sounds quite mad but… it’s true. My choices are to wait until I’m twenty-five or wed someone of my grandmother’s choosing. For some ungodly reason, it’s you.”
“She's a tyrant. She promised me this if I wed you. Moreover, it's not just me. It's my sisters as well. The three of them are all at the mercy of whatever happens to me. I can free us if I just do the thing. I know, like I said, you probably think I'm mental?—"
“You do not know me!” He feigned offence.
“I do not but let’s just say our last meeting gives me little confidence I’m about to fall for you hook, line, and sinker in the next twenty minutes.”
He laughed. “You underestimate my charm, Your Majesty. Vastly. And despite this, you want to get married? You don’t know me, don’t find me attractive, but let’s run down the aisle? I’m so confused.”
“I don’t care. You may be a supreme wanker, but you are still better than bloody Celeste. The point is, I don’t think you are cruel. Queen Margaux approves of you. I trust her. She’s the one person who has tried to get me out of this and help me. Please consider it. I know it sounds mad, but you are better than the alternative.”
“Wow! That’s a vote of confidence! What is wrong with your grandmother?”
I took a deep breath and led on towards the throne room. He wasn’t saying no. He wasn’t beingrude. We walked down the hall and stepped in. The guards stayed outside.
"She's a tyrant. She promised me this if I wed you. It’s not just me, either. My sisters are at the mercy of whatever happens to me. I can free us if I do the thing. I know, like I said, you probably think I'm mental?—"
