Page 46 of Of Curses and Courtship

The Moon Kingdom is on an island east of ours. Whilethey are our closest ally and the nearest of the kingdoms, there’s still a great deal of distance between us. Considering how her father has been glaring at me, I believe they know more of us than they pretend to.

My reaching for more wine may not change his point of view, but his opinion holds little significance for me. As long as Minetta wishes to marry me, I’m pleased.

Cold air whips through the gardens, shaking the bare trees. Twigs fall from the sky, into neat piles on patchy grass. Their voices drone on and on, conversations that hardly pertain to me—until, finally, I am addressed.

“Tell me,” King Douglas says. The gray sun shines into his copper hair, showing the bald patches he often hides beneath a crown. “Minetta has mentioned your studies in great detail, but she never did tell us what you studied abroad.”

“I studied for many decades at the Mercury Palace.” I clear my throat. “The arcane, with an emphasis on curses.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Queen Pearl mutters, exchanging a look with her husband.

My parents exchange a heavy look as well.

How can a palace that puts so much emphasis on psychic abilities judge my arcane studies? There are other matters one could pursue, of course. Some study the arts or linguistics, and others train to become fierce soldiers. My father was a soldier himself, but I knew from a young age that was not the path for me.

He agreed.

Unlike my late brother, I have more mental than physical aptitude, and I am usually confident in it. There are exceptions. In moments like these, I feel small.

Perhaps they would prefer a warrior for their princess.

“Intellect and arcane abilities are only some of our son’s finest gifts,” my mother says.

“We look forward to hearing about the other gifts you boast,” King Douglas says. “Or preferably,seeingthem.”

I shrink in my seat. How can a few comments make me feel so foolish? Heat creeps up my face, and my mouth is too dry to form a single word.

This wasn’t the plan.

Princess Minetta offers me a kind smile from across the table. “He’s also quite kind and a wonderful dancer. I’ve seen those things for myself.”

Have… have we danced?

Ah. Yes. The ball. It’s too easy to forget she was the lady I danced with all evening. She was more than a lady, I suppose—a princess. Minetta captured my attention throughout the night, and I owe her the honor of believing she can continue to be the one with whom I feel so fiercely connected.

I give her a nod, one so slight it’s barely perceptible—only for us. “One of my foundational beliefs is that we all have many untapped gifts. If there’s something you believe I am incapable of—for your daughter, for your kingdom—please trust in my eagerness to learn.”

The eagerness had been nonexistent when I came to meet them, expecting a simple breakfast. This was supposed to be a simple gathering, but now that they are making it impossible to win them over, the challenge captures my attention.

“How will you care for our daughter?” King Douglas asks. “Your palace has much to gain from this courtship—you break a curse. Fantastic. Good for you. I fail to see what we gain.”

“You gain a stronger alliance,” my father says. “The curse may have dwindled our numbers, but we have magic and soldiers at our disposal, should you need them.”

“And I have a chance at love.” Minetta smiles softly, her gaze dropping to mine. “Isn’t that enough for you, Father?”

Her father’s face turns a deep shade of red. “That… that’s just fine…”

Does he feel as sick to his stomach as I do?True love—but it can’t be true if it is forced, can it?

“When will we begin the wedding preparations?” Queen Pearl asks. “I’ve been told it’s to be a speedy courtship.”

“Yes,” my father says. “A betrothal party is already in the plans.”

“Then we are skipping the courtship entirely?” King Douglas barks out a laugh. “We’ve hardly had any say in this. Heavens. When Minetta called me over for a visit, I didn’t realize what a mess had been made.”

“We have the best planners in all seven kingdoms.” My mother lifts a brow. “I can assure you, there will be nothingmessyabout the event. Your input isn’t required for the events, unless you have something more to add to the conversation.”

“I—well, we?—”