Page 33 of A Heart Too Tender

“I prefer to keep to myself. It makes the candidates nervous when I’m around.”

My nose scrunched most impolitely.

“You don’t agree?” he asked, reaching for his wine, before pausing for my answer.

“Not at all,” I grinned, reaching for my glass as well. “I’ve never once felt anything but comfort in your presence.”

Julian raised his glass, and I followed to suit.

My smile had my cheeks hurting, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had smiled so broadly so frequently before … it had to have been at Alric’s expense, I’m sure.

The wine was delicious and I had not one, but two sips before setting it back down.

“What were you reading?” I asked, eyeing the book he had laid next to him on the wooden tabletop.

“Uh, it’s a romance.”

My head tilted to the side on its own accord. “Interesting … why?”

“Research purposes.”

I ran a fingertip over the crystal, making the glass sing. “And what have you learned?”

“That timing is everything.”

I smirked. “Very wise, my lord. And have you passed along your findings to Prince August?”

Julian sipped his wine and I couldn’t help but study his mannerisms. I had no idea his position outside of being a governor but he must’ve been high ranking, his manners were impeccable, regal even.

“I have. Does that worry you?”

“No,” I bit back a smile, “In fact, there is a matter I would like to discuss with you.”

Julian tilted his head to the side as he gazed at me.

“What matter is that?”

“I believe I would like to⁠—”

Before I could finish, a servant appeared with an envelope on a silver tray.

“My Lord,” the servant muttered, bowing low and displaying the letter. Julian retrieved it from the tray and began reading it at once. He chuckled and nodded to the servant.

“Is—is everything alright?” I asked.

“More than alright. Princess Zuri has also withdrawn her candidacy.” He smiled a genuine smile. “It appears Prince Leo finally got a grip on his true feelings.”

I giggled excitedly and covered my mouth. “He did?”

Julian pursed his lips. “They are engaged to be married.”

I was elated from Zuri’s happiness as was evident by the smile that would not leave my face.

“You are happy for her?”

“Of course, from the moment I met her she told me of her longstanding affections for Prince Leo.”

Julian sipped from his wine. “Very well then.”