Page 19 of Crowned In Sin

“No, Princess, it is another.”

“Another?”

“Apparently last year it appeared your father would not take well to suitors,” she says with a tilted head and then smiles. “This year was much different as your father was more gracious with the idea in his talks.”

My lips part in disbelief. It was my father’s demeanor that’s led to this?

With him on my mind, my father comes to escort me down the grand staircase, but the prince is not waiting for me at the bottom.

The handsome gentleman comes in through the castle’s main entrance a moment later, surrounded by his men and still in his riding clothes. His dirty blond hair is mussed from the ride. The prince pushes a careless hand through it, but does not seem concerned about meeting me in this state.

“Your Highness,” he says with a bow. My brow quirks at his confidence. He’s tall and quite handsome for being so polished and posh. “Princess Cora. I am Prince Jasper. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, but unfortunately there is news from home, and I will not be in attendance for dinner. It would be an honor if you would join me for tea tomorrow?”

“Of course,” my father agrees without hesitation, and I’m left glancing between them before nodding my acceptance.

“I will only be able to stay a week,” the prince says, handing off his gloves to one of his men. “Might I impose upon you to have any other suitors wait until I’ve gone?”

“Consider it done,” my father assures him.

My mouth drops open, and I stare up at my father before I can snap it shut. He does not look back at me. I can see from this angle that he is…relieved.

“Our servants will show you to your rooms, Prince Jasper,” my father says. “Welcome to our castle.”

“Thank you, King Andrew.” The prince looks up at my father with a sincere expression of gratitude, but hardly seems to glance at me. “I appreciate your hospitality.”

There’s a moment when no one moves.

Then the prince murmurs something to one of his squires, and our servants rush forward to show them all the various places they’ll need to go, and I’m left standing at the bottom of the grand staircase, watching them all scatter.

My father observes them too, then beams down at me as if this is a good thing. As if being ignored by the handsome, blond-haired prince is an honor and a privilege instead of a slight. There are so many things I cannot say to him now! I cannot say that the eighteen-year-old prince who shook at the sight of me showed more interest than this man. I cannot say that perhaps I prefer the eighteen-year-old prince who at least had the good sense to be nervous!

I can’t say that because it wouldn’t be true. I had time to look at this new prince—Prince Jasper—in his riding clothes, and he had a man’s body, tall and muscled and strong, and before he spoke and let me know that he is not bothered with me, I felt a flush of desire and familiarity.

Within a minute, or perhaps two, the entrance hall is empty, and servants are making their way toward my father and me to soften the blow of being so thoroughly dismissed.

“Finally,” my father says, his voice soft, so it is like I am the only one who hears. “Finally, a prince who has shown interest! Leave him to his business, Cora. The two of you will meet tomorrow for tea.”

“I know, I was⁠—”

“I need a messenger,” my father calls. “We need to get word to the other suitors today. Tell them to wait until requested, by order of the king.”

Chapter 8

Cora

With a kiss of my cheek, my father sends me back to my rooms without seeming to worry that I am angry. Perhaps I am in a rage! I cannot even decide why.

“I want to change,” I request sternly, controlling my voice as much as I can. It’s not often that I feel quite like a brat but once I’ve spoken I second guess my tone. “Please,” I add, knowing full well I cannot untie myself from this contraption.

It’s not Alice’s or Blanche’s fault that any of this has happened. I don’t know whose fault it is—whether it is mine, or my father’s, or some other party that wishes for me to become so frustrated by the prospect of marriage that I refuse entirely or settle for a man I do not want—but I shall not take it out on the women who are the closest people to me in the castle. “I want out of this gown now. Please.”

They fuss over me, taking off the outer layers carefully so that they don’t disturb my hair.

“You don’t need to worry about it. I will not be going down to dinner. Or lunch. I will…I will go ride. I need my riding clothes. And some food to take with me.”

“Princess, we⁠—”

“If you are worried, then send a guard with a basket. I will eat by the stream. It will be good for me.” I lower my voice to add, “I need the fresh air.”