Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Maria practically squeals while sitting down at the table to her own pancakes.
“Do you remember Albert Ray, the son of Geraldine and John Ray? You used to get along so well when you were children, and my understanding is that Albert’s in line to take over his father’s business once John retires. You know, the Ray Shipping Company. They do a lot of trade all throughout the Mediterranean and are quite well-to-do these days.”
I squint, trying to remember Albert. I know the Rays of course, because they’ve been friends with my family for years. But Albert? All that I can remember is a nice-enough boy of about twelve or so with soft brown hair and a gentle manner.
“Oh right, him,” I say in a faint voice. “How old is he now?”
“A little older than you,” my mom says in an enthusiastic voice. “But he’s a great catch, honey. Albert graduated from college last year, and is already back in Lysenia apprenticing at his father’s company. Meeting him is a great opportunity for you.”
I nod, blinking at my pancakes. Of course my parents think so because the Rays recently bought a fancy home in the center of town, from what I recollect. My parents are obviously eager for me to make a match, and the wealthier the boy, the better.
Still, it’s obvious that Albert’s no comparison for Prince Haakon. After all, would he have double dicks? A way with his tongue that makes me pant with need? The ability to make me come four times in a row, until I’m breathless and utterly sated? I think not. The most Albert can offer is a modest fortune and a comfortable lifestyle as a member of the upper-middle class. That’s not what I want, nor what I’m looking for.
Yeah, but what you want and what you’re going to get are two different things, my conscience reminds me. Do you think Prince Haakon is going to date you? Marry you? Carry you off on a white steed into the sunset? Come on, Matilda. He thinks you’re a whore and literally paid Nerilda for your innocence. Last night was a one time thing and you’ll never see him again.
The words hurt, but I steel myself because the voice in my head is right. Haakon bought and paid for me, and now he’s gotten what he wanted. I’m no longer a virgin, so why would he stick around for more?
As a result, I nod and smile at my parents.
“Right, Albert,” I say in a stronger voice. “Sure, it could be nice to see him again. When is the date?”
“Tonight!” Maria exclaims, her eyes alight with happiness. “Albert’s mom made a reservation at the Lysenian Country Club for you two. You’ll have a wonderful time at the driving range, honey.”
I stare at Maria.
“The driving range? Golf? Really? That sounds like a weird activity for a first date.”
Maria merely shrugs.
“This is what people of our social class like to do,” she admonishes with a frown. “Golfing is very shi-shi, remember. Don’t go acting like you’re too good for the driving range.”
I smile helplessly.
“No Mom, it’s not that I’m too good for golf. It’s that I’m not very good at hitting the ball.”
“Pshaw!” my mom waves her hand at me lightly. “That’s fine. Nobody expects a woman to excel at anything athletic. What’s important is that you have fun with Albert, and get a chance to talk. Who knows? Maybe there will be a spark between you two young people. He’d be a wonderful catch for you, Matilda.”
“Don’t forget that Ray Shipping had a record year last year,” my dad adds in a low growl, looking at me over his paper. “The newspapers are all talking about it, and young Albert will almost definitely take over as CEO when the time comes.”
I merely nod and manage another wan smile at my parents. After all, this is what parents do. They try to make good matches for their daughters, even if said young man is a slimy drug addict, or a felon. Of course, I’m sure Albert Ray is none of these things. He’s probably perfectly nice and a fine catch for someone. It’s just that I wish it weren’t me because I just spent an incredible evening with our Crown Prince, and I can’t get Haakon out of my mind.
6
Haakon
“What? Are you shitting me?”
The messenger shrugs his shoulders before bowing again.
“I’m sorry, my prince. That’s what the madame said.”
I sit in the chair, unable to move. What the fuck? My girl is on a date? With another man?
After all, I’ve been unable to stop thinking about Martha for the last twelve hours. The luscious woman left my chambers in the wee hours of the dawn this morning with a limp, but it was a good limp.
“Are you okay?” I asked before pressing one last kiss to her mouth. “Is your pussy sore?”