Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“You make it seem as if we are the ones who control them.” I chuckled, and then quickly moved to lift the teacup to my lips.
“We do. Despite the fact that they have armies full of guns and swords, we are in control, so long as we persevere. That becomes so much easier when we conquer their hearts.”
“Aren’t gentlemen supposed to conquer ours?”
“Kings and princes are not just gentlemen, my dear. Their hearts are like their palaces: heavily guarded. They do not allow themselves to love easily. In fact, they actively avoid it…to their detriment. It is rather exhausting, so we must what?”
“Persevere?” I answered slowly.
“Good. You are keeping up. Now, tell me, has August told you anything of his family?”
“Yes, a bit.”
“Be specific. How much is a bit?” She lifted her cup to take a drink.
“I know he attacked his father to protect his mother after a hunting trip. His mother then forced him to leave the country, and he has been wandering throughout Europe ever since.”
“Good. The fact that he’s shared such intimate details is good. It means he is comfortable with you.”
“To be honest, Your Majesty, he did not tell me first. I found out, and then he clarified—”
“Was he drunk when he shared the details of his life with you?”
“I do not believe so.”
“Then like I said, he is comfortable with you. Comfort breeds love. Thus, we are in an excellent position to begin speaking on a proposal.”
“A proposal? Your Majesty, I do not believe—”
“Do you like my nephew?”
“Yes, but I only came to that realization today…ma’am.” Keep calm. Keep calm, Hathor.
“And now that you have had that revelation, you will need to get closer. How do you plan on doing so when the week comes to an end, and everyone returns to London?”
I paused, for I had not had time to think that far.
“Exactly. As you may have noticed, far too many people are observing and interfering. This proposal is to give you both space for like to turn into love. It is a favor, from me to you. So, thank me dearly.”
“Does Wilhelm—His Highness—desire this favor?”
“You are no longer keeping up,” she replied, placing her cup back down. “Who is in control?”
“We are—so long as we persevere.”
“If you wish for it, he will follow. So, thank me and take your leave.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you,” I said, curtsying to her.
She rose to her feet and returned to the window. When I stepped back out into the hall, my mother was waiting. I did not want to be lectured, or to explain; I walked up to her and hugged her tightly.
“Mama.”
“You do not need to complicate your life if you do not wish to.” She placed her hand on my head, leading me from the door. “You can say no, especially when you have another option.”
“What?”
“Lord Covington has asked your father for your hand in marriage. And he did so quite boldly, proclaiming his enduring love for you.”
“His what?” I gasped, standing on my own. “I—I— This is a lot, Mama. So much has happened in such a short amount of time. I feel as if the ground beneath my feet is spinning, and I do not like it.”
“Then focus on what you desire more than anything else. Not just the title it can bring you, or how it elevates you above your sister. The most important person here is you; this is your future. You must decide what will bring you joy, not just for today, but forever. Your father and I support you unfailingly, even against the queen if we have to. You are our daughter, and more than anything we wish for you to be happy.” She cupped my cheeks tightly.
My heart beat heavily with joy, and a bit of sadness. Not for me, but for Wilhelm. Here my parents were, willing to go against the wishes of the Queen of England for me, while his…his were not the same.
He was not a villain. I was wrong.
“Hathor, my sweet girl.” She brushed my hair gently. “Please think carefully before you agree to anything.”
It felt like I’d already agreed to the queen’s proposal, but I merely nodded, as I knew no true engagement could be made until Papa gave his blessing.
“Thank you, Mama. I should go rest and prepare for the evening.”
“Your ladyship!” Ingrid rushed to us, her eyes wide, which was never a good sign—nothing ever surprised her.
“What is it?” My mother was already walking. “Has someone been injured?”
“Prince Wilhelm.” At his name, I stepped forward, causing her to turn to me. “He and Lord Covington have come to blows.”
“They are fighting? With their fists?” I exclaimed in shock.
“Stay here,” my mother ordered me.
“But, Mama, it is clearly—”
“Stay here. I will not say it again.”
What was the matter with everyone today, myself included?