Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97577 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97577 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Gale, you are always wanted. Spare or not. So, do not forget to see your mother and sister before you leave.”
The tightness in my chest returned, and I only nodded before finally closing the door. When I did, I leaned back against it. This was real.
My father was really ill.
I knew what was at stake. I truly did, but yesterday, the more I had thought about it, the more I could not imagine just marrying some random woman. Divorces were easy for other nobles, but for royals, it could only be done under the most extreme circumstances—like one of them committing treason. Even if a prince found his wife in the midst of an affair, he still had to get permission from the king and parliament...then there were the people.
But my father was ill.
Once again, I felt a familiar ache in my chest. I didn’t want to speak to or see anyone. I didn’t want to think. I just walked, paying no attention to the world around me until I got into my room. I hoped to lie down, but instead, I found my mother, putting something into the zipper pocket of black luggage that I hadn’t bothered to pack myself. Valets laid out suits, shirts, belts, and shoes onto my bed.
“He may need a coat as well. Bring the wools. The caramel one, as well as the dark gray, should be fine,” Mother directed.
“Can I not pack for myself?” I asked.
Though it seemed, I was not going to be given a choice throughout this whole process. Arty had just told me of his command to leave, but for her to already be here meant they had discussed it beforehand.
My mother glanced at me surprised, despite the fact that it was my room. “Weren’t you staying with your brother?”
Well, not all morning. Arthur must have covered for me again.
“Father came.”
Her face fell, but she held her composure, clasping her hands together and turning on her heels. “We shall have the room.”
They bowed once to her and then me before taking a single step back and turning.
“How was he?” she asked gently. “Your father.”
“He asked me what I was doing home and not at law school.”
She closed her eyes for a long time and just stood still.
Walking up to her, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. The scent of lavender filled my nose.
“Enough. We do not have time to be despondent. There is too much to do. We need to carry on and fill any gaps. For both your father’s and brother’s sakes.” She sniffled and stepped out of my arms. “I’ve had them pack several of your favorites. Plus, jeans and other casual wear. I hear Americans prefer casual dress. Though the suits might be for any formal events—”
“Mom, are you breathing?”
“Don’t be silly. Of course, I’m breathing,” she answered, looking over my bags. She reached over and dusted off one of my shoes. “Do you think you will return before Christmas?.”
“I literally found out I was leaving five minutes ago. Is when I return really up to me?”
“No, I guess not. It is up to your ability to gain acceptance of this marriage,” she stated, counting my clothes.
“Mom—”
“Please!” she yelled but then held herself back. “I beg of you, Gale. Do not complain to me. I do not have the strength for it. Everyone’s shoulders are heavy. Everyone is uncomfortable. We are all looking for someone to save us, but no one will come because we are the people who must do the saving.”
I got quiet for a moment before pointing to the bed. “I was merely going to say there is a hole in that jacket.”
She frowned and then picked up the jacket, turning it from side to side. “Where? I don’t see it?”
I stepped around the frame to stand beside her and pointed to the front of the jacket. “Here, where your beauty burned into it,” I said, a slow grin spreading across my face.
She threw the jacket back down and smacked my chest. “You are ridiculous!” She giggled.
Putting my arm around her, I nodded. “Yes, this woman obviously has no idea what is coming her way.”
“A handsome prince.” She grinned, placing her hand on my cheek. “This is going to do us all good. We can solve this problem before the third one comes.”
“Mom, please do not say that.” I sighed. The one thing I hated about our people was how superstitious everyone was.
“Why? You know misfortunes come in threes for this family. First your father, then the money—”
“Mother,” I whispered, putting my hand on her shoulder. “You are the queen of this nation. You cannot think like that. I promise I will do my best not to let you down so long as you think positively.”
She inhaled, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. “Thank you, Gale.”