Page 10 of Point of No Return

“Welcome to the annual Midsummer's Gala. My family has had the honor of hosting this event for over thirty-five years.” Everyone around us begins to clap, and Tyson smiles when the crowd lapses into silence again after. “This year, I also have the honor of announcing that my eldest son, Skar, has at last proposed a union.”

I lean close enough that only Charlotte will hear as I whisper, “Your left hand. Let me see it.”

Charlotte’s mouth quirks upward, but her eyes don’t leave my father. “Do you order all your girls around like dogs- or is that reserved strictly for me?”

Thegallof this woman.

I frown, repeating, “Your hand.” She listens, begrudgingly slipping her palm into my own. I’ve already dug the ring box out of my pocket, and I easily slide the band over her ring finger. All the while, my eyes remain trained on my father.

“Just last night, Skar asked for Charlotte’s hand in marriage. There could not be a more perfect match.”

She still hasn’t looked at the ring, but that charming smile is still playing at her lips. She leans toward me. “So romantic love story is what we’re going with?”

“Skar, Charlotte, if you’d join me,” Tyson beckons us up the stairs, and I take the lead, pulling her close behind as we make our way through the parting crowd. Tyson takes her hands when we reach him, squeezing as she smiles brightly.

“Charlotte, I could not have chosen anyone better for my son. I regret that my late wife, Lorelai, isn’t here to say it for me…” My gut clenches at the mention of her, but my father’s eyes remain locked on Charlotte. “But I know that if she were here, she’d welcome you with open arms.”

If my mother were alive, she would have gotten away while she could. She’d have left Tyson like she planned to. This union would be nothing more than a pipe-dream. It’s because of the woman I’m marrying that she’s not alive in the first place.

As I look over at Charlotte and the crowd goes crazy, I realize that though keeping her at arm’s length will test me, it might be the reason the Benenati name lives to see another day. No matter how alluring, no matter how tempting, Charlotte will be my wife in name only.

“Thank you,” Charlotte says, and despite the hundreds of eyes trained on us, she’s the vision of calm and patience. It only irritates me more that she’s so put together about this. Tyson kisses either of her cheeks, whispering something in her ear before motioning for the servant to bring a couple of glasses for a toast.

With drinks in hand, Charlotte stands beside me, and I realize just how tense she really is. Her muscles are drawn tight, shoulders high. It should be comforting to know I’m not the only one so on-edge, but as I raise my glass to hers, I realize the knowledge is of little comfort.

Tyson’s voice is back, and in unison, we all raise our glasses. “To Skar and Charlotte… and to a long and happy marriage.”

The statement is a finality. A promise of what’s supposed to come… But there are only a few people here who know the truth of it. She’s one of them. Charlotte taps the crystal rims of our glasses together. But it’s only as we each take a sip of our drinks that our eyes meet.

Her green irises nearly glow as they take me in, andI wish I could read the look on her face. Half of her expression is a challenge, half of it is dread. And all of it is utterly confusing.

Chapter Six

Charlotte

Since the gala, I’ve been forced to find one-hundred-and-one ways to entertain myself. The extent of my house arrest has become blatantly clear since Midsummer’s: I’m allowed to leave to explore the gardens as long as it’s with company.

Since my phone was taken, it’s been replaced by a similar, more-limited version that rarely works with the spotty service anyways.

Awfully convenient.

I’mnotallowed to send letters to anyone outside of Viserion, and I’m forbidden from discussing the Benenati comings and goings. Unless it in some way pertains to me.

For example, I only know that my fiancé is away in town because it interferes with my ability to meet with my mother at the country club in Sutton like we originally planned. Instead, my mother, along with the hired wedding planner, will be dining at Viserion.

It’s the only company I’ve had in more than a week, and though I dread being forced to plan the event at all, I’m grateful to have something to do. A couple of servants have already prepared a full dining service in the dining room when I pass just after noon.

“I’d like to eat in the gardens if that’s alright.”

One of the servants pauses, looking torn between continuing their work or listening to me. “General Tyson said-”

“The General isn’t here, is he?” Aleksander appears from down the hall, smiling and dressed in a fine tunic and brown riding boots. “Give the woman what she wants,” he tells the servants, but they stall, mouths open to object again. “Go on. If anyone says anything otherwise, you can send them my way.”

The servants leap into action, and I smile as I lean against the stair railing to look at him. “Thank you. I was afraid I’d be stuck inside all afternoon again.”

Aleks shrugs, casually leaning beside me. Of all the Benenatis, I’ve seen the most of him. He seems to be the only one who’s consistently home. Save for most evenings- which I know from the servants he usually spends out on the town.

“Yes, well. When my brother finally decides to quit avoiding you, things will feel less- confining.”

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