Page 58 of Bride By Coronation

Brax's eyes turn to slits. "Here?"

"Yeah. You have things to do. Go do them," I direct.

"Gee, not even a 'Thanks for getting me the letter,'" he sarcastically retorts, opening the door.

"Make Fiona cry ever again, and there won't be any warnings. And I promise you it won't be an accident," I warn.

His face hardens with hatred. He slides out and slams the door.

"Airport," I instruct Ivan and then close the divider. I sit back, staring at her handwriting on the front, with twitches erupting in my stomach. I flip the envelope over and look at the red F, smiling.

Carefully, I open the flap, pull out a piece of paper, and a nervous chuckle escapes me.

She tore the top off.

I unfold the letterhead and read.

Dear Stranger The Underworld Calls King,

Your letter only raises more questions, but in the essence of time, I will try to answer your question.

While I love the excitement around the new and upcoming, something about older things reeling with history sometimes mesmerizes me. I guess I'm a girl who loves traditions. I assumed I only got it from my mom, but as I learn more about my dad, maybe he loved it as much as she does.

I also love things that match but in a more eclectic way. Maybe you don't realize it, but everything you sent me (except those bright-white dresses) coordinates with my ring. You expertly combined new, old, and blue. Good job, by the way. Wink. Wink.

Since I don't know what you're referring to, I leave it to you to decide if the borrowed is older or newer. You did great on everything else, so I assume you will regarding this as well. Plus, I'm kind of a sucker for surprises.

Sincerely,

Fiona

P.S. If I go through with this and marry you, I retain the right to ask you my questions and get truthful answers.

P.P.S. I'm relieved you eliminated those flaws from my worries. What is so bad about you if none of those are it?

P.P.P.S. I appreciate the story about my father. I hate to admit it, but the memories of him have faded in my mind, and the more you reveal, the more I wonder if I even knew him. Did I?

P.P.P.P.S. Where are you flying to? I'll confess it's making me feel a bit more important than I am that you're taking all these long trips to select things for me. Wouldn't it be easier to video chat with people instead of putting yourself through another long journey?

You are way more important than you know, little bird.

There's no way I'd ever video chat about this, but it was nice of her to give me the option.

I reread the letter.

She's going to freak when she finds out it's me she has to marry.

I close my eyes, leaning against the headrest, letting the guilt swallow me until I can barely breathe.

She deserves to be happy.

She'll never forgive Sean or me for agreeing to this.

A claw digs deep against my gut, scraping the wounds I've carried for what feels like forever.

The door opens, and Ivan says, "Sir?"

Cold air rushes at me. I didn't realize we had stopped. I open my eyes, fold the letter, and shove it in the envelope. Then I get out, climb the staircase, and enter the plane.

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