Page 8 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

Rosamund stared at her mother, who, for the first time in her life, seemed to be at a loss.

“However,” she continued, and her voice turned stern, “you are never to act like that in front of the king and queen of Woodhaven again.”

Before she could stop the words, she said, “Act likewhat, Mother? Like I was in shock? Because I was.”

She clenched her jaw so tight, the muscles flexed along the edge. Her lips thinned. Clearly, she was trying to contain her anger.

“You are never to question me or your father in front of the other royals,” she said, her voice hard.

“Then perhaps, Mother, you tell me exactly what’s going on.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I deserve to know.”

Her mother blew out a breath and turned back to the balcony, the slight breeze ruffling her hair and skirt.

“You do deserve to know,” she said, her voice quiet. “Your father didn’t want to tell you until you were of age.”

“Of age?” she asked.

“You turn eighteen soon.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” Irritation clawed through her as she peered at her mother’s perfect posture.

Before her mother answered, a knock sounded on the door. She called for them to come in. The servant wheeled in the tea cart with a silver tea service and porcelain cups rattling as he pushed it across the floor. Rosamund spied the tiny finger sandwiches and lemon cakes next to the tea and her stomach rumbled. She’d forgotten to eat breakfast.

“Thank you, Albert,” her mother said in her dismissive tone.

He gave a brief bow and scurried out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Her mother moved to the cart and poured a cup of tea. She placed two lumps of sugar in the cup and stirred. She didn’t offer Rosamund a cup.

She waited to see what her mother would say next.

“When you were six months old, your father invited the royals of Woodhaven to treat with us,” she said. She held the cup between her hands, then blew on the steaming liquid.

Rosamund waited, peering at her with interest. She seemed genuinely unnerved.

“Your father believes the Fae royals have an interest in expanding their borders,” she continued. She cut her daughter a sharp glance. “I trust you are familiar with the geography of the land.”

Rosamund stifled the snort. Instead, she said, “Of course, I am. They’re the realm to the east.”

“Yes,” her mother said, then took a sip of the steaming tea. “In an effort to unite the kingdoms of Stonebridge, your father offered your hand in marriage to Prince Phillip of Woodhaven. King Reginald agreed. You are to be married shortly after your eighteenth birthday.”

Had they been planning her wedding all this time without telling her? Rosamund stared at her mother in shocked silence.

“My birthday is in a week,” she said.

“It is,” she said, her face devoid of all emotion. “All the wedding arrangements have been made. All we have left to do is fit you for your gown.”

Panic began to set in, her heart pounding so hard in her chest she thought it might burst. There were so many things wrong with this situation, she didn’t know where to begin.

“I suppose that’s already been decided for me as well.” A bitter taste was in the back of her throat.

“It has.”

“I don’t want to marry a prince I’ve never met.” It was the first thing that came to mind.

“You were supposed to meet today. That is why they came. And yet…” Her words trailed off.

“He decided hunting was more important.” Rosamund almost laughed out loud.

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