Page 20 of Beacon

Whatever calm façade the prince had managed to maintain vanished in an instant at that name. He jolted, causing the table to shake and nearly upending his goblet. “Princess Lavena? You can’t be serious. Anyone but—”

“She seems a fine young lady and a suitable match,” the king said cheerfully. “I think you two will be very happy.”

Prince Owen could only stare in abject horror. It was clear that he didn’t share his father’s generous opinion, and by the concerned expressions from the other occupants of the table, they clearly shared his aversions to the match.

The queen spoke first, hastily masking her own reservations beneath a tight smile. “Princess Lavena? But dear, she’s—”

“In all my interactions with her, I’ve found her to be nothing but delightful,” the king said. “I see no objections to the union.”

The queen hesitated. “While I’m sure your interactions with the princess have been amiable enough, from what I’ve seen and heard, I don’t believe she and Owen are suited…especially considering she was involved in that scandal that ended her betrothal with Crown Prince Liam of Draceria.”

The king frowned. “That was an unfortunate situation, but I see no reason to deny us a union with Lyceria for something that occurred several years ago. She and Owen will get along splendidly, just you wait.”

The queen looked like she had much more she wanted to say about the matter…but instead her gaze darted towards Prince Owen, inviting him to be the one to stand up for himself. But Prince Owen seemed to have lost his voice. After a moment the queen sighed and turned back to her husband.

“Did you really already extend the invitation?”

The king took a sip from his goblet. “At the beginning of the month. Lyceria immediately accepted, and Princess Lavena is currently en route, accompanied by Prince Nolan and the Lycerian Queen. Their ship is due to arrive in a few days, perhaps even as early as tomorrow.”

Prince Owen made a choking sound. “Tomorrow? But Father, I—”

“I know, Son, it’s quite the unexpected surprise. You’ll be so pleased to finally settle down like your brother, and I’ll be pleased to have another daughter-in-law with the promise of more grandchildren to come.” He smiled fondly at both Princess Seren and her bulging stomach.

Prince Owen opened and closed his mouth several times before managing any sound. “Father, I—it’s not that I’m not grateful for your consideration, it’s just…Princess Lavena?” His nose wrinkled, a look not lost on His Majesty.

“I know you’re nervous”—he patted Prince Owen’s arm reassuringly—“but I know you’ll be very happy, just as I’ve been in my own marriage and Ronan in his.”

For a long moment Prince Owen said nothing, looking as if all words had failed him. “Have any contracts been signed?” he hesitantly managed when he’d finally recovered his voice.

The king shook his head. “Not yet, but we hope to remedy that after they arrive in Bytamia.” But by his tone, he seemed to think the outcome inevitable. By Prince Owen’s still panicked expression, he seemed to think so too. I patted his arm, the only sympathy I could offer him in such an unfortunate situation.

The king noticed his son’s rising anxiety and his own cheerful countenance finally faltered. “Are you unhappy with the arrangement? That would be awkward, considering I’ve already invited Princess Lavena to stay.” The look he gave Prince Owen was almost stern.

Prince Owen remained silent. I didn’t understand his hesitancy in voicing his reservations. What was the point in having a voice if one chose not to use it? But with the defeated way the prince sank in his seat, no words seemed forthcoming.

The queen gave her son an encouraging look, which he determinedly ignored. She seemed to be fighting her own internal battle on whether or not to intervene, but in the end she simply returned to her meal with a frown.

When no one spoke another word in protest, the king’s wide grin returned. “Excellent! So it’s settled. I’m sure you’ll be as happy in the match I’ve arranged as Ronan was with his, especially after you’ve had a chance to meet her.” And humming cheerfully, he returned to his lobster, seemingly oblivious to the tension his choice of conversation topic had caused.

Prince Owen continued to slump miserably in his seat, his food entirely forgotten. He cast a pleading glance towards his mother, who gave him a gentle look that seemed to say,You could have given more of a fight.

Prince Owen sighed and next glanced towards his brothers, and while Prince Ronan looked apologetic, Prince Jaron seemed to be fighting to contain his laughter; Prince Damon’s nose remained burrowed in his book, so he’d likely not heard a word of the recent exchange. None offered their aid.

Prince Owen finally turned to me with a desperate look that pleaded for rescue, as if he thought I could provide it considering I’d saved him once before. I shrugged sympathetically. What could I possibly do? I was not only a mere spectator to his plight, but as a commoner I knew nothing of political matters and thus could do nothing to dissuade the king from his desires.

Yet Prince Owen didn’t avert his gaze. If anything, it only intensified with a look that was almost…hopeful, as if he’d just discovered his rescuer amid a situation that had left him drowning. An idea slowly brightened his eyes, allowing him to straighten with new resolve.

“Father,” he began.

The king looked up with a kind look. “Yes, Son?”

Prince Owen hesitated. “I’m truly grateful for your assistance in helping me secure a match, but there’s no need for me to align myself with Princess Lavena.”

The king’s smile immediately faded and his expression became uncannily serious. “I know you’re reluctant to the idea, but you really need to consider it. Not only are you old enough to make a match for your kingdom, but an alliance with Lyceria will be beneficial to both sides.”

“I’m not opposed to marrying,” Prince Owen said hastily. “The issue is…I’ve already found someone of my own.”

The king blinked in astonishment. “And who might that be?”

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