Page 33 of Beacon

Prince Jaron’s compliment and my nod of agreement both seemed to lift Prince Owen’s spirits ever so slightly. “I thought so, too. It’s not as if I’ve been ignoring her; I asked after her travels and we discussed the weather, among other things.”

Prince Jaron’s eyebrows rose as he glanced towards me. “Is that what he talked to her about?” He seemed to be fighting a grin at my nod but managed to barely keep it in check for his brother’s sake; it was all I could do to mask my own smile at all the drama.

He drew up a chair and settled near Prince Owen’s other side. “I’m certain Mother shares Ronan and Seren’s concern, and it’s admittedly a valid one, though I myself possess a more optimistic view: even if our relationship with Lyceria is soured for the time being, Prince Nolan will likely inherit the throne in a few years’ time and he’s much more level-headed than the current Lycerian monarch. I doubt he’d throw away the trade opportunities our kingdom offers so readily, especially considering he understands marrying his sister off is a tall order.”

Prince Owen’s posture perked up with this bit of hopeful news, but the emotion was short-lived, and his brother spoke again.

“While I’m not here to encourage a match I myself wouldn’t want, I do wish to inform you that your efforts to thwart it are rather poor considering your act with Miss Marisa is a rather dismal performance.”

Prince Owen straightened defensively. “Anact? It’s not—”

“Isn’t it?” Prince Jaron’s skeptical look caused Prince Owen to squirm, behavior that only confirmed his brother’s suspicions. He cast me a desperate look before shyly glancing back at Prince Jaron.

“Why…do you think it’s all an act?”

“Many reasons, the first being that there’s too much space between you two.” He motioned to the inches separating us on the settee. “If your interest was genuine, you’d be sitting as close to Miss Marisa as possible.”

Prince Owen hastily scooted close enough for us to touch, causing the heat of his body to seep through my gown, a proximity that left me slightly light-headed. I’d never sat this close to a man before but found the experience surprisingly pleasant. However, with the way the prince stiffened, he seemed to think the opposite.

He glanced towards his brother, seeking approval, but Prince Jaron only shook his head with a disapproving tsk. “The effect created from your proximity is lost if you’re sitting so stiffly. You’re supposed to be comfortable when you’re with someone you’re in love with. Loosen up and relax your shoulders.”

Rather than obeying, Prince Owen only glared. “I didn’t ask for your advice.”

Prince Jaron’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh? Forgive me for assuming you didn’t want to be obvious you’re lying to wriggle out of an arranged marriage with Lyceria. In that case I look forward to your upcoming nuptials.” He started to rise.

Prince Owen scowled, but the effort appeared halfhearted, as if he didn’t want to risk offending his brother and thus the opportunity for his assistance. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt…to receive a few tips…”

Prince Jaron smirked as he settled back in his seat. “I’d be happy to teach you my ways…for a price.”

“You mean you require something more than my not creating a situation that could cause us not only to ruin our good favor with Lyceria but potentially Draceria as well?” Prince Owen snapped. “Considering how much you advocate my own match, I’d hate for your own upcoming arrangement with one of the Dracerian princesses to fall through as well.” His look was pointed, a silent warning not to push the issue.

Prince Jaron considered. “Fair enough. Very well, I shall offer my assistance freely.” He leaned forward with a rather conspiring look. “First, it’s not enough to be near Miss Marisa in a way that doesn’t make it appear like you’re sitting next to an annoying cousin rather than the woman you’re supposedly enamored with—you have to actually give her doted attention, even touch her.”

Prince Owen and I both tensed at the words. “What kind of touching do you mean?”

“It need not be very much,” Prince Jaron assured him. “Simple touches will do—stealing tender looks, playing with her hair, whispering sweet nothings into her ear…” He trailed off at the sight of Prince Owen’s blatant panic and sighed. “If you can’t do at least that much, then perhaps you’d actually welcome an arranged marriage, considering such a union requires no romantic effort.”

“Nothing would make me welcome an affectionless relationship withher.” Prince Owen’s mouth twisted as he glanced towards Princess Lavena on the other side of the room.

“If touching her is too difficult, perhaps you can perform another romantic gesture, like serenade her.”

“I don’t have your proficiency with the violin or any other musical talent.” Prince Owen said sourly, seeming to be becoming grumpier by the minute. “I couldn’t even do that in private, let alone in public for all to see.”

Prince Jaron sighed. “You clearly didn’t think through your plan to fake a romance with Miss Marisa. I’m uncertain what you were expecting to accomplish with doing so little, but if you continue on like this, you won’t fool anyone.” He turned to me. “I’m sure that unlike my ignorant brother, you’ve had experience in this area. Show him how it’s done.”

My eyes widened. I pointed to myself, eyebrows raised, and shook my head.

Prince Jaron sighed. “I suppose it’s up to me, then.” His attention returned to Prince Owen. “The least you can do is wrap your arm around her, like our brother is doing with his wife.”

He nodded towards Prince Ronan and Princess Seren who sat cozily together on the other side of the room. While their posture remained regal and appropriate for company, with the way they leaned their bodies, it was clear they cared deeply for one another.

“See? Affectionate while remaining appropriate. Now you try.”

Prince Owen grumbled something indiscernible beneath his breath and made to reach for me with clear reluctance, but before he could wrap his arm around me, I hastily withdrew. He blinked at me. “What’s wrong?”

If only I could explain the hurt prickling my heart. While I knew this was all an act that I was only going along with for the sake of my lighthouse, now that we were committed to it, I didn’t want to feel that every interaction between us was forced and unwanted, especially considering the moments of friendship we’d shared these past two days and the fact that this had all been the prince’s idea in the first place.

Prince Owen looked rather confused by my reaction, but Prince Jaron was much more perceptive. “This next valuable piece of advice is from Miss Marisa herself: it’d be in your best interest not to offend the woman you’re supposedly in love with.”

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