Page 104 of Falling Princess

My palm came to rest in his, with his hand low on my back. Perfectly proper. Close enough to see his often-mocking brown eyes soften with sympathy.

“You deserve more than a sham marriage, Zosia. And so do I.”

Mindful of our audience, I forced a smile. “As though I’m likely to have anything resembling a real one.”

“Haven’t things changed between you and—” he glanced over my shoulder. “Him?”

On the next twirl, I saw he meant Lorcan. I shrugged, as best one can when dancing.

“Yes. For my part.”

“His, too?”

“I don’t know.”

It’s as honest an answer as I can give. For all I know, he’s already had what he wanted from me. I often wonder if I’m just a princess-shaped object to him, too.

But then I remember the promise he made me, and hope balloons within my chest.

Kenton shook his head. In English, he said, “That fucking guy. Insolent little shit. Takes liberties whenever it suits him, but he keeps as tight a rein on you as your father does. No wonder you hated him.”

He isn’t wrong. Uncharitable, perhaps, but hardly incorrect.

“You still seem to.”

“Lorcan and I aren’t friends. But I have eyes, Princess. I’m not getting in the way of whatever this thing is between you two.”

“There is no ‘thing,’ between us,” I said flatly. “He’s my appointed knight, until my father decides differently, or I become queen and choose to change it. Or, he could quit, if he so desired.”

Kenton looked skeptical. “That’s why this whole room is buzzing with rumors about the two of you?”

“I can’t control what the gossips say.”

“True. I’m honored to be asked, Princess, but I’m only here to be a friend to you.”

Hesitantly, I said, “What is your agreement with Scarlett? If I may ask.” Part of why I approached Kenton was because I thought they weren’t monogamous. I thought I could live with knowing I was the third wheel, as long as we all remained friends. I truly didn’t expect to be turned down flat.

He smiled faintly. “We met too soon. We both have things we want to do before we marry. When we’re together, we are wholly together, but when we’re apart, we don’t restrict ourselves from experiencing anything. If our feelings change, we’ll be honest about it. I know mine won’t.”

Met too soon.If that doesn’t describe Lorcan and me...

“It sounds so reasonable.”

“You should try it.”

I glanced at where my knight kept his gaze fixed on the middle distance. I shook my head slightly.

“It wouldn’t work. It could only be one-sided.” My determined smile faltered.

I broke off, realizing what I had just tacitly admitted. Kenton huffed a derisive sigh.

“He’s been just as hands-off with you as he was with Raina, hasn’t he?”

I nodded, face flaming. “Besides,” I added lamely, “your suggestion assumes I’ve found someone who wants that kind of relationship with me. I’m not convinced such a thing is possible.” I cast a sidelong glance at the men in fine clothes waiting to take their turn dancing with me. “None of them want me, Kenton. How could they? They know I’m pleasant enough to look at and converse with, but all that really matters to them is proximity to power.”

He didn’t deny it.

“I don’t envy you, Zosia.” Kenton bowed and led me to the next suitor waiting to claim a dance. “It’s a lonely way to go through life. I don’t like your knight, never have, but if he made you happy, I’d support the match. I doubt anyone else in this room would, though.”

---