Page 8 of Pawns of Fate
Nicholas clenched his fists. He’d be the first to admit that York’s abilities in battle were far superior to his, especially where lightning magic was concerned. Nicholas could only channel a few weak spells through the runes on his sword. York could take down a fully grown drake or a mountain troll himself. And it was true that a mage’s emotions affected their magic. But his father was taking things too far.
“I arranged all this for you to have a convenient bride, not a romantic relationship that addles with your duties as the Sharp heir,” his father added.
This wasn’t the first time that Nicholas sacrificed so York didn’t have to. It was his duty as the oldest to bear the burden of doing what was best for the family, even if it dirtied his hands. Nicholas didn’t like it, but there wasn’t anything to be done. His responsibility to his family came first.
“If it weighs on you that much, we could still change our offer to Luanna. I’m sure the viscount won’t mind.” His father crossed his arms over his chest. “That said, Rose might have been our better option all along. She’s served as political collateral for the Robson family before. I think she stayed at the Dahtey Castle for a few months while the border negotiations were completed, and with the Ado before that. Perhaps she’ll bear it gracefully.”
“Or perhaps she’ll be tired of it and wish for a husband who treats her better than her weasel of an uncle.” Nicholas frowned and ran a hand through the loose curls on his head. The Sharp family was about to repay Rose’s kindness toward Ava in a very twisted way, and he was at fault.
Perhaps he should just marry Luanna, but the thought of a lifetime with an immature partner filled him with dread.
“Nicholas!”
“It’s fine, Father. I’ll bear with it, and she’ll have to as well.”
“You’ll be able to buy her enough gifts to make up for it when we see the dividends from this venture. I promise.”
Nicholas offered a half-hearted smile. He didn’t think that all the gifts in the world would make up for what he was about to put Rose through.
Chapter 3
ROSE
“It’s always like that with Nicholas,” Ava pouted to Rose as her brother-in-law walked away with his bodyguard. “He swoops in, scolds everyone, then flies away when João or Syzman tell him that he has to go handle one crisis or another. The man is even working at a party.” She snorted.
“He did seem busy,” Rose murmured as she watched Nicholas’s masculine figure stride toward the castle.
She knew that a kiss on the back of the hand was a standard greeting between noblemen and women, but her skin still tingled pleasantly where Nicholas’s lips had touched. Shedidn’t want to read into it; she shouldn’t entertain romantic thoughts about a man like Nicholas. His family was sure to arrange a match for him that would bring political gain and connections. Rose couldn’t offer either of those things.
Ava snorted, “He’s going to work himself to death.” She offered Rose her arm. “Now, let’s go enjoy what’s left of the celebration. I want some cake.”
Rose decided to go with her. She was genuinely fond of Ava’s company, and it wouldn’t be bad for Rose if Ghislaine and Luanna saw her with Ava, smoothing over the earlier fiasco.
“I’ve never seen this many flowers before.” Ava swooped her arm as though motioning to the whole garden. “I like these best!” She pointed to a bed of sunny, yellow daffodils.
“What’s your favorite flower, Rose?” Ava asked as they continued to walk toward the billowing tents.
“I like roses best,” she replied with a grin. “I know it’s a little childish.”
“What’s so childish about it?” Ava crinkled her brows together as she pondered, then answered her own question. “Oh, is it because of your name? There’s nothing wrong with liking your own name.”
“My aunt would disagree with you,” Rose whispered as if Ghislaine were waiting around the hedgerow.
Ava replied with a mischievous glint, “Then your aunt is even more of a stick-in-the-mud than Nicholas.”
The girls exited the garden and found an empty tent near the edge of the party. Aunt Ghislaine shot a look at Rose, but didn’t call her upon noticing who she was with, which lifted amassive weight from Rose’s shoulders. A servant brought her and Ava each a large slice of cake. She popped the first bite into her mouth, truly relaxing for the first time that day.
The two girls were enjoying the delicious cake when the Robsons’ butler interrupted, asking to speak with Rose because her uncle needed to see her immediately.
Rose excused herself. Ava only let her go after a hug and a promise to visit Castle Sharp sometime soon. She’d never met someone who offered their friendship as wholeheartedly as Ava did. It made Rose smile as she followed the butler to her uncle’s office.
You wanted to see me, Uncle Hector?” Rose said as she entered the stuffy, dimly lit room. She gave a slight curtsey.
“Ah, yes, Rose! Sit down. I have some exciting news for you.”
Nervousness squeezed Rose’s heart. This situation was odd. Her uncle usually regarded her with barely disguised disdain or apathy. He’d never regarded her with excitement and certainly never bothered to notice her while hosting a party.
Rose sat down and tilted her head expectantly.
