Page 66 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“And there is no doubt we feel a certain... camaraderie in being tied to a legal request for an arranged marriage.”
“We do, as well as our subsequent quest to free you from bondage.” She crossed her arms.
He coughed. “And freeyouas well. Our quest was to give usboththe freedom of choice and our own timing.”
“Yes, of course.” Her words said one thing but her eyes another.
“I do not view a tie to you as bondage.”
She lifted her chin and studied him. She did not believe a word he said, apparently.
“I don’t. I...” He drummed his fingers. “I have not been very open with you about some things, but I started to tell you during our picnic. I live a life of danger. I am at risk all the time. When I leave on missions, I cannot guarantee I will return. And until I figure out a way to lessen the danger in my life, I cannot entangle myself with another.” There, he’d said it.
But she only stubbornly returned his gaze and then shook her head. “That is poppycock.”
“Pardon me?”
“Ask your brothers. This world will never be free of danger. Forgive me, but even if you don’t entangle yourself with me, you owe it to yourself to find a bit of happiness.”
He considered her, and something told him that if he did indeed marry, she was one of only a few women in the world who would suit the kind of life he led. But he refused to give that thought any deep consideration. “There is a chance I can ease up, fix the problems, so to speak, and perhaps lead a more peaceful life soon,” he said instead.
“And what? Be bored the remainder of your days?” She shook her head again.
He opened his mouth and then closed it again.
“Why is it that you haven’t given it up yet?” She uncrossed her arms and leaned forward.
“Because my country needs me. You don’t understand the situation we are in. Oldenburg is always at risk.”
“But why you? I’m certain your general himself doesn’t go out to every battle.”
“No, he doesn’t.” Marc shifted uncomfortably in his chair. She was too close to a truth he didn’t wish to see, a truth Kristoff had spoken of many times.
“You could stop whenever you wish. But you shouldn’t have to, not if you’re unready.” She pointed a finger down on the table. “What you’re not saying is you don’t want to stop.”
He now wanted to change the subject. She was right. He didn’t want to give it up. He couldn’t. Not yet. “I propose we tell Father that our arranged marriage is untimely, that we are not opposed but that we do need time to decide what is best for us. And I must arrange my duties—”
“I’m still not certain you will need to arrange your duties.” She searched his face. “And what will your father say?”
“I have no idea.”
Marc wanted her to do this only if she truly wished it. “Are you really ready to leave Wales? Leave Britain? Just because a will provides for you doesn’t mean you must accept the provision.”
He knew she had not been ready before their breakfast. The woman had almost run off again. Did he want a woman in the palace who was a danger to herself? But once she was in Oldenburg, she would be more his father’s responsibility. Father could worry about her running off.
“Uncle all but kicked me out.”
“He did, devil of a man, but he could be convinced to let you stay. And, of course, London is always open to you.”
She shuddered. “Never again. At least, not in the near future.”
“Then, you are prepared to come with us?” He stopped short of begging, but every part of him wished for her to agree.
“I think I am, if you don’t mind that I come.” Her sudden shyness surprised him.
“Mind?”
“Marc—”
