Page 105 of Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards
Then, finally: “I grieved when your father died. And you… were a reminder of what I had lost. Of what I couldn’t have.” She lifted her chin slightly, her voice unwavering. “I cannot change how I feel or undo what I’ve done. But you can learn from my mistakes. Live the life you want, Lochlan. Not the one others have told you to live.”
Lochlan exhaled slowly, tension leaving his shoulders in a rush.
This was the most she had ever said to him, the most honesty she had ever given. And while it wasn’t enough—it would never be enough—at least it was real.
“I don’t care for you as I should,” she finally admitted. “That is a reflection of my choices and the way I have chosen to fulfill my duty, but it is not a reflection on you.”
Lochlan didn’t reply right away. He should be furious. But, once again, all he felt was empty. Maybe that was his answer: there really was nothing left for him here.
But Thane had seemed so desperate, so sure Lochlan could help.
“And what about Thane?” He ran a hand through his hair. “What about the kingdom?”
His mother studied him for a long moment before answering. “Thane is bound by duty and always has been. He will never stop trying to do what he believes is right.” A faint pause. “And he is right that the people will love you. But I do not believe anything you or he does now will be enough to turn the tide. Too many mistakes were made over the centuries. The monarchy neglected our outer provinces. Ignored calls for reform. Hoarded resources while others went without. We ruled as if loyalty was owed, not earned. The doubt and distrust my infidelity brought forth? That was merely the nail in the coffin.”
Lochlan frowned. “And if the kingdom falls?”
“It won’t fall—not truly,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “We may lose much of our remaining power, but we will still be royalty by blood.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Then why not step down graciously, on your own terms?”
Her lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Speak with your brother about that.”
Lavinia rose, the candlelight casting long shadows over her sharp features. Lochlan wasn’t sure what he saw in her expression—regret, finality, or something else entirely.
“You’ve changed since you left here. You’re stronger, now. I was concerned about your hasty marriage, but…”
“Because I married a witch?”
She shook her head.
“I don’t believe I have anything to worry about. Good luck with the ceremony tomorrow,” she said, smoothing the folds of her gown. “And good luck with your life, Lochlan.”
She hesitated, just for a breath. Then, softer, almost too quiet to catch— “Your father would be proud.”
Lochlan didn’t know what to say to that.
So he said nothing at all.
And as she walked away, he realized this was all the closure he would get. Not the kind that made amends or paved the way to the relationships and love he’d hoped for and craved.
But the kind that would finally allow him to leave Dover behind for good.
CHAPTER 34
Lochlan
“A LONG-AWAITED HEIR - WELCOME HOME PRINCE LOCHLAN!” —THE DOVER CENTENNIAL
Lochlan woke to a soft purr. His gaze fell to the sleek black cat curled against his side, its small frame rising and falling in steady rhythm, warm against the cool morning air. He exhaled slowly, letting the animal’s peaceful slumber soothe him.
He had slept restlessly.
His mother’s words still lingered in his mind. Live the life you want, Lochlan.
What did he want? He had an answer now, but this didn’t make saying it any easier.
A faint glint of light caught his eye: a scroll tucked neatly into the cat’s collar. With tired fingers, Lochlan untied the parchment. His chest tightened as he scanned the familiar, bold handwriting:
