Page 78 of Rook of Ruin
Nora winks at me. The stylists hand over white gloves to Nora and Finn, and they pick up the bottom of my dress, ensuring it doesn’t become dirty. We all walk through the castle until we reach the garden, where a large white cloth has been laid for me to walk down. The stylists retouch my rouge, fluff out the puddle of my gown, and quickly leave.
“O, if you should find yourself—if you need anything, I will help you.” Nora swallows nervously. “I will be here for you.”
I give her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine, Nora. Thank you for everything you have done. Finn, you as well. Thank you for finding me and bringing me home.”
They look at each other, and a flicker of something—regret maybe—passes between them.
Before I can ask, Finn mumbles, “You’re welcome.”
Lanterns light my way at dusk as the sky turns reddish and orange. My stomach is all nerves, and as I round the corner into the lavender garden, dimples greet me. Simon’s appearance practically takes my breath away, and I flash him a large smile. He is extremely handsome, dressed in an all-black suit, silver running throughout, similar to his leathers. His salt-and-pepper curly hair is styled similar to that of the ball, and his dark brown eyes shine as his dimples deepen.
“O,” he says breathlessly. “You look . . . so beautiful.” My heart leaps as he continues to stare at me. I’ve been judged, and I’m worthy. “I—O, I can’t even—you’re just so beautiful.”
I beam.
“Marry me,” Simon blurts out, and I grin. “I mean I had this whole speech, but then I saw you, and—” He takes a calming breath and kneels before me, his brown eyes full of nervous excitement. “Lady Orlaith Verlan, it would be my greatest honor if you would become my wife.”
“I will.” No hesitation. I laugh with Simon as he picks me up and twirls me around.
He sets me down and gazes into my eyes, realizing he forgot something. “This was supposed to be part of my speech, and I’m sorry. I just—you are stunning.” He blows out a breath, becoming visibly worried. “We have to be married tonight.”
“Tonight?” My brain is slow, and I doubt I heard him correctly. We will have at least a year to plan a wedding. I have people to tell . . . Tess, Paul, Zane—
“Tonight. Queen Inara has given her blessing, so we would leave tomorrow. I have orders to go back to Bethal, and you will be coming with me if you agree. Acros is preparing for war, and Bethal will aid Acros when called upon.”
“What?”What the fuck?Why tonight? I want to scream, turn around and run, but my feet are planted. I stare at him, barely breathing. The queen gave her blessing.He asked her before he asked me?
Simon pulls a hand through his hair. “I have to leave because my father needs me back. Those people who made the venom that poisoned you are the same people who have been attacking each kingdom, who went after your queen and my father. They are the same people who helped create the monsters that have been attacking villages. O, our kingdoms are seeking out allies from all over—that’s why the Baron is still here. If the King of Tynan will agree to a new treaty, we will finally be able to protect our kingdoms.”
Everything clicks in my mind. “Is—is that the only reason you want to marry me? So our allied kingdoms remain strong? It’s okay if that is the reason. I just need to know, Simon.”
“I care deeply for you—I never would have asked for your hand otherwise. I know you feel the same way, or you would have refused. Our kingdoms uniting is a benefit for our people, strengthening our bonds as we go to war. I want to be your husband. I want to spend my life with you. I vow to you, I will do everything to make you happy, and if you fall in love with me, all the better.”
My slow brain suddenly speeds up, the thoughts coming quicker and quicker. We are not a love match. He just admitted he does not love me but cares for me. Can I accept that? Wehave friendship and trust. Most marriages don’t have that. Can I live like this for my people? This is how I can help Acros in war. I care for Simon, but . . . I do not think it’s the love of a soulmate. My sister’s words hit me hard. If I am willing to die for Acros, I should be willing to marry for it too. Simon will try to do everything to make me happy. Can I do the same for him? Will I be happy? Something pulls in my mind, almost begging to be known, but nothing appears. Simon patiently awaits my answer, but panic is written on his brow.
“Yes. My answer is still yes.” I try so hard to genuinely smile. I’m doing this for my people. This is my choice. I choose us, and I will give him all of me.
He rewards me with dimples, then takes out a small velvet box, revealing a gorgeous gold ring encrusted with diamonds. In the middle is a diamond larger than any I have ever seen in my life. He slides it onto my finger and kisses my hand. Simon takes my hand as we walk past the lavender. He pauses and whistles, summoning a white carriage similar to the one he and I first took to the lake, but the best girl in the world is pulling it.
It puts a smile on my face, and my smile grows when I see Paul is the driver. Sal comes to a halt, and Paul hops down, bowing low. “Lady Verlan, may I have the honor of escorting you to your wedding?” I smile at Simon, and he beams at me.
“Don’t you dare bow to me you—you wonderful man.” I give Paul a hug. I missed him.
“I asked Paul to be the one to walk you down the aisle—another reason I wanted to have our wedding today. Your sister cannot attend but sends her deepest well wishes.” Simon grins. “You won, O. I met Paul.” Simon leans back on his heels and clasps his hands together nervously—he is trying to make me happy. I kiss his cheek and his dimples deepen. “Just wait for our first kiss.” Simon winks and walks off.
I look Paul over. He is wearing a black suit similar to Simon’s, and his blue-green eyes take me in. “You look gorgeous, O.”
“I know.” I laugh and lift my dress as he grins. Paul places me into the open two-seated carriage, careful of my white gown, before climbing up next to me and taking the reins. “Thank you for doing this.”
“Well, when a handsome prince asks for a favor, you oblige.” We laugh, then Paul clicks his mouth and flicks the reins, the carriage lurching forward. “I came home last night from my mission, and your prince sought me out this morning. Apparently he waited patiently for me . . . while I ate my breakfast.”
“Paul!” I hit him lightly on the shoulder. “I can’t believe you made him wait.”
“I wanted to see what kind of person he is. A man or a prince. A prince would have demanded I turn up immediately. He waited by the Locker and spoke to every Rook who went by, not in an information-gathering way, but more like he was just excited. Rather endearing. Then he asked me if I would be willing to step in for your sister. How could I pass up walking you down the aisle?” We grin like fools. “He’s interesting. I wish Tess could meet him.”
“I wish Tess were here,” I say softly.
“Me too.” Paul sighs. “Have you heard from her?”
