Page 32 of Castor
“Because you’re the son of Ryujin. Our father caused this conflict, and as his son, you will end it. It wouldn’t be as significant if one of my sons did it in your place. You will unite us with the ice kingdom by marrying one of them.”
Weird how my first thought was of Castor. His red hair, green eyes, and cocky smile that drove me crazy. His hands that knew all the right places on my body.
“No.” I shook my head and backed away from him, my eyes stinging. “I won’t do it.”
“So you would let our clans fall back into war?” Tatsuya raised his voice, and with it, the flames in his eyes burned brighter. “Stop being a child, Kyo. I’m not saying you have to love Warrin. But youwillmarry him. It has already been arranged.”
“You said you would never force me.” My voice shook with an anger I could barely repress.
Tatsuya looked sympathetic before reverting back to his stern expression. “I said I would never force you to marry a female and have children. Warrin shares your preference for men, so when Nikolai proposed the idea, I agreed. There is no better match for you.”
“Shouldn’t I be the one to decide that?” I asked, my voice breaking. “I don’t even know him, Tatsuya.”
“I didn’t know several of my wives before our wedding day. But I did what needed to be done. Royals are held to a higher standard than everyone else. You make sacrifices so that your people can survive. It’s the way it’s always been.”
“Well, it’s bullshit.” My anger burned white-hot. I wanted to punch something. Set something on fire. Or scream until my throat bled.
“The wedding is in December, coinciding with the winter solstice. The ice clan considers it a great honor to be wed on that day. They wish for this marriage to work, just like I do, and are putting forth effort to make it so.”
“How kind of them,” I said, gritting my teeth.
He ignored my sarcasm. “If you desire it, you and Warrin will be able to meet beforehand on any day of your choosing. I’ve heard he is quiet but very handsome. Strong. He’s the best swordsmen in their clan.”
“I don’t fucking care!” I snapped, finally losing it. “I want nothing to do with him. And if you really think you can make me marry him, you’re a goddamn idiot.”
Tatsuya backhanded me across the face so hard it jerked my head to side. “You will not speak to me in that way. I understand that you’re angry, but do not forget I am your king.”
The backs of my eyes burned, and my throat tightened. “Don’t make me do this, Tatsuya. Please.”
Softness touched the hard set of his brow. “I wish things could be different, Kyo. I truly do. But as the only remaining son of Ryujin who isn’t yet wed, it has to be you. You’ve already told me you don’t have anyone special in your life, so it’s not as though I’m denying you the one you love by forcing you to marry another.”
“What if I did have someone else?”
Surprise crossed his face. “Do you?”
Castor entered my mind again. His smile. How the deep green of his eyes sparkled like rare gems.
“No,” I said, averting my eyes to the porch steps. Amazing sex didn’t mean I wanted anything more with the Nephilim.
“This doesn’t have to be as bad as you’re making it out to be,” Tatsuya said. “I know your view on marriage, but I ask that you keep an open mind. Warrin might surprise you.”
The only thing that surprised me right then was how I managed to keep from punching my brother.
“I should also remind you,” he continued, “Your appearance in the underworld nearly threw us into a war with the demons. Coming to terms with this marriage, not fighting me on it, is the least you can do to make it up to me.”
I couldn’t really argue with him there.
Tatsuya got into his car and backed out of the driveway. I watched until his car faded from sight before hanging my head and rubbing at the back of my neck. My muscles were suddenly tight, and my nerves were frayed.
In roughly four months, I’d have to marry a complete stranger. A stranger who belonged to a clan that had hated the water dragons for hundreds of years.
It wasn’t the end of the world… but it kind of felt like it as I sat on the porch watching the sunset, knowing everything I had ever known was about to change.
My phone vibrated with a text.
Red:You coming to the club tonight??
More than ever, I needed a distraction.
