Page 36 of My Highland Fling
She cast her mind back.Was her father truly that harsh with the staff?Yes, the staff arrived and disappeared with great frequency.But surely her father wouldn’t stoop to outright murder?
Her mother appeared in the doorway.“Why are you dawdling?We must dress you for the online meeting with your intended in twenty minutes.”She stomped over to Gabrielle and gripped her forearm, her manicured fingernails digging in painfully hard.
“You’re hurting me.I can’t hide scratches on my forearms.”
Her mother released her with a disdainful sniff.Gabrielle had assumed her parents had loved her.It was now obvious they loved no one but themselves.
At five minutes to two, her mother and the guard escorted Gabrielle to the formal sitting room, where her parents greeted visitors on matters of state.
Her father turned from the huddle of staff and stalked over to them.“Let me look at you,” he ordered.
Gabrielle hesitated.
“Now,” he barked.
At her side, her mother flinched, so Gabrielle hurried to obey.The king nodded after prowling a circle around her.“Not bad.You’ll do.”An alarm rang, and her father stiffened.“You will speak with politeness when questioned, but let your mother and I do the talking.Is that clear?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Mr.Popov is ready for the meeting to begin,” Harold said.“Princess Gabrielle, please sit here.”
Gabrielle’s knees trembled, straining to hold her upright, but she forced herself forward and sat where Harold indicated.
“Smile,” her mother hissed in her ear as she slipped into the seat on Gabrielle’s right.
Her father sat to Gabrielle’s left.He didn’t glance her way, yet she was aware of his steely control and determination for this meeting to succeed.Her stomach roiled with nerves.She kept her head bowed and stared at her clasped hands.
“Good morning.”The man spoke in an accented voice.
Her mother pinched Gabrielle on the thigh.“Good morning, Mr.Popov.”Her ingratiating voice was loud enough to hide Gabrielle’s pained gasp.
“Mr.Popov, this is our daughter, Gabrielle,” the king said.
Gabrielle lifted her gaze.She had to cooperate and pretend this meeting was typical business.Adrik Popov was a similar age to her parents.He had a thick head of silver hair and piercing blue eyes.They held not a shred of warmth, but he regarded her like a prospective possession.Instinct told Gabrielle he’d behave cruelly should he decide the situation warranted.Heat raced through her body, her clothing suddenly too heavy.Too hot.Her mouth grew dry, and she swallowed to alleviate the problem.
“I’m pleased to meet you.Sir,” she added belatedly when her mother pinched her leg again.She couldn’t prevent hereepof surprise, the croakiness of her voice.
This time, her father spoke to hide Gabrielle’s distress.“We have organized the wedding for tomorrow.”
“Excellent,” Arik said.“I look forward to meeting you in person, Gabrielle.You will make a beautiful bride.”
Gabrielle blinked once, but Mr.Popov terminated the meeting before she could reply.
“Well,” her mother said.“At least he seems happy enough.”
“As long as he keeps his end of the bargain,” her father growled.He turned to the nearest guard.“Escort the princess to her room and make certain she doesn’t leave.”He rose and strolled away without a backward glance.
Her mother sniffed.“Speak up and take the initiative.Manners, child.No man enjoys a woman who resembles a wooden doll.”
“Yes, Mother.”Gabrielle rose and stalked toward the guard tasked with escorting her to her room.He opened the door for Gabrielle, and she sailed through.Her jaw clenched, and she held her head high, but inside fear stalked like a slobbering beast.Her last evening of freedom.
That night, she didn’t sleep.
Not that it showed the following day when she dressed in the wedding dress chosen by her mother.A makeup artist had applied her cosmetics and covered every bruise and the dark circles under her eyes.Gabrielle appeared dewy fresh and had never looked more beautiful.The groom who waited for her in the chapel should be Ramsay, not this older man.
Tears threatened, but she fought hard to save her war paint.She could do without her mother’s displeasure at her for ruining the makeup artist’s skilled work.
Her mother entered her bedroom.“Are you ready?”
