POV Luella
I stirred as maids arranged several stunning gowns across the chairs in my chambers. My dark hair was still tangled from sleep.
Another week of pretending everything feels right when it doesn't.
"Good morning, my lady," the head maid said softly. "His Highness Crown Prince Tobias sent these for your wardrobe. Shall we help you select something for breakfast?"
More gifts that feel planned instead of natural. "They're beautiful," I said, running my fingers over a deep emerald dress. "This one will do perfectly."
The maids helped me into the gown and arranged my hair before I made my way to the dining hall. Both princes were already seated when I entered. Tobias immediately stood with that perfect smile.
That practiced expression again. Does he ever have a genuine reaction to anything?
"You look absolutely radiant this morning," he said, pulling out my chair. "That shade of green brings out your eyes beautifully."
Another perfectly timed compliment. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."
I began eating, but my gaze kept drifting to Kyrell. He looked terrible—black hair disheveled, dark circles under his black eyes.
He looks like he spent the night drinking instead of sleeping.
"Wine," Kyrell suddenly demanded. "I want wine with my meal."
It's barely past dawn. Even for someone with his reputation, drinking this early seems wrong.
"Kyrell," Tobias said mildly, "it's early. Perhaps you could wait until later?"
"I don't care what time it is," Kyrell snapped. "I want wine now."
A maid hurried forward with a crystal goblet, her hands trembling. Kyrell drained it in one gulp and held it out for more.
The maid's terrified. What has he done to earn that level of fear?
"Well," Kyrell said after his second glass, "isn't this a cozy domestic scene. The perfect prince and his latest acquisition, playing house like good political pawns."
"Kyrell," Tobias warned, but his brother continued.
"Tell me, brother, does she perform other duties as enthusiastically as she plays the grateful bride? Or haven't you sampled the merchandise yet?"
Heat flooded my cheeks. The crudeness of it, the way he reduces me to something Tobias owns—
"I suppose we should be grateful you're keeping it in the family this time," Kyrell went on. "Though I wonder if she knows what she's really getting into. Does she know about your particular preferences when it comes to breaking in new acquisitions?"
Breaking in? What does that mean? And why does Tobias look so pale suddenly? What happened with previous women?
"That's enough," I said, standing abruptly. "I don't have to sit here and listen to this."
Kyrell's laugh followed me toward the door. "Oh, she has claws after all. How delightful. I was beginning to think you'd chosen another mindless ornament, brother."
Mindless ornament. Is that really what I am?
"Luella, wait," Tobias called, catching up with me in the corridor. His face was flushed with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry. His crude suggestions are just the ravings of a bitter drunk."
But you looked terrified when he mentioned your 'preferences.' There's truth in what he said, isn't there? "It's not your fault."
"I have business to attend to this morning, but if you need anything, come to me immediately."
Good. I need time alone to think.
I wandered through the castle corridors, past portraits of stern-faced kings and queens. Everything spoke of centuries of wealth and power.
This will all be mine someday if I survive long enough. But what exactly am I marrying into?
After long hours of walking through the castle, I found Celeste in the gardens, arranging flowers. "Tell me about the princes, Celeste. Really tell me. What are they like when no one's watching?"
I need to understand what I'm dealing with.
"Prince Tobias is everything you could hope for," she said immediately. "Intelligent, compassionate, fair. The staff adores him."
The same perfect description everyone gives. "And Prince Kyrell?"
Celeste's expression darkened. "He's been cruel for as long as I know. A drunk womanizer who enjoys making others miserable."
"Has he always been so cruel?"
Why do I care what made him this way?
"There are stories about his childhood, things that happened when he was young. He was different once, but over time he became withdrawn and bitter."
What things? Why won't anyone give me specifics about anything in this family?
"But honestly, my lady, whatever made him that way, he's dangerous now. Avoid him completely."
But he's the only one who sees through the lies. He says what everyone else is too scared to say.
Footsteps interrupted us. Tobias walked toward us with that perfect smile.
"I hoped I might find you here," he said, taking my hand. "I've just received word about the traditional combat trials. Visiting nobles demonstrate their skills. I thought you might like to know about them."
Finally. Something real. Something I'm actually good at. "That sounds perfect. I'd love to participate."
Tobias's smile faltered. Something flickered across his face—surprise? Disapproval?
Why does he look troubled? This should be good news.
"Are you certain? Combat trials can be quite... intense."
"I'm certain. I've been training since childhood."
"Of course." He paused, then forced his smile back. "We should discuss the details of your participation. Make sure everything is arranged properly."
He's not saying yes, but he's not saying no either. What's he really thinking? Does he not want me to participate for some reason?
As he spoke, I caught sight of someone watching from an upper window. Kyrell stood there, his black eyes fixed on us. Even from this distance, I could feel the intensity of his gaze.
And why does his attention affect me more than my own fiance's touch?