“Princess Estelle.” Edmond gives me a warm grin. “I would love to. Shall we?” He holds a hand out toward the balcony off to the side of the massive room.
I nearly lean into him. “What did you mean when you said you were with my brother in the end?”
His smile shifts into that look, the one from before. “He was betrayed by your father’s men. It was an assassination. He died in his bed, bled to death. You mustn’t reveal to anyone I have told you this. My only reason is so that you may see the danger you are in. I want to help you.”
A shiver runs across my bare arms. I suspect I have all the pieces of the puzzle, but am unable to see the picture. ”Does anyone else know this?”
He shakes his head. “I was in your brother’s tent, sleeping under his bed. We had drunk too much. I couldn’t so much as find my sword to defend him. I will wear this shame the remainder of my life. They took his body before anyone might conclude how it had happened.” His cheeks flush as the picture starts to fill in for me. Of course, he and my brother Henry—of course. I always knew that about Henry. He had liked boys since he was a small one. When he was older, he resigned himself to the fact he would have to marry, but he would always love men.
I watch his face for one more second, wondering if that was what I liked about him, his love of my brother.
My heart is tight and my mouth dry, but I manage a few words before we must leave this spot, “My father is forcing me to wed Prince Griffin and unite the kingdoms. He doesn’t intend to give you a chance at all.”
His dark-blue eyes sparkle to life. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying, Princess. Your betrothed murdered your brothers to make you heir. I’m sure of it. The King of the South used your father’s men to betray him and they mean to marry you to him. It’s my duty to warn you, though I fear it will do no good now. Both our armies are weak from the war and our kingdoms couldn’t afford a war with the South. Once you’re married to Prince Griffin, they will take my land and all the other kingdoms.”
My heart beats harder. “You must help me.”
“I will find an answer.”
“We could run.”
“Run?” His eyes narrow. “What would that do for your people or mine? Seven Rivers may not be a large kingdom, but my people expect me to rule when my father is gone. My brothers are mostly dead as are yours. Andrew and I are all that is left. We cannot run. Leave this with me, I will save you.”
He has honor. He is a good man.
I have never been envious of my brother, not for one day, but I do wonder how it would feel to have a man like Edmond love you. I savor one more second of the sense of safety Edmond gives me, before turning and making my way into the hall with my head held high. It is as fake as my smile.
My chest aches seeing the court of liars before me, but my self-pity is interrupted by my father’s voice booming across the great hall, “The sun is about to set. When the moon rises, the naming ceremony will begin. I welcome you all into my home and to our celebration. Please enjoy the refreshments and the evening as we name our future ruler!”
Everyone claps and beholds me. Suddenly Griffin is close, radiating in the attention we, as a couple, are receiving.
If only I had a sword.
Order the rest here - In the Fading Light
Other Books by Tara Brown
ROMANCE
The Serendipity Series
Fling Club
He Loves You Not
Blood and Bone
Blood and Bone
Sin and Swoon
Soul and Blade
The Puck Buddies Series
Puck Buddies
Bed Buddies
Baby Daddies
The Single Lady Spy Series
The End of Me
The End of Games
The End of Tomorrow
The End of Lies
The Lonely Duet
The Lonely
LOST BOY
Standalone novels
Ophelia
Castaways
My Side
The Long Way Home
For Love or Money
Lost in La La Land
Erotica
Sinderella
Beauty’s Beast
The Club
YA BOOKS
Stones of Amaria
Sword of Mist
Sword of Storms
Sword of Kings
Sword of Stone
The Roses Academy
Bane
Hyde
Witch
Death
Blackwater
Midnight Coven
Redeemers and Betrayers
The Royals Series
A Royal Pain
A Royal Affair
A Royal Wedding
Crimson Cove Mysteries Academy
Pretty Girls Die First
The Little Crimson Lies
Third Time’s a Charm
Four Crimson Corners
When The Lights Fade
The Born Series
Born
Born to Fight
Reborn
The Light Series
The Light of the World
The Four Horsemen
The End of Days
The Last City of Men Series
Imaginations
Duplicities
The Blood Trail Chronicles
Vengeance
Vanquished
Valiant
The Seventh Day Series
The Seventh Day
The Last Hour
The Earth’s End
Standalone YA
First Kiss
Sunder
In the Fading Light
The Reverse of Everything
About Me
I believe growing up in a really small town gives a person a little advantage when it comes to the imagination. You need one or you go mad.
Needless to say, mine saved me. After it got me into trouble first, that is. That's the problem with a vivid imagination, all the lies you tell.
According to my age, I am meant to be a responsible adult, but it isn't going well at all. I would still head off to Hogwarts tomorrow and I suspect there isn't a single wardrobe I haven't crept into, hoping to find the door to Narnia. And don't even get me started on the King's Road, I get lost.
Fortunately, I am an international bestseller so I have wormed my way into a quirky or eccentric category.
Thank God for that.
I am happily married with two daughters.
I have two giant dogs, two savage cats, and a penchant for a glass of red.
I am represented by Natalie Lakosil from the Bradford Literary Agency and am published traditionally with Montlake Romance and Skyscape Publishing.
https://www.tarabrownauthor.com
http://TaraBrown22.blogspot.com