Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 141385 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141385 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
He says nothing, merely pressing his lips together.
“As for her being, what was it? Suitable? That was what you said, yes?” She raises her eyebrows at Rosalyn, then continues. “There’s only one person qualified to decide who’s ‘suitable’ to be his wife, and that is Finley himself. You know full well that despite the agreement we made, Francesca and I were very much of the opinion that both Harriet and Finley would be allowed to marry whoever they wished.
“The arrangement between our families was little more than two best friends wishing their children might find happiness together. If that wasn’t in the cards for them, then so be it. I’m certainly not archaic enough to force my son into a marriage that doesn’t bring him peace or happiness. If that’s the impression my people have of their queen, then I’m doing a terrible job at carrying our country through this rapidly changing society.”
“Of course not, Your Majesty,” Rosalyn says quickly. “It’s just that—”
“I chose Harriet.”
Everyone’s gazes fall on me, each of them with a different emotion fixated my way. Pride, anger, frustration, jealousy.
“Nothing else matters,” I continue, ensuring my tone leaves no room for anyone to argue. “Other than my choice, and I chose Harriet. I choose Harriet. And let me be very clear—no matter what happens, I will always choose her.”
A slow smile teases the corners of my mother’s lips, and she sits back in her armchair, her tense features finally settling. The same can’t be said for the Sinclairs.
William’s expression is one of disbelief—and I know it’s not because he thinks I’m lying, but because he can’t quite believe what he’s hearing. Rosalyn’s is a thinly veiled anger, culminating in the clench of her jaw, and Jasmine’s is outright despair.
As if I’m shattering whatever little bit of hope she had left.
Good.
I hope she cuts herself on the pieces of her broken dreams.
I turn to her and incline my head. “I do apologise if I have ever given you the wrong impression about our relationship. That wasn’t my intention, and I acknowledge that I take full responsibility for any misunderstanding. I should have made my position regarding the marriage arrangements much clearer, much sooner, so please allow me to right that wrong.”
She swallows, bobbing her head.
“I do not have, nor have I ever had, any desire to marry you.”
Her eyes widen, and for the briefest of moments, I see it.
The real her, the one she keeps hidden behind her sweet-as-sugar persona. The vicious, manipulative edge that runs through her veins, ready to strike at any point.
The bitter, jealous vine of hatred she keeps reserved for Hattie.
It’s gone as quickly as it flared to life, and I must give her kudos. The woman is an incredible actress to keep such vehement emotions hidden.
“Nor will I ever wish to,” I finish. “The only woman I’ll marry in this lifetime is Harriet.”
Jasmine’s cheeks flame, but again, she says nothing. This is the quietest I’ve ever heard her, and that’s just how angry she is. I’ve just driven the final nail into her coffin, confirming her worst nightmare, and now she must do the thing she’s feared most.
The thing Harriet wants more than anything.
Jasmine must watch as Harriet lives the life she thought she’d have.
As my fiancée. As my wife. As the crown princess. As the future mother of this nation, as its queen. As she takes a place in history so few ever have or ever will.
And there isn’t a fucking thing she can do about it.
“Harriet’s official residence from this day forwards will be the Royal Palace,” my mother says, barely looking at Jasmine. “For their private lodgings, I am gifting them Markham Hall.”
I look at her.
That’s her favourite place in the world.
“Mother—”
“It is my hope that after a torrid time being ripped away from those who love her at such a young age, Harriet may find peace at Markham Hall. And, of course, within the walls of the palace.” She pauses, her gaze flitting between William and Rosalyn. “She will return to the Sinclair household when she is ready to collect her belongings—accompanied by some staff, of course. Needless to say, I expect her things to remain intact and untouched until she comes to collect them.”
William’s jaw clenches. “What are you insinuating, Your Majesty?”
“Do you need me to spell it out for you?” she replies dryly. When he doesn’t reply, she continues, “I thought not. Now, normally in a situation like this, I would be looking to discuss some form of compensation with you. Although one could argue that the official agreement between the Royal House and the Sinclair Family has been upheld given that the eldest Sinclair daughter is marrying the crown prince, it has come at a cost to your youngest daughter, which I fully acknowledge. As Finley said, he bears responsibility for that, and thus, so do I.”