er

pleasant expression on my face, to hide the gnawing frustration that's slowly taking root inside me. My mother told me that she felt it inst

hat feels like an eternity, and I have

ows, his eyes bright with interest, but when our gazes meet-nothing. No spark, no sense of recognit

g the room, searching the faces of every man I pass. Maybe I've missed him. M

mething to happen. I'm waiting, too. But as the evening wears on, the we

me, but I recognize him as the second son of the king and queen of Oceana. His dark hair falls over his forehead, and there's an easy confidence in the way he stands,

e the other noblemen who keep trying to prove themselves to me. He's quiet, more reserv

n, but before I can reach him

am in his eye that immediately puts me on edge. He bows with exaggerated flourish, his golden hair catching t

ly as River, the Crown Pr

ng closer, "I can assure you, Princess, h

ack by his arroga

ne to waste time with, but let's be honest, Maerilee. You're the future queen of Altinna

to brush lightly against the small of my back. I resi

y, my voice dry. "You th

own Prince, after all. My kingdom is strong, prosperous, and I

listing his various achievements, all while managing to subtly imply that I'm

not like you're going to find anyone better

before. He's entitled, arrogant, and thinks the world should bend to his will just bec

y tone light, "while I appreciate your... c

y expecting some so

th a rock than tie myself to someo

e falter

ngdom is doing just fine, but I'd rather not spend another

response, simply head

i

musement stirs in my chest. Did she really just brush me off like that? Most girls would have been swooning by now, falling over themselves

as une

n, maybe. Most of the women I've encountered are so busy batting their eyelashes and hanging on my every word that they don't even realiz

idn't just call me out on it-she walked

res

ut chuckle under my breath. It's only a matter of time before she realizes what a mistake that is. My brother might seem intriguing to someone like her, all brooding and quiet, standin

credit. She's a lot s

ea of colors and wealth. The music plays on, and the hum of conversation fills the air.

be easily manipulated, which makes her all the more interesting. Shame she's not

o him, she'll realize he's nothing special. He might have the looks, but that's about it. He's too serious, too

se in getting worked up over this. If she wants to waste her time with him, that's her mistake. I'll be here

to waste the rest of the evening. There are plenty of other women here who would be more than happy to entertain me for the night. After all, the ball

She's slender, with wide, innocent eyes and a soft smile. The kind of girl who looks up at you with wonder, who believes every compliment you feed her

She'l

, completely unaware that she's already been chosen. There's something satisfying about

often I get to witness my brother make a fool of himself in real-time, and I'd hate to mis