Caught Between Two Princes

2018, December 2nd

Zoey hailed from the small town Rosa.

As anyone from Rosa would tell you, the only thing more mundane than Rosa itself was its people. Quaint, little suburbs. One book store. One coffee shop. One everything, ensuring that everyone knew each other. Rosa was what the set of a suburban utopia might look like.

That's what Zoey liked about the place though. Everything flowed like clockwork. Nothing ever changed. Bookish, nerdy Zoey liked her predictable life just fine.

How could she have known that the simple act of opening the mailbox would change all that?

Everything was different after Zoey was handed her mail that day. The world seemed turned on its head. Broken as though in the pieces that the earth came together during the time of creation. And yet, somehow even as it spun on, it spun differently.

With her pretty face and messy curls often hidden behind a book, Zoey grew up a mere commoner. No different to most women in Terres, Somnia. Having always considered herself average in every way, it surprised her to find that she was not.

That she was the granddaughter of an earl who lived abroad was not news to Zoey. Save for the cheque that came in the mail every month, however, that connection was a distant one. Zoey never felt the weight of it.

So when the news of Duke Arden being her father reached her, the young woman had many questions.

"You've spent 23 years avoiding this conversation, mom. Well, not today," Zoey said, handing her mother the letter.

She stood towering over her mom with her hands on her hips. Natalie sat at the kitchen table, sorting through bills. A glance at the letter was enough to educate Natalie.

"Out with it," Zoey insisted through pursed lips.

"Okay," Natalie conceded, gesturing for her daughter to take a seat, which Zoey did.

"When I was about your age, I got involved with the son of a duke. Word got out and the whole thing blew up. Turns out, he was engaged. It turned into a huge scandal. He ended it, but by then I was already pregnant with you. Disgusted with my shameful dalliance, the great Earl Michael Ranger shipped me off to Rosa. A small town where no one would ever know of my connection to the house of Ranger. I had no choice but to accept, as with the move came a monthly allowance which I used to raise you."

The constant fighting between Natalie and Grandpa Michael finally made sense. Zoey just sat there, taking it all in.

"I never imagined he would cut us off," Natalie sighed, picking up a bunch of bills only to throw them back down onto the table in frustration.

As she took a close look at the letter, a glint appeared in Natalie's eye. In it, Duke Arden had promised a handsome sum for a meeting with Zoey.

Zoey, at a loss for what else to say, was about to respond with sympathetic words when Natalie spoke again. The mood went from sombre to sour in seconds.

"You have to do it," Natalie said, jumping at the opportunity.

Zoey could not see herself entertaining the idea even for a moment.

"You were raised as a noblewoman. Where's your pride?" Zoey spat out.

"I gave it up the day I had you," said Natalie with a soft smile. "We need the money, Zo."

Zoey couldn't stand the idea of needing anything from him. She turned on her heel, walked to her room and slammed the door behind her.

Half an hour later, Zoey was lying on her bed with a book. Having read the same page five times now, she sighed. Who was she to talk about pride? Deep down, Zoey longed to see him. Only to tell him off, of course. With any luck, he had a belly and a pretentious moustache. Besides, maybe some time away from her mom and her complicated relationship with Grandpa Michael was exactly what she needed.

When her halfbrother Bart came for her a few days later, Zoey found herself at a loss for words. Fortunately for her, Bart talked little. The drive up to Caines happened in an old yellow mustang in mint condition.

The scenery turned from houses to skyscrapers to empty stretches of road. Zoey stared out the window, trying to sort through what was happening.

By the end of the 16hour drive, she had concluded only two things. One was that they needed money. The second was that this perfect stranger whom she had only known about for a day, would give it to her. The questions in her mind went away, but for two. Could she give him what he wanted in exchange for said money? Was Zoey ready to meet the father who abandoned her and her mother?

It was dark when they got to the huge, imposing mansion. Regardless, it was impossible to miss the armed men stationed at every corner as Bart showed Zoey to a room. Bart told her to be up by five, after which he closed the door on her. The room was as big as the entire upstairs combined of the twostory house Zoey had lived in all her life.

Much like what little of the rest of the house she could make out, the furnishings were loud and arrogant. The way the room came together made Zoey feel, for the first time in her life, the depth of her loneliness.

There were no friends to call, no mom to comfort her and no way to know that she even existed in the world. Zoey threw herself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling until the darkest hour of the night. Too numb to cry, wondering how she'd allowed herself to become so alone.

At exactly 5 AM the next day, a string of women streamed into the room. All talking over each other, all but carrying Zoey to the dressing table like a doll. That morning was a cold day which was bound to bring snow.

Zoey let the words pass right by her as the women gossiped. Now and then they'd say something about The King's Fancy. Stylists and hairdressers and Zoey knew not what else started bustling around her. Pulling at her hair and sticking brushes in her face.

She meant to tell them to stop, but no words came out of her mouth. Still feeling drained from all the surprises of yesterday, Zoey gave up and let her mind wander.

She missed being in a lecture hall, filled with perfect strangers. They expected nothing from her but silence so that they could all attend their lecture. She missed her boring, predictable life. Already she felt so far from it. Like this was always her life and that had been the dream. But that was absurd, of course.

She was only here to pick up a check, tell the duke off and hope never to see him again. As the denial began to give way, Zoey stared at the mirror before her. She was disappearing, bit by bit, right before her eyes.

Don’t think of it. She could barely believe herself to be sitting upright in this chair. Do not think about it. Do not wonder how he looks. Stop thinking altogether. She knew it was him the moment he entered her room.

The duke did not have a round belly. He was a tall man, not as tall as Bart, but still a giant of a man with a dignified presence and a handsome face.

The years had been kind to him. He walked well. Zoey hated how he seemed to do everything well. She drew a breath and braced herself as everyone in the room bowed. The duke glanced disinterestedly at the hired help. Zoey heard his heavy footsteps as he came to stand behind her. He stopped, held her gaze in the mirror a second longer than she could bear and then marched off without a word.

Zoey exhaled, followed by everyone else. Her mind, wherever it had been when she met his gaze, was back in that room.

"Do not allow His Grace to alarm My Lady," said the woman sticking pins into Zoey's hair. "Been that way since the day I got here."

Zoey tried to turn, but the woman steered her forward again.

"Almost done, My Lady," she said in a soft tone.

"Yes, we'll make sure you are a vision for the prince," hummed one of the other women, as she painted Zoey's nails.

"Excuse me?" Zoey asked, confused.

The hairstylist gave the manicurist a look, who then snapped her mouth shut. Now Zoey was curious. Where exactly were they going? She received no information at all.

The King's Fancy was the most important day on the calendar in Caines. This brunch had become the event of the year.

On this day, business deals were made and people spread rumours that would turn into scandals. But this year, The King's Fancy was more than that. On this day, King Henry and his cousin, Duke George Arden had to meet. For this year, The King's Fancy would change the very nation.

"Come on then," said a subdued Bart.

Zoey looked to her right. Even more dashing than yesterday when he came to pick her up was Bart. Her brand new halfbrother, all 6'6" of him, standing tall in his tux. He was arguably the tallest person Zoey had ever known. Not that she knew any young men. Those brilliant, dark blue eyes put you at ease and on alert all at once.

His athletic build combined with his stature could not but overwhelm her. And though she knew he was only 19, he hardly looked it. Hardly sounded it as he took call after call on the drive to Caines.

All she had to worry about at his age was getting into her hometown university, The University of Rosa. She could not believe that Bart, somewhat standoffish but ultimately well put together, was Duke Arden's son. Her thoughts turned to Rosa and her mother whom she had left behind. Her mother, who despite herself, loved Zoey. Present circumstances notwithstanding, Zoey thought how her mother's presence might have been comforting.

Bart gave her a half smile that made his stern eyes soften, but for a moment, as she took the hand he offered her.

"Stay with me at all times today," Bart ordered in an authoritative voice that did not suit his youth.

He was only 19 for goodness sake. Just the same, he had banished any thoughts Zoey had of asking where they were going.

"My Lord."

Zoey bowed awkwardly.

He sighed.

"And quit that. We are the Houseare House of Arden. We bow to no one."

Zoey knew little about polite society, but even nobles bowed to the king. Didn't they? She shook her head. Now was the time to ask, before something else overwhelmed her.

"Where are we going?" she asked, as Bart hurried them down the stairs and into the limousine where his parents awaited them.

That same eerie silence from the night before enveloped her. The luxury car was like a tomb. Speech seemed forbidden. Zoey's eyes landed on Duke Arden.

"Stop staring!" Duchess Arden snapped.

Zoey looked down immediately.

Duchess Arden gave Zoey a once over, then looked away with another snort. No one seemed particularly interested in anyone else. They might have been in a vehicle of comfort, but Zoey had had more pleasant experiences riding the bus.

All alone again with her thoughts. How could her mother have done this to her? Why could she not hold her tongue when Grandfather was concerned? All they ever did was fight about the same things anyway. He wanted her to work for him and she continuously refused him. Proud people they were, still holding onto something that happened twentythree years ago.

Did she not know what this would do to Zoey's plans? If she was accepted as a PhD student at the University of Rosa, they would assign her an advisor for her book next month. Did she not know how the duke had no room for her?

Zoey scrubbed this last thought from her brain.

Silence was an old friend to Zoey. Unfortunately for her, it was all but quiet in her head. Duke Arden had asked for a meeting. She hoped that this would not take long.

Emotion clouded her judgement yesterday, but now something seemed amiss. If Duke Arden intended for them to talk, why bother having her dressed up like this? Better still, where were they going? What the hell was going on?

Get out! Her mind screamed. Danger! It told her, as her eyes darted back and forth between three pairs of frosty, disinterested ones.

Upon arrival at The King's Fancy, Zoey was astounded at the sheer volume of people, all dressed to the nines. Yes, this was definitely bigger than a picnic.

Tables topped with white tablecloths and delicious foods lined the riverbanks. The seating would offer a spectacular view of the shimmering blue river. Its surrounding trees and hills. It was truly a beautiful place. Zoey imagined it might be even more so when all the people had cleared out and it was quiet. The irony of her wishing for the same silence she could not stand moments ago was not lost on her.

They announced the royal family as the House of Arden made their way to the last empty table.

The Ardens received scowls and grimaces from everyone. Undeterred, the men of the house only hastened the women to their seats. They were eager to get past the pleasantries and move on to the business that they had come to The King's Fancy for.

The history between the cousins was a volatile one known to all. Duke Arden last attended The King's Fancy five years ago, after the king's coronation. He would have disappointed King Henry again today, but they had an urgent matter to settle.

King Henry came to power by the lastminute decree of an heirless King Maximus. King Henry had enjoyed a precarious reign. Owing to his being crowned king instead of his longtime rival, Duke George Arden.

Years of awaiting King Maximus' choice of heir left Terres Somnia divided. The Ardens were still hailed by many as the royal family that should have been.

Support for the Ardens was so fierce five years ago, that King Henry the threat of civil war still lingered. The business between King Henry and Duke Arden was a matter of urgency indeed.

Families had come in all their grandeur and splendour. They offered the royal family gifts and flattered them to the best of their ability. They would then go back and find other friends and acquaintances to pay similar respects to. A good many of them looked ready to leave by the end of the first half hour. But stay they did, as stay they must.

How far removed the Arden and Condor family trees were from each other was debatable. Lengthy discussions about the matter could span hours.

Sometime after the coronation, Duke Arden attempted to dethrone King Henry. The house of Condor's claim to the throne was called into question. This did not take, but the two men had been at each other's throats ever since. Until at last, they came up with a compromise.

King Henry dismissed all others as the House of Arden approached the royal table. This greeting would take a good deal of time.

"My Lord," was all Duke Arden offered.

King Henry smiled.

"How are you, dear cousin?"

"I am not here to make small talk, Henry. I'm here, at your request, to settle the matter," said Duke Arden.

Duke Arden was short with King Henry, which brought the latter more displeasure than he liked.

But it was seen for only a moment. A small change in the face only evident to those paying attention. Queen Mary hadn't been or at least pretended she hadn't been, as she expressed displeasure of her own.

"How untoward. Is this to be how you would form such an alliance? We have not even had the opportunity to say hello," said Queen Mary.

With these words, Queen Mary gave a meaningful look to Zoey, whose knees promptly buckled.

Zoey was not a woman easily unnerved, but something was afoot here and she felt she had something to do with it. And although she knew not what, she could not stop the bad feeling from settling in the pit of her stomach. She might have fainted under the queen’s scrutiny, had it not been for her brother's hand on her arm. He gave her a tight squeeze. Her eyes darted to his face, and she glared.

With an eyebrow raised, Bart said, "Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Lady Zoey from the House of Arden."

Queen Mary looked Zoey over as King Henry and Duke Arden continued a silent conversation. The men were locked in a competitive glare as though to stare each other to death.

"I suppose she must do, being that you have no legitimate daughter, born and bred as noble," Queen Mary said, after observing Zoey for several moments.

At this, Duchess Arden started. It was in her nature to see red, but Queen Mary had offended the duchess enough that she might be ash any moment. How dare Mary insult the House of Arden? How dare she mock her for not knowing of the existence of George's love child? Mary, who had herself—

"Then it is done," said King Henry, interrupting Duchess Arden's thoughts.

"Not quite. What about your side? She is my only daughter. I should hope you would pay me the courtesy of presenting to me the man whom you would have me wed her to. Preferably prior to such an engagement," said Duke Arden.

The duke said this equally, without emotion. It was perhaps for this reason that it took Zoey a moment to understand. And when her brain did once again function, she spat out the word engagement like every syllable was a hot coal.

Not too far away, lurking in the shadows, Prince Aaron beheld Zoey. The shadows were not a place he was accustomed to, but this morning it suited his purposes. He watched her go from excited, to hushed, then pale. This amused him. The whole thing did really. He, married to this commoner, who could barely keep herself upright before Queen Mary? His father truly must be in fear for his throne, perhaps even for his life.

"Insolent child!" Duchess Arden exclaimed.

"Forgive my sister, Your Majesty. She is not accustomed to noble society," said Bart.

Bart's apology was swift and elegant, as though practised.

"It's true, Lady Zoey only came to us yesterday," Duke Arden added.

Zoey's head spun. Did this man who deemed it appropriate to call himself her father, just apologise for her?

But wait, that wasn't what was important. They had said engagement, had they not? Should she ask? Who was it that had said the words?

King Henry gave a nervous chuckle and said, "Think nothing of it."

"One might hardly expect anything less," Her Majesty quipped. "If nothing else, she is at least pretty and pretty is all she needs to be."

Wait, wait, wait! Stop! Everyone, slow down a bit. Why had she been brought here? Why were they speaking of her, but not to her? Why would the words they were saying, though crystal clear, not make any sense?

2019, March 4th

It seemed it had been pouring summer rain for months. In truth, it began only yesterday. Lady Zoey Arden's world had come together at last. Only yesterday he looked upon her as though nothing and no one could take him from her. Regardless of all the terrible things happening in the world, she could not but be happy. He had opened up her heart and not just for himself, but for everyone around her.

She would mend fences with her father, if only for the sake of the wedding. Her new life had given Zoey something she had never had before. Two somethings. A brother and a best friend. Bart held her hand as she stumbled through every situation since she arrived in Caines. She wanted to be useful to him. This marriage would remove the burden of the Arden claim to the throne from Bart's shoulders.

Knowing this made Zoey all the merrier that things had worked out for her and Aaron. After all, marriage was a sacred thing. This union had the power to change many lives but would define hers and Aaron's.

Smiling to herself, Zoey even contrived to be less sullen to Duchess Arden. For the present, she must remain the Duchess as Zoey could not yet spare her the kindness of endearment.

Lying on her bed, getting ready to call her mother, how was she to know that her life was about to change again? Zoey rolled over to smell the red roses on her bedside table. Aaron, her fiance, had had them sent over yesterday. The word fiance still made Zoey giddy.

As Zoey got lost in thought, Bart burst into her room, shut the laptop and grabbed her phone.

"Hey! I was about to call my mom," she complained.

His eyes gave way to something she had yet to see in them. Those ever problemsolving eyes. Zoey didn't know what it was, but she found it unsettling.

"Pack for a few days. I have to get you out of here."

He was stern and his tone, though always somewhat imposing, now held urgency in it. She grabbed at his sleeve.

"What is it? What's wrong Bart?"

"Now Zo!" he yelled, marching over to her window to close the curtains.

She jumped up and started packing. Moments later, Duke Arden thundered up the stairs. Heavy feet walked the hallway leading to the door of her room.

"What is this!" Duke Arden boomed.

He shoved his tablet into Zoey's hands. She looked down at the headline.

Heated Royal Elevator Kiss.

Zoey was dumbstruck. She scrolled down hastily. They had been careful not to display affection in public. This couldn't be. Her mind was racing. When had they been this negligent and how much trouble would this commotion stir?

Then she saw it and her heart stopped. Her brain stopped trying to pinpoint the moment the photo was taken. It was the last thing she wanted to know. She felt Bart's thumbs on her cheeks and heard the whoosh of a sigh leave his body.

"We have to go Zo," Bart said, more gently this time as he wiped away the tears.

"Go?" Duke Arden started. "After causing such an uproar you would have her run off somewhere? She must issue a public apology for making such as spectacle—"

"She must do nothing," Bart interrupted.

Bart's tone was firm. He did not usually speak to his father this way.

Then again, Duke Arden did not know what he thought he knew. And Bart, himself enraged, had only enough patience to be swift.

She would want some time and she would not get it here. He hardly knew how they would spin this one, but this he could do for her. He could buy her some time.

It was over for them and Bart would not let her think otherwise a second time. Not when he had gone against his instincts the first time and allowed her to be swayed.

Zoey heard them going back and forth about what to do, but she couldn't move. Had Aaron done this? On the night of their engagement?

She knew there wasn't time for this, but all she could do was fall apart. It hit her what he had done once more and she wished that she could unknow it.

"We're leaving. Forgive me, father," Bart said in parting, having finished the packing.

"I cannot understand you. This isn't like you at all. They are getting married. It's the 21st century. This may cause some embarrassment, but people will understand. You are being too protective."

"If you do think so, then you must truly not understand. She will be safe, this I promise you."

Bart took Zoey's hand and led her through the hallways she had now become accustomed to. Down the endless staircase and past his mother, who had no doubt come to the same conclusion his father had. There was no time. He would reveal it to them later, or someone would. Right now, they had to go.

(Elsewhere in Caines)

Forest green eyes. Soft, jetblack hair. A body made to look good in anything and a face chiselled by a higher power. These were the attributes of Duke James Beaumont. When he walked into a room, he made it difficult not to stare.

Add to this his fortune and it was no wonder Duke Beaumont was wellliked, despite not liking many people.

James could afford this luxury. Corporations from around the world knocked on his door in want of doing business with Copia. Famed for being a separate entity from the crown, Copia's people wanted for nothing. What they could not make themselves, they imported. That was the extent to which Copia had allowed anything past its borders in the last five years.

Newly a duke at age 26, His Grace's mother, Lady Cassandra Beaumont, was adamant that he marry. To her delight, he agreed.

He allowed himself to be confident that he might have Lady Emily Maine as his wife. The couple had gotten engaged. Despite her father needing persuasion, after seven years of friendship, it finally happened.

James convinced himself that this was his due. Now titled, he was her family's equal. His rival had proposed to another woman. This meant that they were in the clear and he might at last love whomever he wanted. How wrong he had been.

He knew the whole of it without needing confirmation. James Beaumont was such a sort of man. Though he could hardly predict how people would behave, rarely surprised by them.

James stared at the monitor, looking at the title millions had read by now. As he scrutinised the photograph everyone had seen by now, James felt his heart break one more time. It was so familiar a sensation that he almost didn't feel it anymore. Or maybe he deceived himself into thinking so. He didn't know.

He knew only what he saw. Caught in the embrace of the engaged Prince Aaron. Their lips were locked. The photo captured her in a coat. It was nighttime. Aaron's body and dishevelled clothes covered her. The lighting in the elevator was poor. These factors contributed to the woman in the photo being mistaken for Lady Zoey Arden. James knew better. He would know Emily anywhere.

Both women were blonde, attending a masquerade ball. It wasn’t such a stretch. Besides, who could imagine them doing something so stupid at Aaron's engagement ball?

James understood all too well what would happen now. The houses of Arden and Condor were already on poor terms. The House of Arden must know about the prince's betrayal by now or soon would.

It would be all about reaction and politics and the dormant feud flaring back up between the two houses. And they were both, King Henry and Duke Arden, merciless men.

Terres Somnia's darkest hour might come soon after all and there might be war. How could Aaron be this reckless? Couldn't he at least have been discreet if he had to revert to a past hubris at such a crucial time?

With one more sip of whiskey to wash down the heartache, James called for his car. He had to leave before his father found him and tried to manipulate him. He knew about the scandal that had resulted in Aaron's fiancee being born the bastard child of Duke Arden. Having been labelled a bastard before, James thought of the girl from Rosa. She would not be treated kindly.

He remembered how he'd spent his childhood being hidden away by his parents. Only to have to go on the run five years ago when The King's Guard came after him and his mother. He recently reemerged into noble society. That too, not as his father's son, but as the infamous Duke of Copia.

With his grandfather Duke Byron's death, James came back under his mother's maiden name. He risked his now peaceful life to do so. He had done this for Emily. She who had long held his heart. Had he then not enough of hers to prevent this?

She claimed to always love him, but things were always somewhat up in the air between her and Aaron. Still, James had let go of his reservations. In return, she betrayed him.

As he drove down the quiet streets of Caines, he thought about her again. This girl whose golden locks smelled of her innocence. James met Zoey at CC's last birthday ball. And though he was spoken for, he was only a man. There was no denying her beauty.

As time went on and James caught up with Aaron, it became clear that Aaron intended to marry Zoey. Unusual as it was for Aaron to take orders, he seemed so taken with her. James was certain he had let go of his attachment to Emily. How idiotic of him, to make plans for a life based on Aaron's words instead of his actions.

Zoey's big, round, bright, sparkling hazel eyes lit up by her smile would not leave him.

Then suddenly, they were before him again. She was staring out the window of a car in the lane next to his. Her eyes filled to the brim with tears and devastation. They looked as he felt. Life on the run had taught him that his survival had to come first, but the urge to protect was strong as he looked at her.

It was like looking in a mirror. In a moment, he went mad. Being in the public eye would wreck his mother. He didn't need to be part of this war. To disappear again was wise. Yes, it made no sense and yet he could not stop the impulse to stop hiding and help her.

James told himself he was out of his mind as he cut the other car off on the quiet streets of Caines. Zoey started. Bart glared and even bared his teeth in a low, threatening growl.

And if James hadn't had the night he had had, seen the things he had seen, he might've turned back and gone home to pack. But he had seen the fruits of his faith in Aaron and Emily. He had laid eyes on her again. Those innocent eyes would haunt him forever if he didn't get out of the car.

He meant to be thinking of Emily, but Emily's face now brought him pain. Was it so bad that the girl in front of him quieted the dull ache in his heart?

Cautious not to make any sudden moves, he got out of the car and raised his hands in the air as if in surrender.

"Move Beaumont!" Bart yelled, sticking his head out of the window.

The words may as well not have been said, because he was looking at only her. This time she looked back too.

Their eyes met and in a moment Zoey's body heated up. She'd been cold, numbed by the image of Aaron kissing another woman. More than kissing for all she knew.

Those greener than green eyes drew her in until there was nothing but him. His pain, his anguish. They were all so familiar. It comforted her.

When Zoey looked away, James found he could speak again. Bartholomew, being privy to the details of James' upbringing, was justified in his suspicion. James' mouth moved on its own.

"I wish to speak to the lady if she will allow it," said James.

"This is neither the time nor the place, Beaumont. The lady—"

"Will speak with you," she whispered, almost too softly to be heard.

Still, James heard. So focused was he on her. Bart drew his fingers through his hair as he contemplated what to do. He gave Zoey a look before he got out of the car and went over to her side of the car to open her door.

"Five minutes," Bart said to James as he watched Zoey walk over to James' car.

Bart turned his head to his sister.

"I will be right here," Bart promised, folding his arms and leaning against the hood of his car.

Zoey smiled at him and nodded. Why Duke Beaumont wanted to talk to her was another puzzle to be added to the mystery that was him.

After some hesitation, Zoey got into James' car. It wasn't that they were acquaintances at best that unsettled her. It was how familiar he continued to seem despite it. This thought nagged at her.

"What is it you wish to discuss?" she asked.

It snuck up on her. Perhaps she had made a poor decision agreeing to speak with him. The familiar feeling was almost painful.

What was James doing? Even he didn't entirely know. This was new for him. James Beaumont knew which companies he wanted to do business with. What clothes he would buy when he walked into a store. He knew how to solve a problem before it had been reported to him. What he didn't know was what he was doing in a car with Aaron's fiancee. Especially on a night like tonight, when they were both sure to be missed.

He watched her fidget. She played with her fingers, looking for all the world like she would burst into tears at any moment. For the second time in his life and that night, James' mouth worked faster than his brain.

"Marry me."

The words came out, and he wished them unsaid the next moment. Her large, vulnerable, hazel eyes grew even bigger.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?"

The words continued to flow, as though without permission.

"Marry me tonight," he said, "and I will protect you."

2018, December 4th

"Are you people out of your minds?" Zoey couldn't stop herself from yelling.

"I met the lot of you two days ago," she sucked in a muchneeded breath. "Now you want me to marry some dude I have never even met?"

His Grace raised his hand in dismissal and said, "You are of the House of Arden and you will accept the prince's hand. There will be no discussion on the matter."

Duke Arden, however, was not accustomed to Zoey's temper.

"The hell I will! You know what? How about you keep your money and I keep my hand and we call it even? Cool? Dandy."

She stormed off, well aware that she was bound to get lost in the mansion and not caring at all.

"Why that little... You come back here this instant!" Duchess Arden shrieked.

"She seems to have the right idea," Bart said with a shrug, fishing his keys out of his pocket.

"She shouldn't be having any ideas and neither should you. We do not have the luxury of her throwing a tantrum right now. His Majesty and His Highness will be visiting soon," said the duke.

The lack of gentility displayed by Zoey soon turned the duke's annoyance into anger.

"Ready the Lady Zoey!" He bellowed. "She must be presentable for the visit."

The butler and the maids scattered in search of the lady in question. The place was hardly small and she not knowing her way about it would not help their chances of discovering her.

"The nerve of the man! Does he want to meet me? No! After 23 years, he doesn't want to get to know his only daughter. He wants to use me, as he did with mom. Silly me, thinking it might be different with me," Zoey ranted.

Storming down an unknown hallway, Zoey felt a tug on her hand. She found herself in a room furnished in an arrogant, immoderate style, much like her own. It was well kept, though she could find no evidence of it being in use.

While she examined the room, someone had been watching her. Recalling that she had been brought here, Zoey sought the unknown entity. She spun around and lost her balance. He caught her just as she might have fallen. Her eyes widened as he did, the warmth of his hands seeping through onto the skin of her arms.

"Shush!" he hissed, wrapping his left arm around her waist while covering her mouth with his right hand.

A wink and grin seductively spreading across his face followed. The voices that hit her ears next made her stifle a protest.

"Lady Zoey, Lady Zoey" echoed the maids.

"We require your presence. Please say if you can hear us," the butler, Thomas said, his prudent voice giving way to agitation.

"You're a wanted woman, Lady Zoey," the handsome stranger whispered.

His hand withdrew from her mouth, but without missing a beat, his eyes and lips soon neared hers.

Zoey was a smart woman. She excelled in any endeavour she took on. Unfortunately, Zoey had never taken on dating. Despite ample interest from many suitors, Zoey always seemed to run from the idea. No man, be he handsome or smart or funny, had ever captured her interest. Until now.

Those alluring, oceanblue, naughty eyes held hers. Nervously searching for elsewhere to look, she found nothing was safe. His long, sandybrown hair neatly combed into place made her want to make a mess of it. The way his arm enveloped her waist made her want to take a step closer, to curve the rest of her to him. Even his suit wasn't safe. His jacket was open with the first four buttons of his shirt undone. Seeing this made her want to undo more of them.

For the first time, the lady found she wanted for breath because of a man. But Zoey would not remain so for long.

"What do you think you're doing?" She snapped when the voices had passed.

When she took a step back, he only took one forward. This was too much for her and she slapped him. Her mouth fell open. It took effort not to raise her hands and cover her face in horror. He watched a string of emotions dance across her face before he burst out laughing.

"Feisty one, aren't you?" he quipped, mischief swimming in his oceans.

Oh, the things he wanted to do to her! She might've been a mere commoner, but she was beautiful. The way her long golden locks moved with her when she got all worked up was enough to drive any man insane. She was a tiny thing. With inquiring, big, hazel eyes and an hourglass figure. Sparking sexy librarian fantasies in his head.

Seeing how he looked at her, she went back to being angry and stormed off again.

"Wait, wait, wait," he called after her, still laughing. "I was so eager to meet you. When I heard you were at present detained, I thought my heart would burst. I had to come and find you."

He all but sang the words, holding his hand to his heart. When that failed, he jogged a little ahead of her, blocking her path.

Zoey didn't see the danger that was him. It didn't matter who he was or what he wanted. She wanted to leave.

"Get. Out. Of. My. Way!" she demanded, yanking at the doorknob.

"Where will you go? Everyone's looking for you. The moment you step outside of this room, someone will find you."

Aaron grasped his chin between his thumb and index finger and feigned concern.

His question gave her pause. Zoey searched her angry brain for the way out of the conundrum she was in. She was not going to be married off and used as some sort of bargaining chip. No, they would have to find another way. She would have to as well. Perhaps a parttime job or selling off all her mother's bags and shoes.

Aaron could see the gears moving in her head as she contemplated what to do. Her hand was still on the doorknob with only his body preventing the door from swinging right open. He had done this many times, come for some girl in the depths of the darkest nights. But it wasn't night and this girl wasn't pining after him.

Even if he could persuade her to leave with him before the maids found them, how would he get her out? He was not acquainted enough with the Arden mansion to pull off such a feat. It housed not only the Ardens, but a respectable number of servants. If that wasn't enough, there was The Red Guard, His Grace's noble army.

He could make her whereabouts known. This would allow him to look at and speak to her like he wanted. It would also mean she would look at and speak to others and this was the trouble. He was never very good at sharing.

So he did what he always did when he found himself in a pickle. The absolute wrong thing.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Aaron asked, breaking the silence.

This caught her attention. She gave him a questioning look. Her eyes darted to the window and then back to his face.

"Wait here," he said with a nod, as though in answer to an unasked question.

"What? Wait, where are you going?" she called after him.

It didn't matter to her, she told herself as she stood there frozen. Less than a minute later, the loudest alarm she'd ever heard filled her ears. The sound must have reached every corner of the estate, which was at least half the size of Rosa.

Next came the panic and screaming as the maids rushed to get outside. Soldiers poured into the vast mansion to ensure that it was empty. The stranger burst back into the room, a hoodie pulled over his head.

He grabbed her hand and said, "Time to go,” before breaking into a run with her in tow.

"What the hell is happening!" Zoey yelled in frustration.

"It's perfectly alright. A mere ruse to get you out!" he yelled back over the screaming voices and blaring alarm.

"What is it with you people? Are none of you sane?"

"Afraid not," he replied with a laugh.

As they rounded a corner, he pulled out his phone and said into it, "Jesse my man, ready the car."

Zoey's calves were to her the only thing louder than the screams of panic. It felt like they'd been running for hours by the time they made it back to a car the stranger had waiting. That is to say, Zoey assumed it was his. She honestly didn't think she could rule anything out at this point. The driver, a slimlooking young man dressed in a formal black suit, got out of the car and bowed.

"Your Highness."

Zoey did a double take.

"Your Highness?" she echoed.

She looked between the two men in disbelief. The prince's crooked grin made him look even more mischievous as he bowed elegantly.

"At your service, my princess."

The driver turned to Zoey and bowed too.

"My Lady."

"Well, we'd best be off," said the prince.

Taking advantage of Zoey's shock, he bundled her into the back seat before jumping in right next to her.

"Jesse, let's make like the wind and be gone."

Zoey reacted a moment too late. When she tried to open the door, she found it locked and the car had already started moving.

Elsewhere on the estate, everyone was in an uproar, but no one more so than King Henry. With his position not as secure as he might like, he was always afraid of assassination attempts.

"When will we hear what's going on?"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Captain Fields, captain of The Red Guard implored with a bow.

Duke Arden stepped forward and said, "Report."

Again Captain Fields bowed.

"Your Grace. The house is clear. The fire alarm was sounded, but there is no indication of fire in the main house. Rest assured, we are currently checking the rest of the premises."

Upon receiving this news, King Henry and Bart came to the same conclusion.

"Where is my son?"

"Where is the prince?"

"Your Highness?" Zoey spat the words out as though they were an insult, glaring at the prince.

"Please, it's Aaron to you. We should be on a firstname basis. We are engaged, you know, Zo. "

He winked at her. It annoyed her, but then everything he did was starting to annoy her.

"I am not your fiancee. I will not be bullied into marrying... well you."

"Okay," Aaron shrugged. "Unlock the doors, Jesse."

Jesse rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Okay? Just like that?"

Even him agreeing with her was annoying.

"Zoey, my love, I have no need to bully women into doing anything. They naturally fall for my charms," said the cocky prince.

They were about two minutes away from leaving the estate when Bart stepped out in front of the gates.

"Oh boy. Well that complicates matters," said Jesse.

Any sensible person would have stopped, but Jesse knew better than to ask Prince Aaron if he should.

"Bart," Zoey said the name under her breath.

She wasn't sure if she was glad to have Bart intercept them or not. How could one not be torn when all one's options were lousy?

"Your Highness, please," Jesse pleaded, so nervous that he stepped on the gas instead of the brakes.

Despite her train of thought, the way forward seemed obvious to Zoey.

"Is he going to pull over?" Zoey tapped Jesse's shoulder. "Why aren't you pulling over?"

They were inching closer, but Bart made no effort to move. He stood tall with his arms folded and a bored look on his face.

"You are too cute!" Prince Aaron chuckled.

"What?" Zoey mumbled through a gasp.

"Would you like Jesse to stop?" Prince Aaron asked, delighting in watching her squirm.

"What do you mean? Of course, he should stop," she said, flabbergasted, looking at Aaron like he was a madman.

Prince Aaron's face drew close to Zoey's, until little separated his lips from hers. Her crazed eyes became subdued, hypnotised as her heart rate climbed.

"Are you sure?" he cooed, the words soft and velvety.

He ran a finger along her burning cheek, his eyes on her lips as he watched them part.

"If you're found like this with me, there'll be no discussion about it. You'll definitely be stuck with me then. Are you sure, princess?"

2019, March 4th

Twice now, proposals of marriage had come to Zoey under unusual circumstances.

James' phone rang and the screen lit up to reveal Emily's name.. Zoey stared at it, propped up against the windshield. When the ringing stopped, she found he had 53 unread messages and 71 missed calls.

"Shouldn't you call her back?" Zoey asked.

"She's the woman in the photo with Aaron," James answered, his agitated voice in stark contrast to her timid one.

His face morphed into a look of disgust. Emily would never be sweet Emily to him again.

"I see," Zoey answered, looking down to her feet. "She's your girlfriend, right?"

"Fiancee." James held up a hand, made a fist and bit into it. "Former fiancee."

James watched as Zoey's neurons unravelled. They barely knew each other. That didn't matter though. This was a business agreement and in business, it was good to have your partner be at ease.

"I have no expectations of this marriage. It would be just for show. Much the same thing as what was going to happen between you and Aaron."

Just for show.

Is that what people thought about her marriage to Aaron? Regardless of what the truth of her situation was, James had failed to soothe her. His proposal forced her mind into thoughts of a future without Aaron. Not a single precious moment with him had been just for show to her.

"This is as much for me as it is for you, of course."

"For me?"

Zoey had been so silent that her response took James by surprise. Taking a moment to clear his throat, he went on to clarify.

"A marriage to me will protect you from becoming a pawn in this political war between King Henry and Duke Arden."

James' eyes had glazed over again, his body stiffened and his face hardened. Zoey could feel the chill coming off of his body.

George Arden. More questions popped into her head at the mention of her father.

How had she ended up here? How naive was she to let things spiral out of control the way they had? To give in to George's request of marriage to Aaron?

That was it though. She hadn't meant to. James, George, none of them understood the allure of Aaron Condor.

Zoey looked at the man next to her. James would form no warm attachment to her, nor try to please her or make her laugh and feel alive. Could she live that way when she'd been promised the moon and the stars and been foolish enough to believe it?

Her car door opened. James was leaning over her, his hand on the car door handle. Their eyes met. It was that same look he gave her when he saw her a few minutes ago. He felt so eerily familiar. A moment later it was over and Bart was knocking on the door.

"Come on Zoey. The place is ready," said Bart, looking between Zoey and James with inquiring eyes.

"Yeah, sure," she said, stepping out of the car.

James tugged on her hand. A persistent warmth spread through her as his hand held hers.

"In two hours I will come back to this spot. If you wish to accept my offer, be here."

Zoey nodded.

James closed the door and sped off. The rage was coming in hot and heavy and he didn't want to scare her any more than he already had. Besides, he had to prepare. It was by no means certain that Zoey would accept his proposal, but if she did things would progress quickly.

He would have to put everything away. This was business now, nothing less, nothing more. James felt his pounding heart slow at this thought as he called Emily.

"Hello? James?"

Emily clung to her phone like it was life or death.

"Meet in ten at the place," was all James said before tossing the phone onto the passenger seat.

He sped up again, his face hardening into rock.

Emily's hands shook so hard that she dropped her phone. She picked it up and called back. The phone rang endlessly like it had been doing for the past few hours. Now and then it would say the line was busy.

"What did he say?" Aaron asked, seated on the bench behind her with folded arms.

"He's coming here," she replied, pushing the phone to her chest, in an attempt to stop her hands from trembling.

"And you're sure this is what you want to do?" Aaron got up and stepped up behind her. "You know he won't forgive this."

Aaron rested his hands on her shoulders. Resisting the urge to lean back, Emily pulled away.

"You should go now," she said, looking down at the ring on her finger.

"Emmy..."

"This is between me and him. We owe him this much at least. Let him come to you when he's ready."

The look on Emily's face pained Aaron. This was a new low, even for him. He'd fucked them both over. The woman just out of his reach and the one who gave him her heart. Zoey. Would she understand if he told her his truth? And James, how would he face him again?

"Okay. Call if you need anything."

Aaron's hesitance to leave Emily faded when he spotted James by the fountain in the centre of the garden. Emily drew in a sharp breath and her knees turned to jelly. Aaron stepped back, hiding in the shadows and nodded to her to go.

Emily walked up to James on unsteady feet. She wanted to be moving faster, but slower at the same time. Would begging for forgiveness only end things faster?

In the minute it took her to reach him, she saw the last seven years flash before her eyes. All the time she'd waited to touch him and claim him as hers. Her mind went back to the moment James had asked her to marry him. Lowering her guard led to her thoughts diverting to another memory.

Aaron's lustful lips moulded to hers. His hands up her dress. Her fingers drawing up his back.

With every step she took toward James, she replayed more of herself kissing another man. With effort, Emily shut her eyes and pushed Aaron out of her mind.

She was now close enough to James to see his face. It was tight and devoid of emotion. His hooded eyes opened and looked into her sad, stormy ones. The warm, forestgreen eyes she knew so well were empty blackness.

"James, I'm so sorry. Father found out about you and" she started rambling.

James stuck his hands into his pockets. Emily knew what that meant. His power move. The final nail in the coffin of their relationship.

"The House of Beaumont hereby withdraws its proposal of matrimony to the House of Maine."

His voice was robotic, like a walking telegram. She didn't know if it would ever sound like anything but again when he spoke to her.

"James please," she pleaded, a single tear running down her cheek.

"Under the circumstances, I have decided that it is in my best interest if I marry someone else."

He looked her straight in the eyes as he said this, watching the woman he loved come apart.

His fingers itched to reach out and touch her. The words were on the tip of his tongue. It doesn't matter. I understand. James learned about Duke Maine's outburst and pieced together what must have happened.

If only she had come to him. If only he was staring this betrayal down for the first time. But he had already looked the other way once before. Played the fool for her.

"What?" her voice fell in disbelief.

"The marriage will become public knowledge within the next 12 hours."

"You can't be serious."

"Lady Zoey Arden must marry a prince of Terres Somnia. This will display a lack of lingering animosity between the houses of Condor and Arden."

Emily felt like the blood in her veins had turned to ice.

"What are you saying? Whom do you intend to marry?"

She screamed questions she knew the answers to over the sound of loud rain as it soaked them both through. James looked right past her.

"Come morning, I will claim the title of the crown prince of Terres Somnia. I will also announce my marriage to the new crown princess of Terres Somnia, Princess Zoey Condor."

Emily was choking back sobs.

"Jimmy, don't do this. What will become of you if your claim is disputed? Don't you remember what happened five years ago?"

He remembered alright. That day might haunt him forever. James turned his back on Emily and started walking away.

Then he stopped, looked over his shoulder and said, "Let them dispute it if they dare."

Not staying for the rest, Aaron started running. He dialled and redialed, even though he did not expect Zoey to pick up.

"Damn it, Zoey!" he screamed, pushing his burning calves to run faster. After a string of failed attempts, someone picked up.

"What?"

"Don't do it, Zoey. Don't marry him," Aaron yelled into the phone as he slammed the door shut and fumbled with his car keys.

Bart ended the call and turned to look at his sister. Zoey was staring out the window, lost in thought.

He came to stand next to her. She spared him a glance, then returned her eyes to the gentle rain that had started up again.

"Zoey, what did James want?"

"From the look on your face, it seems you already know the answer," she replied calmly.

Bart grabbed Zoey's shoulders and turned her towards him.

"Did he ask you to marry him?"

Her silence was confirmation enough.

"And? You said no, right? What is he thinking? I know he's upset, but he can't be this stupid."

Zoey's silence continued.

"You aren't actually considering this, are you?" Bart asked, sticking his face into hers.

She allowed her eyes to find his.

"A handsome, rich man asked me to marry him. Tonight. Why shouldn't I?"

"Tonight?" Bart could not contain his incredulity. "Zo, you listen to me. Do you want to get crazy drunk? Marry someone else? I don't care. Marry some random dude off the street. Dye your hair purple. Get a crazy, embarrassing tattoo for all I care. But you cannot marry this man."

"Why not?" she asked, feeling completely detached from the situation.

A vein on the side of Bart's face was now engorged. He inhaled sharply before answering. "Because Zo, James Beaumont is Prince Aaron Condor's halfbrother. James Beaumont was born Prince James Condor."

2018, December 4th

"Fuck!" Aaron screamed in agony.

A brief moment. It was a tiny jab. He would be okay. Zoey justified her actions to herself as she lifted the heel of her 6inch stiletto off of his shoe. Jesse slammed on the brakes and whipped his head back.

"Are you okay, Your Highness!" Jesse asked in a panic.

“Fine," Aaron grunted through his teeth.

Zoey darted out of the car before Aaron could recover. Aaron's grimace soon turned into a smile. He looked on as Bart took his sister's hand and tried to lead her off like she was a naughty schoolgirl. Zoey wasn't taking orders from anyone. She marched her way up to the gates. The two guards positioned on either end exchanged a look before they bowed in unison.

"Open it up," she said, hands on her hips.

The guards sheepishly looked to Bart for direction, who gave none. Zoey summoned foreign bravado, squared her shoulders and jutted out her chin.

"I, Lady Zoey Arden, demand that you open the gates right now," she insisted.

"My lady!" the guards chorused, responding to the entitlement of nobility by saluting her.

The gates opened. The guards shared another nervous look before their eyes went back to Bart. Without so much as a glance back, Zoey walked right out. Bart dropped his folded arms and stepped up to the men.

"My Lord," one stuttered.

"You're both fired. Get out."

"But Lord Bart!" one of them began.

What was Bart supposed to do with the spoiled brat in the car in front of him? Should he send a car after Zoey? Caines was a big city for a smalltown bumpkin. He made his way to Aaron's car, having lost interest in the guards.

"Get out," Bart said once he reached Aaron's door.

"Quite fond of those words, aren't you?" Aaron quipped.

Bart opened the door of the car and crouched down to be at eye level with Aaron.

"If so much as a hair on her head is harmed, I will personally make it my mission in life to see you lose the crown."

Aaron laughed.

"I didn't think you wanted to be a prince, Arden."

"I have no interest in your crown, Your Highness. We both know, though, that you weren't exactly daddy's first choice."

Aaron flinched. The kid had caught him off guard.

"The word is that the House of Beaumont has a new duke."

Bart enjoyed the irritation on Aaron's face, clear evidence that he had struck a nerve. He leaned in closer.

"I'm sure you know him well, Your Highness. Duke James Beaumont," Bart said, slow and deliberate.

The two young men locked eyes. Aaron's face relaxed into a smile and he gestured towards the seat next to him.

"What is your game, Arden? You can't seriously want me for a brotherinlaw."

Bart got into the car, staring straight ahead as he adjusted his suit.

"Despite not being the royal family, the House of Arden still has great political sway. Such influence means that the people trust us and because of that trust, they do business with us."

"Yes, yes. The Arden empire is one of the richest in the world and second only to that of the House of Maine in Terres Somnia. I am aware," Aaron replied with an eye roll.

Aaron didn't usually mind playing the fool for people. It put them at ease, thinking he was a troublemaking pretty boy without a clue. This time it wouldn't fly though. No one was picking his bride but him.

Bart loosened his tie and sat back, turning his head to look at Aaron.

"So there's not mere fluff between your ears. It seems you do pay attention."

"I'm not marrying her."

"Let me be clear. She is not some hostage. I will not allow any of you to force her into anything."

"My, my. Tough Bart, looking out for his big sis. Cute."

Bart grabbed the prince by the collar.

"If you go after her and treat her like a plaything, this marriage will never happen. I will consider it a declaration of war. I will take your crown from you, one way or another. I will break you."

Bart did not waver. He might not be a prince, but his blood ran as blue as Aaron's. Being turned into natural rivals at an early age by society led to animosity between the youths.

Despite the Condors being the royal family, the Ardens held a strong claim to the throne. Bart would not hesitate to make himself a nuisance. Nonetheless, Aaron wasn't about to back down from a fight with an Arden.

Aaron shoved Bart back. Their pulses were racing. The air was thick and suffocating. Neither of them blinked.

Maintaining his don't care demeanour, Aaron threw his hands up and pointed out, "What do you want me to do? Our dads have all but signed the marriage licence already. I can't tell the king no."

"No, I suppose that would require balls."

"You have no idea what it's like being me," Aaron snapped.

"And you have no idea how to treat a woman like she's human. She's not like one of your usual girls. She is headstrong and smart. This whole bad boy thing is not going to cut it."

Bart got out of the car as swiftly as he had gotten into it.

"Cheer up Aaron, this is the part you are good at. Find the girl, get her to like you."

Bart turned his gaze on the driver. Jesse bowed his head.

"My Lord."

"Make sure he finds my sister and brings her home. You have until sunset. I will stall until then."

"And if I don't?" Aaron asked.

Bart's face took on an eerie, ugly smirk.

"If you don't, I'm sure the king will love meeting Duke Beaumont."

Two minutes after leaving the Arden estate, Aaron spotted Zoey. Her face red from the heat did nothing to stop her from stomping along. No doubt she regretted her decision to leave but was too proud to go back.

Not that Aaron had any right to judge. The Arden brat had been right about him not having any stones. For years he had known who he wanted his wife to be. Emily Maine. Aaron thought he would convince his parents (and her) of the match by making them think it was their idea. Instead, the responsibilities of being a prince followed him around like a bad penny.

To add insult to injury, James was back. Did Emily know yet? Aaron didn't think his brother would set foot in Caines again after he and Cassie fled five years ago. Now his rival for Emily's heart had returned, right when he was about to make his move. Life was kicking Aaron's ass from all directions.

Zoey sat down on the pavement, her legs crossed and screamed, "What is this fresh hell! It's the bloody middle of winter!"

Aaron started as her screaming pulled him out of his brooding. Jesse and Aaron had been following her for a good half hour from a safe distance. Sweat dripped down the side of her face. She was right. It was warm for this time of the year. Aaron got out of the car with an amused grin. She was making a scene and she didn't care. His kind of girl.

"Your Highness," came Jesse's voice from the driver's seat.

"Wait here," Aaron ordered.

"But Prince Aaron"

"I won't be long."

Zoey raised her head as an umbrella came into view above her. When her eyes met with the owner's, she groaned.

"Take a hint and go away. Not marrying you, not marrying anyone."

She pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged her legs.

"I haven't spent a minute alone with the person I came to see," Zoey mumbled.

"And who might that be? Should I be jealous?" Aaron returned with a smirk.

He liked looking at her. Despite being an obstacle to what he wanted, she was a good distraction.

Zoey got up and started walking again.

"I have a life you know? I'm starting my PhD soon. I have a mom. I have"

Here she fell short.

So what if she didn't have a life outside of academia and her mom? That didn't give Duke Arden the right to decide for her. Fuck George.

Deflated and depressed, she was on her way back down when she felt something pressed into her hand. It was the handle of the umbrella. When next she knew, she was being lifted into the air.

"Hey! Put me down," she complained.

He looked into her face and smiled again as she kicked and pounded on his chest. For a moment, his resentment towards his parents gave way. Aaron always was a sucker for a pretty face. This one even came with a brain. He could do worse.

"Hold the umbrella upright. You're going to burn that beautiful skin of yours."

Aaron tightened his grip on her. Zoey felt his fingers press down on her thigh. The breath got caught in her throat.

"I'm not so bad to spend time with, am I?"

Zoey didn't answer. She stilled as she felt his lips press up against her ear. Her head tilted back cautiously as she raised her face to his to meet his eye. The smile turned into a crooked grin of triumph.

She gulped. He was holding her in his big, warm arms. Heat crawled up her neck and coloured her cheeks a furious red. Her mind cleared, only to be immediately flooded by the oceans in his eyes. She stopped struggling. No anger toward her parents or concerns about getting home plagued her. Her mind's sole focus was his handsome face being so close to hers.

Enjoying her eyes on him, Aaron took Zoey offguard once more. He walked them to a nearby oak tree, and then lowered Zoey down on a nearby bench.

"Be right back," he said with a wink as he turned away from her.

As she sat there, trying to make sense of her racing heart, she watched Aaron buy two icecreams from a man on a bicycle. The man was all smiles and refused to take the prince's money. Aaron slipped a few notes into the man's pocket as he distracted him with light banter.

It was almost a relief to find that she wasn't the only one charmed by him, maddening as his charm was. Aaron returned, dropped next to her and handed her an ice cream.

"If this is a proposal, the answer is still no," she said, but she accepted his offering.

She pulled her legs up on the bench and crossed them as she started on her ice cream.

"Not a proposal of marriage, but I suppose a proposal of sorts."

He'd outwitted his father and Duke Arden, only to let an ice cream wrapper get the better of him. There was a joke in there somewhere he thought as he continued to struggle with unwrapping the cone.

Without a word, Zoey took his ice cream and replaced it with hers. She then set to work ripping the wrapping off of his cone. Her actions were unladylike and bold. Two of Aaron's favourite things in a woman.

"Well, what is this proposal then?" she asked, deciding to humour him.

Her tongue swept over the top of the new ice cream. It was his turn to stare. He watched her until he felt something cold drip down onto his hand. The ice cream was melting.

"Go out with me," he said, making quick work of what used to be her cone.

Zoey swallowed a big chunk of ice cream, jumped up and started hopping up and down.

"What is it? Are you okay?" he asked, laying a hand on her shoulder as came to stare into her face.

"Again with the touching," she mumbled.

"Excuse me?"

She jumped, this one higher than the previous ones.

"So cold! Brain freeze!"

"That's what you get for shuffling it all down like that," he teased, pulling her in for a hug.

As he set about rubbing her back in an attempt to warm her up, Zoey thought about the last time someone asked her out. It happened at her first frat party in college. A drunk frat boy asked her out in front of everyone. Instead of saying no like a normal person, she ran away. Zoey never went to another party after that.

"Pretty sure this is at least a third date thing," she mumbled

Aaron pulled away, letting his hands linger on her arms as he rubbed them up and down.

"Depends on who the date is with," he said, oozing confidence.

There was something so sexy about the way he spoke. How unrelenting, yet gentle he was in pursuing her. He was like something from a spicy dream. Always knew exactly what to say. This only added to her nervousness.

"No," she said flatly, walking away quickly. "But thanks for the ice cream."

Aaron had to hurry to catch up to her. He grabbed the umbrella.

"At least let me drive you back to the Arden mansion. Everyone is probably worried and you can't exactly walk back to Rosa."

With these words, the ridiculousness of her leaving the way she did hit home. Of course, she knew she couldn’t walk back to Rosa. It was a good 16hour drive, never mind walking. But then she hadn't been thinking when she left the estate.

They had doubled back without her realising it. She blamed him. He made her too flustered to think straight. Zoey saw Aaron's car and Jesse waiting in front of it in the distance.

"Tell you what, Your Highness. If you carry me back to the estate, I will go out with you."

Aaron looked back at the car. Zoey snorted.

"Shall we take the car then, Your Highness?"

"One sec."

With a determined look on his face, Aaron jogged over to Jesse and they struck up a conversation. Jesse's face took on a sour expression that got worse the longer they spoke. On Aaron's jog back, she watched Jesse shake his head, get into the car and drive off.

Zoey's face went pale.

"Where is he going?"

"We won't be needing a car if I'm going to carry you home, now will we?"

Zoey remembered his arms around her and she became flustered all over again.

Then she saw him and couldn't help letting out a laugh. He was squatting with his knees bent and his back to her.

"You must be joking."

He got up, turned around, reached out and started twirling one of her golden locks around his finger.

"Would you prefer I carry you like before, princess?"

"Just turn around already."

2019, March 4th

Zoey tossed and turned in her bed. Bart had retired to his room for the night, leaving Zoey alone to watch the clock count down.

In 20 minutes, James' deadline would be up. She went through her phone, which Bart had returned to her after much debate and warning, and groaned. The missed calls from Aaron were racking up. Her inbox was full. Zoey's mom had called and left a few messages too. How would she tell her mom what had happened?

That was a problem for tomorrow. Tonight, she had bigger fish to fry. She texted her mom to let her know that she was okay and that she would call in the morning. 15 minutes left. It would take at least 10 to get to the place where she had met the duke/prince earlier that night.

It was bizarre. Less so that Duke Beaumont turned out to be a prince. More so that Zoey would have married Aaron at the end of the month without even knowing he had a brother. What else would fall through the cracks about Aaron that his fiancée didn't know?

Zoey quietly crawled out of bed. Fortune smiled upon her. Bart had left the car keys on the kitchen table of the pretty little cottage. She grabbed them, tiptoed out the front door and made her way to the black SUV parked out front on the street.

"Sorry Bart," she said as she started the car, "but I need some answers."

She hunched her shoulders, praying that the noise of the engine would not wake Bart up.

James was parked on the side of the road where he had cut Bart off two hours ago. He looked back at the suitcase in the backseat. Why wasn't he already headed to the airport?

It was a ridiculous notion, marrying someone who proposed to you in the middle of the road in a fit of rage. Coming back here was a mistake.

The engine of his black Mercedes roared to life just as a black SUV pulled up. This time Zoey cut him off.

"Hi" was all she could manage.

There was a look of expectation on her face. Surely she wasn't here to agree to his obscene proposal.

"Get in," he said, unlocking the doors of the car.

Zoey hesitated before sliding out of the driver's seat and pocketing the keys of the SUV. She locked the doors before getting into James' car.

"Why are you here?" he asked, looking out the window.

"You don't waste any time," she muttered, staring at the side of his face.

The full weight of James' looks struck her. Finally, she understood why he felt so familiar. His cheekbones, that strong jawline, the shape of his eyes and the way his lips came together. They were so different in nature that it was easy to miss the marked resemblance. These men were the kind of handsome that would make a girl lose her wits just by laying eyes on them.

"Are you going to answer the question or are you going to stare at me all night?"

Startled, she looked away. The blush on her cheeks earned her the smallest of smiles. He was more subtle than she was, stealing glimpses of her pretty face framed by messy golden curls.

She seemed too nervous for words, so James tried again.

"Emily Maine."

This got her attention.

"Excuse me?"

"The woman in the photo. Her name is Emily Maine. She's our childhood friend. We did everything together, the three of us. It's a bit cliche, but we both liked her. She's kind of the one that got away for him."

Back to the silence. Zoey's tongue felt frozen. His robotic demeanour gave her chills.

Losing patience, James gave up on words and started the car. Zoey's face scrunched up in a panic.

"Relax," he said, reversing away from the SUV. "I'm not dragging you to the altar or anything."

Five minutes later, he pulled up to a skyscraper. Above the glass double doors in bold cursive letters stood the words Eleganter Ludo. Zoey was wearing an old sweatshirt and jeans without so much as eyeliner on. Her blonde curls were shooting off in every direction. Complete with a doorman, this hotel was not for someone who looked like she had tumbled out of a laundry basket.

James got out of the car. The drive had not calmed her in the least. He went over to her side of the car, opened the door and held out a hand to her. She took it, her own somewhat shaky.

"Let's have a drink," he said, as he pulled an old cap over her head.

A drink? Who comes to a place like this to have a drink? Three months into living with nobles and Zoey still felt out of place.

Looking around, James took off his jacket and pulled it over her shoulders. His cheek grazed hers as he adjusted it. He was so close that she could smell the scent of damp earth after rain and something else. Something so unique to him that she struggled to name it.

The voids of blackness that were his eyes caught the light and she could not help but stare. Looking into his eyes was like seeing the heart of nature on a refreshing summer day.

James caught the look in her eyes. He felt her shoulders relax under his hands as she looked at his face up close. It surprised him that this gallant woman was the same one he had been sitting next to a minute ago. Curious to know how long she would last, he looked away as her eyes probed his face.

They took turns, stealing glimpses at each other until their eyes met. The feeling of familiarity settled between them again. Whatever this back and forth was, it felt inappropriate. James pulled away.

He gestured to the jacket and cap.

"It's so people don't recognize you," he said, walking ahead of her.

As soon as James moved away, Aaron's name popped into Zoey's mind and everything came flooding back. The photograph. Aaron's betrayal. Bart rushing her out of the house like some thief in the night. The soulcrushing pain and buckets of tears that followed.

James looked back to find Zoey had not moved. She was staring down at her feet, fresh tears streaking her cheeks. With a sigh, he walked back to her and held out his arm. She gripped his arm tighter than he would have liked, but at least they were moving again.

Zoey was escorted up to the penthouse suite with instructions to change. James had invited her to dinner.

Everything about the suite announced that you were not at home. From the mints on the pillow to the silk sheets, everything was premium. The bathtub was big enough to seat a dozen people comfortably. The cream carpet was soft and thick and the couch hugged you as you sank into the cushions. Even the warm shades of pastel green seemed to draw you in.

After taking in the room, Zoey slipped into the dress selected for her by James. He'd paired a rosered dress with red stilettos that complemented her natural beauty. She drew a quick brush through her hair and hoped the natural curl look would not fail her.

Zoey found herself questioning her choice to come here tonight. What Aaron did was wrong, but this wasn't right either. The notion both excited and alarmed her.

The restaurants on her dates with Aaron were usually empty, giving it a much more intimate feel. Still, here she was, about to have dinner with a man who wanted to marry her. Said man was Aaron's brother, who was technically still her fiance.

Zoey's eyes darted around nervously as she entered the restaurant.

James took her in as Zoey was shown to their table. He saw her in ball gowns and at CC's show, done up more prettily than a princess. His eyes never lingered too long on her though, as they always sought out another. Tonight he didn't have this feeble excuse for not looking.

He took in every curve the dress draped. Her long eyelashes drew you to her big, hazelbrown eyes. Her lips shimmered as she licked them nervously. The Cascades of blonde curls flowed down her shoulders, giving her a lazy day look. Stripped of the usual adornments, she was still beautiful.

She took the seat across from him and turned her nervousness into a smile.

"Sorry I'm such a mess, I didn't think it through when I left," she said, biting her lip.

He swallowed a chuckle. They had very different thoughts about her appearance.

"You look lovely, Lady Zoey," he flattered.

She frowned in disbelief, then corrected herself and pasted a smile on her face. This time he did laugh. It was a short one, but it slipped out. Her eyes warmed to the sound of his laughter. She returned it with a more genuine smile.

"Good evening, Your Grace. My Lady. Would My Lady like something to drink?" the waiter asked, stepping forward.

"A glass of red wine, please," she answered.

"No," James retorted.

"Weren't you the one that wanted to have a drink?"

James was starting to lose patience with himself. Never had he hesitated so much in his life as he had tonight, because of this woman.

"I changed my mind," he said, picking up a menu.

She glanced at the double shot of whiskey to the right of his hand and muttered, "Obviously."

"How about some dinner?" James offered, refusing to acknowledge her sarcasm.

"Already ate," she said tightly.

"Dessert then," he persisted.

"Oh, ice cream!" she said, hyped up like a little child as she sat upright.

She corrected again and pursed her lips into a thin line.

James' eyes sparkled in amusement.

He turned to the waiter and said, "The lady will have some of all the ice cream flavours that you have available."

Her eyes widened.

"James," she began.

She blew up her cheeks and corrected again.

"Your Grace, that's not"

"James is fine."

Then he turned to the waiter again, who bowed and said, "Right away, Your Grace."

She sank back into her seat and let out a sigh, uncertain she should trust herself to speak anymore. Where was her weariness of the man with nothing in his eyes? Better still, where was that man?

She looked him over. The darkness in his eyes was gone, but the warmth in them that replaced it now was worse. What was she doing, playing pretend like everything hadn't come crashing down? She needed to ask her questions and be on her way before Bart discovered she was gone.

A few minutes later, half a dozen waiters laid the ice cream out on their table. Her eyes turned into saucers as she lost count of the bowls. They were neatly packed next to each other. Each contained two perfect scoops of ice cream.

"Dig in," he said, picking up a spoon.

"Do you think they're in love?" Zoey asked.

James' spoon hovered over a bowl of Black Walnut. He snickered.

"Yesterday I was getting my royal attire fitted for the wedding. Yesterday I knew the answer to your question. Today, your guess is as good as mine." He spat the words out and shoved the ice cream into his mouth. "You don't need to worry about any of this. Tell Bart you want to go home and have a good, normal life."

Zoey wasn't satisfied. She wanted a real answer. It dawned on her that she was sitting down with the wrong man, for fear of sitting down with the right one.

"Are you unproposing right now?" she asked, blocking his spoon with her own as he headed for a new bowl of ice cream.

It was Fudge Ripple. Zoey wanted that Fudge Ripple all to herself.

"It was a crazy idea, likely born from the insanity that follows a broken heart," James answered with a shrug.

"What if I wanted to stay and marry him anyway?"

Zoey was getting desperate now as the heavy feeling returned to her chest. The more questions she asked, the worse it got. Yet, she couldn't help herself.

He ran his fingers through his hair and looked straight into her tearfilled eyes.

"Believe me, I've been where you are. It will never be just you and him. There will always be her."

Zoey didn't like this answer. The heaviness on her chest was now allconsuming. Who was he to say that? How could he know that for sure? Next came the loneliness. He was Aaron's brother, that's who. That's how. She gripped her spoon with gusto and shuffled the ice cream down her throat. All he could do was watch her fall apart right in front of him.

One hour later, the pair found themselves on Height of Caines, a popular spot on a mountain where kids went to park. From Height of Caines you could see the entire city lit up in all its glory. James wasn't sure why he had let her bring him here. She was hitting the whiskey pretty hard and it was clear she did not hold her liquor well.

"Damn thish sffut is bittrer," she slurred.

He unfolded his arms and went to take the bottle from her.

"No!" she yelled, ducking and dodging him.

"It's time to go home Zoey," he said, watching her with glazedover eyes.

He put his arm around her, restrained both her arms and took the bottle from her easily.

"He proposed right here! He said, 'Zoey, marry me already!'" she yelled out into the night.

James thought back to Emily's smile when he went down on one knee. He felt so content when she said yes. Dismay clouded his judgement. The whiskey in his hand was smooth, rich, would burn in the right way and was very expensive. He took a swig.

A few mouthfuls of whiskey ago his eyes were open. But that couldn't be, because the sun was already high up in the sky. The suite was completely trashed like he'd hosted a bachelor party. James' head weighed a ton.

He let out a groan as he bent down to pick up his shirt. About halfway down, he spotted the dress Zoey wore last night. It stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Shit," he said, letting out a groan as he searched the suite.

She was nowhere to be found. He pulled on his clothes and ran to the elevator barefoot. As he watched the elevator count down from 40, he scanned his phone.

He had missed calls from a million people, including both of his parents and Aaron. He skimmed through his text messages. They didn't make any sense.

Aaron wanted to rip his head off. What the hell was he angry about? James should be the one who was blowing up his phone with angry texts.

King Henry demanded to see James as soon as the former could send a car. Why would Henry need to send a car? He didn't send a car for James once since he got back to Caines three months ago.

His mother's texts were the most bewildering.

Who is she?

I thought you were marrying into the family of Maine.

Did your father make you do this?

Like a puzzle piece that refused to fit had finally fallen into place, in a matter of seconds he remembered. Not the whole of it, but enough to understand.

"Oh fuck!" he cursed.

James dashed from the elevator as soon as the doors opened. He sped past reception. Then went straight towards the blinding flashes and reporters that surrounded her.

Zoey choked. She was like a lost lamb being brought to the slaughter. He went for her without thinking.

Her eyes were darting around as she tried to figure out what to do. He pulled her against his chest and draped his jacket over her head and shoulders.

Duke Beaumont, what is the nature of your relationship with Lady Zoey?

Lady Zoey, what about your engagement to the crown prince?

Are you the bastard son of the king?

Is this relationship an attempt to replace Prince Aaron as crown prince?

On and on the questions flowed.

Zoey's head was spinning. James' experience with the press served him well. He acted quickly and dragged her back inside, shutting the door before the press could enter. The manager of the hotel rushed up to them as hotel staff and security scurried to keep the press out.

"My apologies, Your Grace! They came out of nowhere. Rest assured that we will find that leak and"

James vaguely heard the words the manager said to him. Everything around him was a faraway dream. The woman in his arms staining his shirt with tears was the only thing that was real.

"Just get them out of here!" he ordered, cutting the manager off as he rushed Zoey into an elevator.

"Of course, Your Grace!"

The manager hurried off through the crowd of guests that had gathered to see what was going on.

When the doors of the elevator closed, James withdrew the jacket from her shoulders. She was breathing heavily, but at least the crying had stopped. Steadying herself, she turned to him. Grabbed his left wrist and lifted her left hand to show him the matching wedding bands.

"What on earth happened last night!"

She was nowhere to be found. He pulled on his clothes and ran to the elevator barefoot. As he watched the elevator count down from 40, he scanned his phone.

He had missed calls from a million people, including both of his parents and Aaron. He skimmed through his text messages. They didn't make any sense.

Aaron wanted to rip his head off. What the hell was he angry about? James should be the one who was blowing up his phone with angry texts.

King Henry demanded to see James as soon as the former could send a car. Why would Henry need to send a car? He didn't send a car for James once since he got back to Caines three months ago.

His mother's texts were the most bewildering.

Who is she?

I thought you were marrying into the family of Maine.

Did your father make you do this?

Like a puzzle piece that refused to fit had finally fallen into place, in a matter of seconds he remembered. Not the whole of it, but enough to understand.

"Oh fuck!" he cursed.

James dashed from the elevator as soon as the doors opened. He sped past reception. Then went straight towards the blinding flashes and reporters that surrounded her.

Zoey choked. She was like a lost lamb being brought to the slaughter. He went for her without thinking.

Her eyes were darting around as she tried to figure out what to do. He pulled her against his chest and draped his jacket over her head and shoulders.

Duke Beaumont, what is the nature of your relationship with Lady Zoey?

Lady Zoey, what about your engagement to the crown prince?

Are you the bastard son of the king?

Is this relationship an attempt to replace Prince Aaron as crown prince?

On and on the questions flowed.

Zoey's head was spinning. James' experience with the press served him well. He acted quickly and dragged her back inside, shutting the door before the press could enter. The manager of the hotel rushed up to them as hotel staff and security scurried to keep the press out.

"My apologies, Your Grace! They came out of nowhere. Rest assured that we will find that leak and"

James vaguely heard the words the manager said to him. Everything around him was a faraway dream. The woman in his arms staining his shirt with tears was the only thing that was real.

"Just get them out of here!" he ordered, cutting the manager off as he rushed Zoey into an elevator.

"Of course, Your Grace!"

The manager hurried off through the crowd of guests that had gathered to see what was going on.

When the doors of the elevator closed, James withdrew the jacket from her shoulders. She was breathing heavily, but at least the crying had stopped. Steadying herself, she turned to him. Grabbed his left wrist and lifted her left hand to show him the matching wedding bands.

"What on earth happened last night!"

2018, December 4th

Five minutes before sunset, Aaron set Zoey down in front of the Arden residence.

Aaron had Zoey pegged at first sight. Naive and innocent to a fault, she would have a difficult time as a royal. He liked her all the same. Envied the way she did things for no one but her and spoke her mind. He spent his life pretending about so many things. It was refreshing to know there was another way to live. In another life, he might have been more openminded about the engagement.

"One Lady Zoey Arden home on time," he said, pulling some leaves out of her hair.

He locked his hands behind his back, in case he misbehaved, before he asked, "Lunch tomorrow?"

Zoey weighed her options. The idea of getting into another argument with George was unappealing. Besides, meeting Prince Aaron made Zoey curious about how other people lived. Her whole world was books. Over the years, with her and mom always jetting off somewhere, she learned to accept that it was safer. People left. Books stayed.

"Take me with you, where you're going.”

She was feeling bold. Tempted by his flirtatious charm. Aaron had that impact on women. He made them want to make choices they would later regret. He took a step forward, analysing her face. Intrigued and pleased by this change, he baited her.

"Bart would have a cow if I took you to Fortunae and His Grace would not be too pleased either."

"You aren't afraid of my little brother, are you Your Highness?"

He chuckled. They did need to talk and tomorrow was so far away. Aaron pressed on in an attempt to gauge if she was serious about going with him.

"You aren't playing very fair you know."

"You don't look like the type to turn away a pretty face."

This time Zoey took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

"Am I not pretty enough to bring the rebel out in you twice in one day, Your Highness?"

Somehow she'd turned things around on him and was now goading him. Aaron couldn't take his eyes off her. The more she did it, the more he wanted to whisk her away.

Realising in the nick of time that they were about to be spotted by a pair of guards, his arm slid around her waist. He pulled into the shadows. Luckily Jesse knew better than to park in a visible place, so they were safe on that front.

She gasped. He pressed a finger to her lips and winked.

When the guards had passed, he whispered, "You're quite the rebel yourself, Lady Zoey. I'm impressed."

Zoey looked up at him in that innocent way that made it clear a man had never held her before him. Zoey tried to push Aaron away. He held on tighter.

"Are you sure you want to go with me? Fortunae may not be exactly... to your taste."

Excitement played across her face as she answered, "Yes."

Making sure that they weren't seen by any guards on patrol, he took her by the hand and they made a run for the car.

"Out," he told Jesse.

Jesse looked back and forth between the youths.

"Your Highness! Reconsider, please," he begged.

Aaron opened the door and waited. Reluctant, Jessed stepped out.

"Call CC. Tell her I'm calling in a favour. She needs to make a detour at the Arden house," Aaron ordered, jumping into the driver's seat.

By the time Jesse had closed Zoey's door for her, she was back to being anxious. She remembered how it had been at university. People asked her on outings often. When it was study groups or pizza at a diner, she was okay, but the bigger the crowd got, the poorer Zoey fared.

"Still want to do this, princess?" Aaron asked, starting the car.

"Yeah."

"Then let's bounce."

The alleyway they stopped in smelled like alcohol and cigarettes. Of all the places Aaron could have brought her, a club was sure to stress her out the most.

Aaron saw her anxiety start to increase. He jumped out of his seat, went over to her door and opened it.

Holding out a hand to her, he said, "Relax. I'll be with you the whole time, okay? Let's have some fun tonight."

Zoey took another deep breath before placing her hand in his.

Meanwhile, back at the Arden mansion, things were getting heated.

"Aaron, that irresponsible child. Bartholomew, you said you would have them back here by now! Where are they?" Duke Arden raged.

"I hardly think Aaron would have held a gun to her head. If she is with him, well it takes two!" King Henry thundered back.

"Darling, do calm down. Stress isn't good for your health," said Duchess Arden, holding onto her husband's arm in concern.

"Unhand me. My health is fine. I survive listening to you every day."

"Bartholomew, is there any word about dispatching The King's Guard to find them?" Queen Mary asked.

"Not yet, Your Majesty. I will find out what the holdup is."

The holdup had been Bartholomew himself. He hoped Aaron would be sensible and have Zoey back by now, but it was an hour after sunset and there was no sign of them.

Bart stepped outside to consider his options. Aaron had to bring Zoey home now or the engagement that she hadn't agreed to would never happen at all.

"Why so tense, Bart?" a voice asked.

Bart became alert. Who was this intruder?

"Calm down, I come in peace," she said, appearing before him.

Bart took her in. She wore a sparkling, baby blue wrap dress. His eyes lingered on the sash a moment too long, before rising to her face.

"CC," he said with relief.

"In the flesh," she cooed. "So, what do we got? What's the 411?"

"Did Aaron send you?"

"No one sends CC anywhere. I was simply made aware that you may need help dealing with the old people."

She slipped past him like it was nothing. Bart sighed and reentered the house after her. He kept a suspicious eye on her, folding his arms as she entered the room.

"So, he sent the master manipulator. What are you playing at, Aaron? Where the hell are you?"

"Daddy! Mama!" CC exclaimed, throwing her arms out.

"My dear, sweet girl," Queen Mary returned.

"Is that Caroline Condor?" Duke Arden asked in delight, he and King Henry bumping shoulders on their way to say hello.

"It's about time they sent you home," said King Henry, his tone soft and gentle.

"Very good to see you, Duke and Duchess A," CC said with an everwidening smile. "I brought back the most wonderful tea. You must all have some with me."

"This isn't the best time dear," said King Henry. "Aaron has disappeared with the Arden girl. That kid. He hasn't answered a single call! I should have him on a tighter leash. The streets are no place for a future king."

"Nor a future queen," Duke Arden added.

"Hell must have frozen over twice. You two aren't at each other's throats and in agreement to boot," Bart muttered, still watching at CC.

"You haven't a thing to worry about father," CC assured. "Aaron called me when I got here."

As she spoke, a maid ushered in a pot of tea with six cups.

"I found the most excellent Rose Grey Black Tea on my travels. Please, have a cup with me, everyone," CC persisted, not stopping for a moment.

"He did, did he? He will have an earful from me when he gets here about not taking my calls," said King Henry.

"And from me for having my daughter out at this hour," Duke Arden added.

Bart picked up a cup after the maid poured the tea. He locked eyes with CC. A strange but familiar smell hit his nostrils as he took a sip.

"Finest tea I ever had," he said, hoping he'd live to tell the tale.

The queen and the duchess did the rest. The men were soon persuaded to join in. Within an hour, the old people were out cold.

"What's in this special tea of yours? You didn't drug our parents to get your brother out of trouble, did you?" Bart asked as they covered their passedout parents with blankets.

"Nope. Got them drunk instead. Spiked the tea with some potent Rum I picked up before I got here."

She pulled the sash of her dress and he looked away instinctively.

CC grinned, waiting for him to look back. Even Bartholomew Arden was only a man.

And of course, he did look back. He knew there was something odd about the way the dress fit her. Underneath it, she wore black denim shorts and a white tank top.

"Where are they?"

"Business as ever, huh Arden? Want to take a ride with me to come and find out?"

Zoey had fallen silent in the group of people that had come to surround her and Aaron.

Noticing her discomfort, he put his arm around her shoulders and said, "Alright guys, I'll see you around. Zoey's new here and I want to show her around."

Mario was about to protest when someone broke through the group and threw herself at Aaron. It wasn't her arms looping around his neck or the kiss on the cheek that set Zoey off, because how could it have been? She hadn't even known the prince for a day.

"Are you ignoring me or something? I haven't heard from you all day. That's never happened before."

The multitude of speakers pumping music into the club made it difficult to converse. A saving grace, as the awkwardness of this moment, snuffed out the group's voices.

"Em, come on," Aaron said, breaking the silence.

Aaron peeled the woman off himself. He gave Zoey an apologetic look.

Zoey's attention turned to the woman. Her midnightblue, strapless dress ended midthigh. She wore her strawberryblonde hair in a high ponytail. There was no getting away from it. 'Em' was a goddess.

"This is my date, Zoey," Aaron said, moving to stand behind Zoey.

Aaron's hands came to rest on Zoey's shoulders, catching Emily's attention.

"Zoey huh? Where did you find this one?" Emily scoffed.

"Excuse me?" Zoey asked.

Emily's tone left Zoey feeling insulted. Why was she getting mad? She hardly knew the man.

"Well you know you're the flavour of the evening, right? They usually know Aaron. Does she not know?"

Although Emily held her liquor well, he could smell it coming off her body.

"Lay off the booze, Emmy. You're wasted," said a frustrated Aaron, taking the glass out of her hand.

"Whose fault do you think that is?" she shot back.

Emily wobbled and bumped into people left and right.

"Give us a moment, okay? I'll make sure she sobers up," Aaron said sheepishly.

"Sure, do what you have to," Zoey returned.

Her tightlipped smile was dangerous. On a different night, it would have done it for him.

"Mario, take care of the very special Lady Zoey for me okay? Back in five."

Mario half laughed, half shrieked.

"She's not usually like that. They have been friends for years," he said, swallowing his double scotch in one go. "I'm going to grab another, okay? Wait right here."

CC and Bart entered Fortunae as Aaron dragged Emily to an open seat at the bar. Aaron handed Emily a bottle of water as a frustrated Zoey sighed. The group asked her questions that she didn't know how to answer, adding to her discomfort.

"Oh no, it looks like we have an understudy," said CC, observing the scene from above with Bart.

"It looks like Aaron dumped my sister in the middle of a club with nosy people to take care of another woman," Bart said. "Right, that's it. This is over."

"Wait, calm down. It's not over until CC says so," she said, doing a confident hair flip.

She took Bart's hand and drew him into the crowd.

"Hell Emily, you look like you're going to be sick. Why would you get shitfaced like this? It's not even nine!"

"James is back," Emily stammered. "He's finally here, but he feels further than ever before. What if daddy doesn't let me be with James?"

"Em stop it," he said, getting upset.

Of course. She got drunk because she heard about James.

"Stop, please stop!" he screamed, as she wrapped her arms around him tighter than before, pulling him in close.

"What's wrong Ron? I haven't heard from you all day. You didn't answer my calls and now you show up with some other girl and you're being so cold," Emily groaned.

"That's rich, coming from you," Aaron grumbled, gripping her wrists to get her hands off him before he took a step back.

"Why are you being like this? What did I do?"

"How much longer are you going to use me as a standin for when he doesn't show up? How much longer am I supposed to pretend, Emily?"

As Aaron finished, the music died. Their eyes locked on each other. A dumbfounded look replaced the pout on her face. The people around them stared and whispered.

As Aaron finished, the music died. Their eyes locked on each other. A dumbfounded look replaced the pout on her face. The people around them stared and whispered.

"Hello, Caines!" CC's voice came booming through the speakers.

The crowd went wild. Frozen in the moment, Aaron and Emily continued to stare at each other.

"CC! CC! CC!" the crowd chanted.

"It's so awesome to be back here with you all! Now it's not actually until tomorrow, but thanks so much for coming out for my 18th birthday party!"

Bart watched CC go to work, captivated by the way she could capture the attention of a crowd.

"Happy birthday CC!" random voices yelled out from the dance floor below.

"Thank you. Thank you all so much. And a special thanks to Prince Aaron, my big brother, for making this happen."

The crowd cheered and applauded. A spotlight landed on Aaron, bringing him back to his senses.

"Ask Mario to take you home once you're sober," Aaron whispered to Emily.

He took a few steps away from Emily, turning his back on her to look up at CC and wave at her.

"Please give an extra special welcome to Aaron's new girlfriend. Isn't she beautiful? Make some noise guys!"

The applause died down, replaced by curious inquiries about the mystery woman.

The spotlight moved away from Aaron and onto Zoey. She stood at the other end of the bar with six tequila shots lined up in front of her. The light hovered for a brief moment over her, before landing on CC.

The crowd went wild chanting CC's name. Aaron smiled at CC and gave her a thumbs up before making his way to Zoey.

Zoey should have marched back into that house and demanded that they take her home. Instead, here she stood, alone in a nightclub, feeling foolish. Facing rejection twice in 24 hours would do that to you.

After she came running when Duke Arden asked for her, what did he do? Immediately decide to marry her off without so much as an apology. How did she respond? By going out in a foreign city with a stranger who ditched her for another woman. So much for her intellect.

The bitter resentment of abandonment seeped in. What was one more bad decision at this point?

She picked up her first shot ever and knocked it back. Appearing out of thin air, Aaron brought a lime quarter up to her mouth.

"Bite."

She coughed, the liquor burning her throat as it flowed through her. Desperate for relief, she covered his hand with hers and bit down hard.

"Why do people drink this stuff!"

"This isn't meant for beginners," Aaron teased with a cocky grin.

What a pair they were. He had given up on his longtime crush mere moments ago. Zoey had what the hell am I doing here written on her forehead. Misery loves company. From the look on Zoey's face though, she wasn't in the mood to share woes.

Zoey pulled her hand away from Aaron's. She was about to pick up her second shot when Aaron stopped her.

"Dance with me," he ventured.

Gently claiming her hand, he kept his eyes locked with hers as he coaxed her body towards his. Something came over her. She watched powerlessly as his hands travelled down her body and settled onto her hips. He led her out onto the dance floor and she followed like she was his puppet.

Fluid movements. His caresses were soft as silk as he manipulated her body to bend to his will. Tenderly he slid up behind her and whispered into her ear, "It's too dark in here for anyone to see. No one's looking at you."

Aaron had Zoey pegged. She didn't do crowds. Being in one had never had her heart thumping in her chest though. Attempting to keep calm, she looked around. Everyone was letting loose and having a good time.

"Well no one except me, that is."

His husky voice was like a call to turn around in his arms. Their eyes met, foreheads pressed against each other's as they began to sway together. Within five minutes they were laughing. Her dancing was completely out of rhythm and she couldn't care less. She was having fun.

Aaron too found himself enjoying the dance. A wave of emotion flooded Aaron's mind as he thought about the implications of marrying Zoey. Old habits kicked in. He wrapped his arms around her waist and moved in for a kiss. That was the end of it. She put her hands up against his chest, shoved him away and ran.

Seconds later Bart bumped into Aaron and shoved him again. This time Aaron ended up on the floor.

"You don't have any class, do you?" Bart snarled.

CC whipped her head around to look at Aaron as he got up.

"Don't you dare lose that woman," she said, stepping between Bart and Aaron.

Aaron glared at Bart, opened his mouth to say something, then thought better of it and took off running. CC turned her face back to Bart.

"Do you even want this thing to work?”

"She's my sister! She's not some tool to use and manipulate. She's my sister, Caroline."

"Still loyal to a fault," said CC with a smile. "No one forced her to come here. Let them figure it out."

"If he messes this up"

CC picked up two tequila shots off the bar and handed one to Bart.

"Then we'll fix it, like we always do," she said, raising her glass to his.

Aaron was a fast runner, but Zoey had a head start on him. Still bitter about the forced engagement, Aaron found himself running after Zoey anyway. He wasn't sure why, but the guilt was eating at him. Having her upset with him was, to his surprise, unsettling.

Aaron watched Zoey speed off in his car just as he made it out into the alleyway. Damn him for leaving his keys in the car. He looked around and saw Jesse waiting in front of CC's hot pink Ferrari. Jesse held out the keys without a word.

"I'll arrange a car for Her Royal Highness," Jesse said dryly.

"Thanks," said Aaron, grabbing the keys from him.

A car pulled up behind her. The door flew open and heavy feet stomped over.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Aaron yelled.

Her car had stopped just short of the edge of the cliff and the adrenaline was fading fast. She yanked open her own door and started running to him. This was the stupidest, most dangerous thing she had ever done. The edge is coming up. Alarm bells were going off in her head. She always stopped. Had always been a good daughter. Done the safe thing. This time she wanted to be reckless just a little more.

"You just had to pick the most dangerous street in Caines! You could have been kill"

Zoey grabbed Aaron's collar and kissed him. He tasted like sweet sin, like all the wrong things she'd never done and she loved it.

He pulled away almost immediately. Their eyes met. They stared each other down. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. The hard look she was giving him frustrated him. Just as she was about to give him a piece of her mind, he pulled her into his arms and went right back to kissing her.