Chapter 3
Erich
I would not cause a scandal at my brother’s wedding.
I would not cause a scandal at my brother’s wedding.
A wedding that had been in the works for fifteen years.
A wedding that would solidify a treaty or some sort of partnership with our neighboring country for generations to come.
I would not do anything to jeopardize that, which meant I could not, under any circumstances, sleep with the groom’s brother.
The temptation lingered in the room, following me like a shadow. I kept my eye on him even as he tried to hide against the wall like he wanted to disappear into the tapestry.
Jacques Kingson had been a guest at the palace for the past few days. He kept close to his brother Thomas while we’d all rehearsed the big event the day before, but now that it was showtime, he seemed to want to step out of the spotlight as much as he could.
I had a sneaking suspicion that Jaq was not enjoying his time at the reception.
He didn’t give a speech, even though, technically, he was the best man. Instead, his older brother did, and Jaq remained incredibly tense as we did the whole welcoming line—each member of the wedding party having to shake hands with nearly every single guest as a member of the royal family.
I was used to such a thing, but that didn’t mean I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed when I spoke with the public, but all of these kiss-asses here—the dukes, the duchesses, the counts—all of them wanting money, attention, and who knew what else?
I could live without that. There were so many family members that had come out of the woodwork for this event.
Cousins and aunts and uncles I’d only met in passing over the years, but nonetheless, I was expected to recognize them.
All I really wanted was a beer. But instead, I had to drink this weak champagne that probably came as a gift from some such country or other nonsense. At least the food was good. We could count on our kitchen staff for that.
My gaze followed Jaq as he backed himself up until he was standing against the wall.
There seemed to be a lull in whatever activities were taking place for the wedding reception.
I couldn’t keep track of where we were with the course of events.
Someone had probably given me an itinerary, but I ignored it like I usually did.
Oh well, hopefully the rest of my brothers followed their schedule, since I was going to be breaking rules.
It seemed that Jaq was trying to slip away without anyone noticing.
Could I slip away?
As I watched him, his father, the King of Asach, approached. I had a feeling that was not a conversation that was going to go well. That man wouldn’t cause a scene here, would he? No, he wouldn’t dare insult my family that way.
Any person who paid even a smidge of attention to the political landscape in Asach knew of the circumstances of Jaq’s birth.
Reading about it in the news and witnessing the family dynamic in person were two different things.
I’d assumed that the press had exaggerated the strained relations in the family.
They did not. If anything, they may have downplayed it.
There was no reason for me to get involved. It was not my business. A civilized gentleman would look away. Yet the way the king’s gaze narrowed at his illegitimate son set my blood boiling.
I didn’t like the King of Asach. As far as I could tell, he was an asshole, and Thomas was lucky that he was getting out of that place.
I wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but Swena seemed to be the better end of the deal.
Still, we needed them for trade or whatever the fuck my parents and their advisors had set up this whole arranged marriage for.
My feet were moving before I realized it. I wasn’t going to let that asshole corner Jaq and give him a hard time.
I heard his hushed voice as I got closer. His tone unmistakable and the furthest thing from kind.
“And if you think for one minute you’re going to step foot in my country again, you’ve got another thing coming. I—”
“Your Majesty, surely you must be lost,” I said, making sure I was loud enough to be heard by those nearby. He had to know that he had an audience.
The king straightened, his gaze narrowing at me.
I gave him my best princely smile. He would be stupid to try and say anything untoward toward me.
My family wouldn’t stand for it. I would not stand for it.
It was only because I had respect for my brother and his new husband that I didn’t make a scene.
“I think I saw Count Boren looking for you. He’s one of my distant cousins who have visited Asach over the years. Why don’t you go find him?”
“This conversation doesn’t concern you.” The king straightened. He cast a scathing look at Jaq, who didn’t whither under his stare. Instead, he stood taller, daring the man to say a word. The king turned back to me. “Prince Erich, is it?”
I nodded. “Everything that happens in this kingdom concerns me.” I may not be the heir or the spare, but I could throw my weight around with the best of them. If I had to bear the title, I might as well use it.
The king glared at his son, then turned on his heel and walked away.
Jacques closed his eyes and let out a long breath.
“Are you all right?” I asked, quieter this time so that anyone who had been looking at us couldn’t hear. I stood next to him and did my best to look bored as I examined the dance floor.
He rolled his shoulders back, opened his eyes, and gave me something of a stare. “Yes, thank you, Your Highness. I do appreciate the rescue. I’m sorry that you had to see that.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” I snuck a glance at him. “He’s the dick.”
Jaq’s eyes bugged.
“I’m not going to apologize for saying so either,” I added on.
He held back a snort and covered his mouth with his hand. “Thank you. He is indeed all of those things and more.”
“Pardon me for asking, but… will you truly not be welcome back in Asach? You know, you always have a place here. I’m sure your brother—”
“Yes. He and I have already talked. He has extended an invitation to stay. Informally, of course. Your parents or your brother would have to… Anyway, I have plans to go to America, get a job there. I was only ever staying in Asach because Thomas was there.” Jaq kept his back straight as he spoke.
He was looking at me but wouldn’t quite meet my eyes.
I nodded, because I didn’t know what else to say.
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness—”
I held out an arm. “Why don’t I escort you? I was just about to retire for the evening as well.”
Fuck all the nonsense that was happening around us. My parents didn’t need me there to chit-chat any longer. I was not going to add anything of value to whatever the hell was going on. I would much rather spend time with the lovely Jaq.
Jaq grinned up at me. “Why do I have the sneaking suspicion you have nefarious intentions, Prince Erich?”
I put a hand over my heart. “Jacques, how dare you. I am but a meager prince wanting to do the polite thing and escort you safely to your room. And if you invite me in for a nightcap. Well, then that’s just good manners.” I grinned, setting my champagne glass on a nearby table.
“I am rather thirsty.”