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“Let's hear it.”
Fine. He knows I don’t hesitate to tell him what I think.
“You need to start showing your grandfather that Cara's best interest is your priority. Everyone knows Linnea going to that summit with you is in Cara's best interest. Take her with you. If you're worried that everyone at the summit will think you’re a couple, why? Don't act like a couple. Act like a professional team. Split up. Talk to different people. Mingle, network. As long as you’re not holding hands and kissing in the hallways, why would anyone think anything different?” I watch him process all of this. His shoulders start to relax, and he shifts his weight back on his heels.
I go on. “If she's been representing Cara all of this time, no one's going to jump to the conclusion that she's there as anything other than that now.”
Torin takes all of that in, as he usually does when I advise him.
Linnea's gaze bounces back and forth between the two of us. Obviously, Torin and my interactions are new for her.
Finally, Torin nods. “Fine.”
I'm not surprised. Torin very much respects my opinion, plus he depends on me to be objective in situations where he is not. And with Linnea Olsen, he definitely is not.
Linnea looks at him in surprise. “Fine? So I'll be going to the summit?”
Torin leans on his desk again. “Yes. That's what's in Cara's best interest.”
Clearly, she was ready for a bigger, longer fight. But she nods. “All right. I'll clear my schedule.”
She looks at me, seeming not sure what to say. Then she just tells me, “It was nice to meet you tonight, Jonah.”
I really try, but I cannot help the smirk I give her. But I just nod my head without saying anything.
Then she steps around me and says, “Goodnight, gentlemen.”
I wait until the door shuts behind her to laugh. “If she thinks you’re a gentleman, I hate to think what the other men in this country are like.”
Torin runs a hand through his hair. “Fuck. I do not handle myself well around her.”
I nod. “Clearly.”
“I keep forgetting that the only people who know about this arranged marriage are our families. I feel like it's weighing on me constantly.”
“All that's weighing on you are your grandfather's expectations and judgments. And my friend, you deserve some of them.”
He scowls. “That is not supportive.”
“Telling you the truth is always supportive. It's going to take time to earn your grandfather's trust back. Linnea has his trust. It makes sense that he wants her at important meetings representing Cara.”
“And it makes sense that he thinks that we need tomarryso that she can actually be in charge?”
It does. He knows her and trusts that her ideas line up with his. The queen can do everything her husband can when it comes to laws, policies, and orders.
“Maybe,” I tell him, honestly. “Until you can prove differently.”
“I'm trying.”
I nodded. “I know.”
“Do you think I can prove it before he walks me down the aisle?”
I shrug. Probably not. The plan is for Torin to marry Linnea. I don’t know how Torin can get out of this. But that’s not what he wants to hear and it won’t help at the moment to point that out. “I guess you better hope so. I didn't realize that your pseudo-fiancée was actually on board.”
“Well, she's on board with being queen.”
“Smart lady.”