Page 1

Chapter

One

London sat rigidly as her father, Emperor Blaze, stood to make the formal announcement she’d been dreading all night. How could he do this to her and why was her mother allowing it to happen? She shot a resentful glare toward the object of her despair.

General Zahn.

With back erect and head held high, his face remained expressionless. His dark green eyes, which could almost be mistaken for black at times, were hard as though he were contemplating a strategy of war instead of attending his own betrothal dinner. Admittedly, London did find Zahn extremely attractive, with his long black hair, inherited from his Zenobian ancestors, square jaw and strong features. But like so many men on Thibius, Zahn was just too overpowering.

London didn’t want the fate of her mother. Granted, her parents loved each other very much, often sneaking off to be alone and always touching, but there was no doubt in her mind that her father was in charge in all matters. That was the way of things in their world, and General Zahn would try to rule her with an iron fist as well. Besides, he didn’t make her pulse raceor heart beat faster. The one chaste kiss they’d shared didn’t stir any fire in her loins like her mother had promised it would.

No. She couldn’t let this sham betrothal take place.

Emperor Blaze gestured for her to stand then did the same to Zahn. London stubbornly remained seated. This couldn’t be happening. Leaning over, Queen Calliope whispered in her ear, “Stand. Don’t embarrass your father in front of our guests.”

“You know I don’t want this,” London hissed back.

“We’ll discuss it later. For now you will do as you’re told,” her mother shot back.

Very rarely did her mother scold her, but the tone let London know there’d be no arguing. With a sigh, she reluctantly stood up and walked over to her father. Zahn flanked the king’s other side. London wished the ground would swallow her up, so she wouldn’t have to go through this.

Her father stepped up to the podium, a huge smile on his face. “I’m pleased to announce the betrothal of my beloved daughter, Princess London, to Thibius’s greatest champion, General Zahn.” The room erupted in applause much to London’s dismay.

Tears stung the backs of her eyes. Now that the announcement had been made, how could she graciously back out? She couldn’t. The Emperor turned to her. “Would you like to say a few words, sweetling?”

“Papa, I can’t,” she whispered.

The Emperor frowned. “Go ahead, it’s expected.”

“Let Zahn speak first, I—I can’t think of anything to say right now.”

“Very well, London.” Turning to Zahn, her father nodded his blond head. “Zahn, would you like to say a few words on this joyous occasion?”

Zahn nodded and stepped forward. “Fellow Thibians, it is my great honor to have the hand of the beautiful Princess London. Ipledge my allegiance to her, and vow to protect and cherish her, on my honor.”

London clinched her lips to keep herself from gagging. Though Zahn’s words were flowery enough something was missing. Not that she wanted it from him, but the reverence wasn’t there. He spoke as though he were rehearsing a speech. When Zahn had glanced in her direction, it wasn’t the same look of adoration that her father gave to her mother.

If she went through with this farce of a marriage, it would be a loveless union.

Nodding his head to her, the Emperor gestured for her to speak. Stepping forward on tentative feet, London first looked at her big, strong papa, who smiled down at her encouragingly. His green eyes twinkled with love she returned tenfold. Then she glanced at her mother and brothers. They all gazed at her with anticipation in their eyes. The crowd of dignitaries watched London expectantly and for the life of her, the words just would not come out.

“Speak, daughter,” the Emperor whispered in her ear.

“Ladies and Gen-gentlemen, I am pl-pleased—” Taking a deep breath, London tried to continue. “I—I’m pleased t-to —” Again she stopped. Why was it so difficult to say a few stupid words? She stole a glance at Zahn whose mouth was now a tight line. Could she give in and spend the rest of her life with him? “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.” Racing past Zahn and her father, and ignoring the surprised gasps of the audience, she fled from the hall not stopping until she reached her room.

London flung herself onto her big fluffy bed and burst into tears. She’d shamed her parents, but how could she stand in front of everyone and lie about how happy she was to be betrothed to Zahn? He’d make her miserable. She didn’t love him and she was certain the feeling was mutual. He was only marrying her out of a sense of duty.

Since she’d reached her twentieth birthday, Lords from all over the planet had offered for her hand in marriage, but her parents had given her the freedom to choose her own mate. Several proposals later, the Emperor and Queen expressed their concerns. After turning down an offer from one of the richest men on the planet, her father had put his foot down, and declared that she would marry a man of his choosing.

At first, she didn’t think it was such a bad idea, considering the fact that she hadn’t been able to find someone on her own. What was the point when none of the men had inspired anything within her beyond mild interest? Maybe she was silly for wanting what her parents had, but barring that, London at least hoped for a man who wouldn’t try to dominate her.

All the men on Thibius however walked two steps ahead of their women. Men had the final say in the relationship. Even her mother gave in whenever her father wanted his way. London didn’t want that. She longed for a partnership. She desired to be treated as if her thoughts and wishes were important, not as some haughty Lord’s arm decoration.

London realized she was in big trouble the moment she left the dining hall, so it was no surprise when her bedroom door burst open and the Emperor stormed through, eyes blazing green fire. Her mother scurried behind him, trying to hold him back only to be shrugged off.

London stood up, her stomach clenching with nervousness. “Papa?—”

“You will tell me what that all about now! How could you embarrass your mother and I like that in front of our guests?”