Page 81 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

He nods. "You're not just marrying anyone, you'll be marrying into the royal family. There are things we need to make sure we're prepared for."

"I don't understand. I didn't ask for any of this."

He lets out a resigned sigh. "Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding between us regarding your betrothal."

I raise an eyebrow. "How can there be a misunderstanding about selling me to the highest bidder?"

It almost seems like there's a hint of pride under his surprise. But I'm probably just imagining it. "I understand that you're new to the way court works, but you're expected to marry now you're part of House Rothorne. Your position, and mine, depends on it."

"I understand my position," I say. "I suppose I just thought that it would be longer before I was expected to be married. Etiquette lessons have barely scratched the surface of what I need to know, and I can only recognise about half of the crests. And I know barely anything about the history of vampires. Only up to the rise of House Sanulieon."

"Impressive," he says.

I stare at him, not having expected the response. "It is?"

"I hadn't realised you were a scholar of history, Beatrice."

"I'm not," I respond. "Or I suppose I didn't think I was. I just wanted to learn so I could understand court and the way things worked."

"If you're concerned about your etiquette lessons and learning more about the history of vampires, I can speak with the royal family and ensure that they write it into the final marriage contract that you can continue as much as you'd like."

I blink a few times. "You'd do that?"

"You're my daughter, Beatrice. Perhaps that doesn't mean the same to vampires as it does to humans, but it still remains true. You're a representative of this House even if you're married into another, and if your husband were to die, you'd return here. Your desire to understand all of the things you've said is encouraging to me. And I will in turn encourage you to pursue such pastimes."

"Oh." I look down at my knees, not really sure what to make of that.

"I know the wedding is coming around fast, but in truth, I thought you'd be pleased."

"Pleased?" I echo.

"I recommend not misunderstanding me. If this marriage hadn't benefited me, then I wouldn't have considered it, but I did take your inclinations into account," he continues.

"My inclinations?" I feel like I'm missing something.

"Well, yes," Lord Fallmartin says. "You seem to get on well with Prince Lincoln."

My whole world starts spinning. "Prince Lincoln," I repeat.

Linc.

Lord Fallmartin nods, completely unaware of the way my world is crashing in on itself. I can't even work out whether to be relieved, happy, or frustrated.

"I've seen the two of you dancing together," Lord Fallmartin says. "You seem to get on well. Which is more than can be said for a lot of arranged marriages, but I do believe it will be an asset for you."

"Mmm." I can't really keep my thoughts focused, even if I'm trying to pay attention.

"I should actually thank you, the King would never have agreed to the betrothal without the influence you've had over the Prince."

"I-I'm not sure what you mean." Except that I do. Linc has told me himself that he hasn't been going to events, and yet he's been to most of them since my arrival.

"Now, come, Beatrice. You're smarter than that."

I nod. There's no use denying it, and there is a part of me that wants Lord Fallmartin to think of me as clever.

"I would have preferred Prince Marcus for you..."

"He's my cousin."