Page 11 of The Most Unsuitable Prince (Another Arranged Marriage #8)
“Yes, well, that was on him then, wasn’t it, for not making himself available to the tailor.
” Winter sighed. “As we have no idea what Rupert plans to do next, beyond leaving the castle as soon as possible, I’ll focus on forming new contacts in the area, and try to learn all I can, especially about the society families.
That shouldn’t be an issue. I have no intention of intruding on Rupert’s events.
From what I saw today, and from what he said, it will be better to give him some space, I think.
I am confident that I will receive invitations to other society family estates over time. ”
“Sigmund is probably receiving them as we speak,” August said. “The new title helps, but you’ve always been friendly anyway, so I am sure you will carve your own space here, with or without your husband.”
“For as long as Rupert chooses to ignore me, definitely.” Winter glanced down at his bare feet. His brother was probably the only one who’d ever seen them, apart from Pippin or Sigmund.
“I always thought that if I did marry, if I was ever in a position where I met somebody and there was mutual affection shared. If we were in a position where we decided to wed, and it was politically expedient for me to do so without impeding any of the work we do... I always felt that it would be wonderful to have somebody I could trust, to tell them what we do, to explain who I am, to be able to be my real self, even if it’s in privacy behind closed doors.
Instead, for some reckless reason, I decided on Rupert, and I doubt he can be trusted with any secret at all. ”
“I agree with the secrecy aspect.” August shifted in his seat, putting his now empty glass on the table.
“My bigger concern would be that he doesn’t give the impression of someone being interested in listening to you, let alone being trusted with our secrets.
I was watching him over dinner, and I wasn’t impressed.
“You’ve also got to remember, brother of mine, that while I can appreciate that you feel a lot for the king and country here already – I’m not denying Simigile is a good country full of decent people - but you can’t burn yourself out trying to save this country if Rupert runs around countermanding everything you hope to achieve, simply because he can. ”
“The country doesn’t need saving.” Winter chuckled.
“Not yet, at least, and you know I’m not prone to melodrama.
There’s a good chance that once the king has sadly passed, Rupert won’t change his ways at all.
In which case, it will be up to the council here, and me most likely, to keep the country running as it is. ”
“But you’re not sure, are you?”
Winter shook his head. “The unknown can be a mischievous mistress at times, teasing the brain with a dozen possibilities. Rupert’s not lazy, and while he might be headstrong and impetuous, he’s also not stupid.”
“Are you sure?” August asked. “In my opinion, he’s acting like a spoiled child. I don’t see anything redeeming about that.”
“I’ll concede my new husband could learn a lot about manners, decent behavior, and respect.
” Winter frowned, thinking about what they knew.
“Pippin distinctly heard Rupert mention just this morning that I can have the castle anyway, if I’m comfortable here.
Perhaps he plans on spending as much time as possible in neighboring estates, and never actually coming home, whether his father is alive or not.
“I guess we won’t know until it happens. I will admit, though” - Winter looked at his brother and grinned – “at the moment, I can cope a lot better with this situation when I think of my dear Rupert as though he were a puzzle. He’s a conundrum I’d really, really like to solve.”
“Even if you solve that puzzle,” August reminded him, “there’s no guarantee you’ll like the picture that puzzle makes when it’s completed.”
“That’s always a risk, especially when I’m completing the puzzle blindfolded.
At the moment, the only positive thing Crown Prince Rupert has going for him is the fact that he does fill out a pair of trousers in a most delightful fashion, which is a shame, because the rest of him is nowhere near as appealing.
Face it, there is a good chance he doesn’t find men attractive at all. ”
“And yet he’s only sought husbands in the past.” August wrinkled his nose. “He seems to have a marriage type, that much is obvious.”
“It’s nice to know I have something in common with Prince Remy and Prince Syrius, and even King Consort Jaq.
But enough about me. The whole day has been about me and this wedding, and for better or worse, it is now done.
I’m worried about you. You seem moodier than normal,” Winter added.
There was no point in dwelling on the things he couldn’t change.
“Are you sure you’re comfortable with this trip to Southland? ”
“I’m sure it will be fine,” August nodded.
“Now King Harvey’s there with his queen, I think the World Council just wants to ensure the stability of the region has not been threatened by the change in rule.
No, it’s not the job. Perhaps, I’m getting old.
” August smiled, but it was brief. “Watching you get married today made me think about how much I’d like to be married as well.
But even though I’m older than you by a good four years… ”
“Three-and-a-half years,” Winter insisted. It was a common jest between them. “You’re only older than me by three years and five months.”
“Older I might be, but I’m not the crown prince, because Joseph is older than us all. Which means, unless I happen to catch somebody’s eye like you did, I’m likely to remain unmarried for quite some time. I can’t get home often enough to court anybody in Martingale.”
“Oh.” Winter grinned. “I thought there was someone you were interested in, a few months ago. It’s Lady Portia, isn’t it? Tell me I’m right.”
“There’s no point in discussing it. I’m never home long enough to court anyone.
I’ve been traveling with you, and we’ve been to Monce.
Now we’re here. In about a week or so, I’ll start heading for Southland.
I’ve got no idea when I’m going to be back in Martingale.
And Southland is a lot farther away from Martingale than Simigile is. ”
Winter felt immediately guilty. “August, you know if you said something to Father or Joseph, then they’d have you back in Martingale in a flash.
I’m sure half the time us younger ones are sent traveling so often, is that our father hopes we’ll find someone who would make a good match. If you’ve already found someone…”
“I’m not even sure if the lady knows of my interest,” August admitted. “It’s not like I’ve had the chance to discuss anything with her. There’s a good chance that by the time I finally do get back to Martingale, she could be wed, or at least promised to someone else.”
“August, no, don’t be like that.” Winter already knew he’d signed away his right to a happy marriage the day he put his signature to the papers pledging him to his husband.
August deserved so much better. “You know how to write a letter, don’t you?
Last I heard, you were a dab hand with the quill.
Why don’t you write to this lady of interest?
I’m sure it’s Lady Portia. Better yet, write to Father and ask him if he would entertain you approaching her father so that you could court her.
“I realize it could be a few months before you get back to Martingale, but imagine how fast the time will pass if you were receiving letters from a special someone in the meantime.”
“I’ll consider it,” August said. “I may send a message to Joseph and see what he thinks.” He shook his head. “I would never insult you, and you know that. But seeing you exchange your vows today with a man who couldn’t even look at you… I hate that for you.”
“As I said, it’s not so bad.” Winter flung his hand out, indicating the room. “At least the bed’s comfortable, and we’ve slept in worse places. I can handle this.”
“I’m not doubting your ability to handle this situation, the same as you’ve handled the many others you’ve been through over the years.
But the idea of committing to a loveless marriage – I couldn’t do it.
” August shook his head. “Actually, just thinking about it gives me the impetus to make sure this doesn’t happen to me.
If you don’t need anything, I’m going to make my excuses and leave you to your own company. I’ve got a couple of letters to write.”
Winter smiled and nodded as August got up and left the room.
His suite was at the other end of the hallway.
His smile lasted until the sound of August’s feet on the tiles disappeared and then he sighed, and poured himself another drink.
Leaning back in the chair and straightening out his legs, Winter let his mind wander.
The mystery that is the Crown Prince Rupert .
The only problem with the mystery, Winter conceded, was that it would be helpful to be close to the source of that mystery to be able to solve it, which could be a problem.
He had no doubt that his new husband would have left the castle before he’d even had breakfast in the morning.
And that’s a puzzle in itself, isn’t it, Rupert dear , he thought. What is it about this castle, or the people in it, that has you on the run all the time?