Page 14 of The Most Unsuitable Prince (Another Arranged Marriage #8)

Why does he keep calling me Rupert dear?

Is he being overly familiar with me? Rupert wasn’t sure.

To be honest, he wasn’t sure why he needed to speak with his husband at all.

After Tristan refused to apologize to him that morning, or more correctly, was conspicuous by his absence, all Rupert wanted was to see Winter.

He hadn’t had any sleep. He was fairly sure Tristan was determined to back him into a situation he might never get out of.

People were talking about him, behind his back, and they weren’t being nice.

For whatever reason, it made sense in Rupert’s head that the one person who didn’t make sense in his life was the same person who might be able to shed some light on everything that seemed to be crumbling around Rupert’s ears.

He was given a moment to collect his thoughts when one of the footmen came in carrying a large tray. Setting the contents down on the table between them, the footman poured two coffees and then quietly asked if they needed anything else.

“No, thank you, Jeremy,” Winter said with the same smile. “Enjoy your break, and thank Mary for the lovely sandwiches. They look delightful.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Jeremy bowed low and disappeared as quietly as he’d arrived.

“Now we can have some privacy.” Winter added a few cubes of sugar to his coffee, stirred it quickly, before putting down the spoon and picking up his cup.

“It appears that while I thought you were off having high times and fun adventures with your friends, you seem to have had a rough time of it. What happened to cause you such distress?”

“I didn’t want anything to change.” Rupert snatched up a handful of sugar cubes and dumped them in his cup, stirring furiously.

“My father expected me to marry. I’m sure you’re already aware of that.

I did that. I married you. But then, you changed our marriage contract, and my father invited all of my friends to the wedding.

Now everywhere I go, people are annoyed at me because you’re not with me, and damn Tristan…

I can’t believe Tristan would behave in such a disgusting manner. ”

“Everyone I’ve spoken to in the past week has all told me about the close friendship you and Lord Middlethorp enjoy.” Winter smiled over the edge of his cup. He had very long and slender fingers. “I’m sure, if Lord Middlethorp said or did something untoward…?”

“He didn’t do anything. It’s what he said…what he implied…” Rupert said quickly. “I have never been interested in that man in that way. This is your fault. You changed the contract after I signed it…”

Winter held up a finger, and Rupert stopped.

“You were the one who insisted on completing a marriage contract with me, Rupert dear. I did not ask for it. And I do believe we’ve already discussed why I insisted on a fidelity clause in our marriage.

That’s not up for debate. I refuse to be made a fool of.

“In my experience, especially with working in and around the World Council, I have come across many instances where society and royal family members have made a mockery of the vows they shared with their spouse. I refuse to be one of those cases. As I said before, I didn’t ask for this marriage, but when I spoke my vows, I meant them and I expect you to honor them, too.

Now, what did Tristan do or say to upset you so badly? ”

“He was referring to Serron and that new spouse of his, Patin.” Rupert quickly swallowed a few mouthfuls of coffee.

“It was his opinion that the two men had been intimate for a very long time, and that Serron purchased the Folkon estate for the sole purpose of providing a private place where they could be intimate together away from the castle.”

“I see.” Winter’s sip from his cup was far more genteel than Rupert could ever manage. “For what it’s worth, Lord Middlethorp’s theory is correct to a certain point. King Serron did purchase Folkon for Consort Patin, but it was gifted to him early in their relationship.

“I can also tell you, and I received this information from a reliable source, that when Serron was still a Crown Prince, like you, he was being pushed to marry. Like you, his father was seriously ill and not expected to live long. His father would not accept Patin as his spouse, despite that being Serron’s deepest wish.

It was decided that Serron and Patin would approach Prince Jaq as a possible spouse for Serron.

They did that, together, and told Prince Jaq the truth about their relationship, leaving it up to him to decide whether he was prepared to marry Serron, essentially in name only.

Although, I believe that situation has now changed.

But that was the original agreement between them. ”

Rupert frowned. “Jaq knew about Serron and Patin’s intimacies when he married Serron?”

Winter nodded. “From before the contract was signed, to my understanding. I only bring this up because of the giant flaw in what I’m imagining Lord Middlethorp’s plan to be.

Serron could continue his relationship with Patin after marrying Jaq, because Jaq already knew about it and agreed to it, to the point of forging a friendship with Patin himself.

There also wasn’t a fidelity clause in Serron and Jaq’s marriage contract. ”

“Well, shit!” Putting down his cup, Rupert ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve been spun so much bullshit. That damn Tristan.”

“Is it possible Lord Middlethorp hoped to be your Patin, so to speak?”

“Yes. No. I’m really not sure.” Rupert looked at his husband, really looked at him.

Looking as though he were fresh out of bed, there was something appealing about the man.

“He wanted me to gift him a house and title, separate from his family. He offered to…be with me, in that way.” Rupert didn’t mention rubbing Winter’s face in it.

He had a feeling that was a step too far.

“Rather than be flattered, or even consider it, I felt cornered and disgusted. If I did such a thing, he would have the potential to blackmail me for the rest of my life, and I can’t help but think that’s what he intended. ”

“I’ve always believed it’s a good idea to trust your instincts in such matters,” Winter said quietly.

“It has been mentioned to me by more than one person in the past week that Lord Middlethorp has an unusually intense interest in the decline of your father’s health.

Being the paramour of a crown prince is one thing – when that person becomes king, the stakes are so much higher. ”

It was as if the fluids in Rupert’s stomach turned to ice.

He hated that his father had been so public with his health issues, always feeling as though it was another form of pressure his father exerted on him and his life.

Rupert knew he’d have to step up and take responsibility at some point – I’m just not ready for it right now.

“I just wanted my life to continue as it always has,” he murmured, almost forgetting Winter was in the room.

But when he looked up, his husband was watching him intently.

“I fear you will think me blindly selfish, and perhaps I am. But the thought of change terrifies me. I need things to remain the same. I need my life to progress the way it always has. With what Tristan’s done…

suggested…even if he’d simply hinted at his interest, I know I can’t trust him anymore, but he was the one who used to advise me. ”

“Thank you.” Winter nodded. “I realize none of that would’ve been easy to admit to anyone, and I’m honored that you told me.”

Rupert felt his cheeks heat up. “Your discussion about King Serron and his spouses led me to believe that you considered honesty and communication important elements of a marriage.”

A strange look flashed across Winter’s face, although it disappeared quickly.

“I do, yes. Although, as I’m sure you would agree, all aspects of trust in any form of relationship takes time to develop between people – even married ones.

I’m not sure I can assist with your friendship with Lord Middlethorp.

I do not know the man at all. But what can I assist you with?

I’m sure you cut your trip short for a reason. ”

Swallowing down the sudden lump in his throat, because Rupert knew he didn’t deserve the kindness, he said, “I’d be very grateful if you attended the Middlethorp ball with me tomorrow evening.

I have many friends who have expressed an interest in meeting you.

If we appear together publicly, perhaps that will stop the rumor that I’ve locked you in a cupboard somewhere. ”

“I’m sure the rumors haven’t reached that point just yet, but I agree that it is a sensible idea.” Winter’s grin had Rupert wondering if his husband was teasing or not. “Our first date. I think that will be a very pleasant way to spend an evening.”

He hesitated a moment and then added, “Would you be offended if I ask if we travel in a carriage to our destination, rather than on horseback? I’d prefer not to be smelling of horse and leather when I meet your friends for the first time.

A carriage would also ensure you weren’t forced to accept hospitality from the Middlethorps if your situation with their son has not improved. ”

“That’s very sound thinking.” Rupert got up and sketched a quick bow. “I’ll…er… I’ll leave you to attend to your afternoon. Will I see you at dinner?”

“That will be lovely. Thank you, Rupert dear. I’ll look forward to seeing you then.”

Rupert left, finding he quite liked being called “Rupert dear” – Maybe I’m going soft in the head. But the weight on his shoulders felt lighter than it had for some time. For Rupert, that was a welcome feeling. I should go and visit Father, he decided. I know he’ll be pleased that I’m home as well.