Page 7 of The Most Unsuitable Prince (Another Arranged Marriage #8)

“It’s not too late to back out,” the king whispered as Winter assisted him into his seat. “Honestly, the more I get to know you, the more I feel sorry for you.”

You don’t know me at all, my dear friend.

Only who I appear to be. Winter smiled and shook his head.

“The paperwork is already done. I’m already crown prince consort.

All you have to do is keep following your healer’s orders, so I don’t become king consort too soon.

Have I thanked you for the lovely robe?” He straightened once he was sure the king was seated.

“My valet had never seen anything so grand.”

Winter did a little twirl, knowing the numerous lights overhead would pick up the different facets of the jewels sewn across his shoulders and down the front and back of the pale ivory robe. It had been an unexpected, and very much appreciated gift received the day before.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve commissioned anything for someone so fetching.” The king smirked. “I’m old. I’m allowed to say things like that.”

Bowing, Winter didn’t hide his grin. “I know you’re only teasing me, helping me feel less nervous,” he said, smiling at the king and then nodding and waving at a couple of people who were waving in his direction.

Winter had used his days in the castle wisely – it was why he and his team had arrived so early.

Making contacts, learning who was who, and more importantly, who controlled the various aspects of the castle and the kingdom, was all useful information.

While Rupert might suppose that Winter would feel off-kilter being in a new and strange country, Winter was already feeling at home.

The greeting hall was completely packed.

It seemed like the king had been determined that every single society family in the area would witness his son getting married at last. Winter wasn’t sure if that was something the king did for any event, although his cynical mind considered that it was also possibly the king’s way of ensuring that no society family could use the excuse they didn’t realize Rupert was married if they witnessed any unbecoming behavior.

Clearly the king was hoping Rupert’s behavior would change once the vows were said.

Winter was under no illusion that was going to happen, at least for a while.

The next few weeks are going to be interesting.

Pippin had already learned that Rupert was leaving the castle again the following morning, and Winter hadn’t been invited to accompany him.

He’d expected the messages, indicating Rupert wanted to speak with him before the wedding.

I can’t help being busy, Winter thought with a smirk.

“I am determined to have fun at this wedding,” he said to the king, keeping half an eye on a commotion going on at the door. “After all, a gentleman only gets married once in most circumstances. I won’t be doing this again.”

“It would be lovely if this could be seen as a festive occasion,” the king agreed. “Ah, there’s the announcer now. I should’ve known Rupert would make a grand entrance. It wouldn’t be seemly to leave my son waiting.”

“As if I would, Your Majesty. I’ll be back shortly,” Winter promised.

Bowing again, he quickly made his way to the stage where August was already waiting.

In comparison to him, August was dressed very somberly in a black robe with gold trim showing the insignia of the Martingale royal family.

Winter could also see that Sigmund, his adviser, was also looking particularly grim, sitting next to two of the members of the king’s council.

Winter understood. His adviser always had his best interests at heart.

There was no sign of Pippin, but Winter wasn’t worried about that. He knew his man would be somewhere in the crowd, being unobtrusive as he always was, while catching up on any information he thought Winter might need. Pippin excelled at doing that.

Winter was surprised to feel a couple of butterflies in his belly as he nudged August with his shoulder, happy his brother had been able to stay long enough to see him married.

He was under no illusions that his marriage was going to be a happy match, but Winter reminded himself that his contract would have considerable benefits for his part of in his family’s business.

It’s as good a reason as any to get married, he reasoned as two loud trumpets cut through the idle chatter among the crowd.

“I call on you all to be upstanding for His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Rupert of Simigile.”

Winter turned, glancing at his husband-to-be, who was walking slowly down the aisle, looking left and right, accepting all the bowing and curtsying that rippled through the crowd like a wave as he advanced.

He clearly hasn’t worn that robe for a while , Winter thought, biting the inside of his mouth to make sure his amusement remained hidden.

Rupert was definitely dressed in a very stately robe, one that had probably kept a tailor busy for weeks to create.

But the way it was tight around the neck and particularly around his biceps suggested it may have been a few meals since Rupert had been fitted for that particular garment. Maybe he’s put on a bit of weight .

This time, he clearly didn’t hide his grin as well as he had previously. “Marriage is a very serious affair, Your Highness,” the official who was conducting the ceremony murmured quietly.

“I’m aware, Harry.” Winter faced him with a wide smile.

Harry was one of the king’s oldest advisers, and Winter had already had two interesting conversations with him about the state of affairs in Simigile.

“It’s also meant to be a joyous celebration, though, and I’m sure you’ll agree Crown Prince Rupert is being serious enough for both of us. ”

That was an extremely polite understatement, something Harry was probably aware of.

The look on Rupert’s face spoke volumes.

The man was clearly doing his bit to be regal.

The coronet sitting in his long black hair added at least two inches to his height, not that Rupert needed it.

He was a very large and imposing man. There might be some who could be intimidated by the idea of tying their lives to such a person, especially with the glower that Rupert was wearing.

But Winter wasn’t concerned. He was more than capable of looking after himself.

His nod, when Rupert finally made it to the stage, was brief and respectful enough. After all, they were going to be married, it’s not like he was meant to bow effusively or any such nonsense. Effectively, Winter was already Rupert’s equal.

However, it was clear that Rupert did not believe Winter deserved the same courtesy. The slight sneer in the corner of his lip as he took in Winter’s outfit made Winter want to laugh out loud. You wanted a peacock, and thanks to your father, I look like one.

Personally, Winter thought his new robe was truly beautiful.

Not something he would usually wear in his day-to-day life, but for special events, it felt good to look his best. Combined with the tight black pants he liked to wear, and with his hair falling down his back in waves, more than one person had complimented him on his appearance.

He wore rings on every finger, three bangles on each wrist, and had even forced a couple of diamond studs in his ear lobes.

Every inch a pampered prince. It was clear Rupert hated it.

“Crown Prince Rupert, if you could take your spouse’s hand,” Harry said in his deep tones after the crowd had gotten themselves seated again. “We can begin.”

Harry started his speech – something that seemed to be required for anyone officiating a wedding.

Winter didn’t have to listen, he’d helped Harry write it, making sure that it was long enough to show the serious intent, without boring the listeners.

As Harry’s voice droned on, Winter wondered what Rupert was thinking.

His intended wasn’t even looking at him.

He was staring over Winter’s head. As there was nothing behind Winter at all except a rather large stone column, it was clear Rupert was trying to distance himself from the proceedings.

Try doing that when the vow exchange occurs.

As if Harry could read his mind, he said, “Prince Winter, if you could follow me as we recite the vows that will cement this auspicious union?”

Winter nodded as Harry started, looking up at Rupert’s chin.

“I, Prince Winter…being free of all commitments…and coming to this marriage willingly…hereby swear in front of all who are gathered here…that I will provide my husband guidance and support as his equal in all things…stand by his side in times of strife… and provide comfort when needed. I will remain true to our marriage and be faithful only to him…in accordance with the contract signed by us both and filed with the World Council.”

Winter barely had to wait for Harry to finish speaking especially in the last part of his vows.

Again, he’d written them, so he knew exactly what he was pledging before king and country.

It was unlikely that Rupert did, but Winter confirmed why Rupert wanted to talk to him before the ceremony.

There was an imperceptible tightening in Rupert’s jaw when the word “faithful” had been used.

“Thank you, Your Highness. Crown Prince Rupert, if you’d like to repeat after me…”