Page 9 of The Most Unsuitable Prince (Another Arranged Marriage #8)

“The castle staff, and your father, of course, were very welcoming when we arrived. Honestly, there wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for us.

I was so impressed, and so incredibly grateful.

I was informed you had extensive social engagements you simply had to attend, which I understood completely.

A man like yourself is going to be a very busy person. ”

A man like myself? Rupert wasn’t sure what Winter was implying, and wasn’t sure he’d like it, if he did understand. “Many elements on my social calendar are annual events,” he said gruffly, feeling as though he’d mis-stepped in some way. “I don’t like to disappoint people who expect me to attend.”

“Oh, absolutely.” Winter’s smile widened, and Rupert was almost certain he was being laughed at.

It was something to do with the way Winter’s eyes twinkled.

“I’m sure that practice won’t change simply because we’re married.

A crown prince has a certain duty to his people, after all. His consort as well, I imagine.”

“Yes, no. Er…about that.” Rupert wasn’t sure what he was meant to say. But it seemed Winter wasn’t going to stop talking long enough to listen anyway.

“As you already pointed out, many of the events you attend are already planned. I don’t imagine I’m invited to go with you. The wedding was organized at such short notice after all. I’m sure most people weren’t aware of my existence, or that we were getting married until today.”

Winter let out a gentle laugh – something else Rupert wasn’t sure he knew what to do with. “If there are any events you explicitly wish me to attend, you can let my adviser Sigmund know, and he’ll be sure to add it to my schedule.”

“Er…yes. Yes. I can do that.” Doesn’t he want to be seen with me?

Isn’t he planning on spending any time with me at all?

Now Rupert was more confused than ever. If Winter didn’t expect to spend time with him, and it wasn’t sounding as if he was, then why did he insist on an infidelity clause in their marriage contract?

The wedding reception wasn’t the place to ask. The staff were already serving the first course. Rupert resigned himself to an uncomfortable meal. But his mind wouldn’t stop churning over the conundrum he’d married.

/~/~/~/~/

It was more than two hours later when the band started playing, and Rupert knew he was going to have to suffer through one dance with Winter, at the very least. It wasn’t that he objected to dancing, but people were going to see him dancing with the brightly dressed man.

And worse, Rupert had the feeling his face was going red from the way his robe was cutting off the circulation to his head.

Leading Winter to the dance floor and taking him in his arms wasn’t a hardship.

It wasn’t as though he would press Winter against his body or anything ridiculous like that.

Rupert ensured that there was plenty of space between his body and that brightly jeweled robe Winter was wearing.

I wouldn’t want to cut myself on those gems, he thought crossly.

Winter was an excellent dancer and followed his lead easily.

“You appear tense,” Winter said quietly as they moved across the floor. “Have you enjoyed the day?”

“It was a day.” Rupert couldn’t help being abrupt. He was honestly at the end of his rope. Nothing about Winter or the way he acted made sense. “I have to ask. Why did you marry me?”

Winter laughed, and Rupert got the impression that the people watching them probably thought he was having a good time.

“I wasn’t given much choice. You sent a proposal for me – a lesser prince from a large royal family that rules a much smaller country than Simigile.

I’m sure I was chosen specifically for that reason, as you likely knew my father would think it prudent to accept. ”

His husband was closer to the truth than he probably realized, but Winter’s answer left Rupert feeling all the more confused.

“I’m neither confirming nor denying that,” he said, making sure to keep his voice low as the dance floor started to fill.

“However, if you knew this was a strictly political alliance and nothing more, why did you insist we be faithful to each other? I know it was you who instigated that clause.”

“Oh, that’s easy, dear Rupert.” This time Rupert was sure Winter was mocking him. That idea was further reinforced when Winter leaned closer to him, never missing a step. “You might rule your domain and get your own way whenever you raise your voice.” Winter’s voice was almost hypnotizing.

“You might stomp over people’s feelings and insist your way is the only way, even to the point of marrying someone you’d seen for no more than five minutes at a social event.

I respect you have that right – it’s who you are.

I know exactly why you offered a contract for me – I knew that before I signed the papers. ”

“Then why did you accept?” Why did you include that damn clause? The music was coming to an end, but Rupert was desperate for an answer.

“For the same reasons you offered the contract in the first place, I imagine.” Winter’s voice dropped even lower.

“As to why I decided to hold your balls in a vice, to be kept for my pleasure only, is simple too, if you think about it. You married me to keep your father happy and for no other reason. You have no desire to get to know me, spend time with me, or integrate me into your life at all. I married you, despite knowing that.”

“You’re not making any sense,” Rupert hissed, even as his blood ran cold. How did Winter know so much about him?

“Then I’ll make it simple for you, my dear Rupert.

I’ll accept that I’ll barely see you. I’ll accept all you want to do is be out playing with your little friends.

I have more than enough activities to keep me busy.

Your absence will not bother me. But you will not disrespect me in that way.

You will not flaunt your dalliances, discreet or otherwise, among your friends.

I will not be made a fool of. Do you understand now? ”

Rupert’s nod was short and automatic, his steps slowing as the music came to a close.

“And Rupert dear,” Winter added as they both stopped.

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking I won’t find out about any dalliances you might entertain, because I will.

And if I hear the slightest suggestion you’ve behaved inappropriately with anyone , I will drag you before the truth-sayers at the World Council. Do we understand each other?”

“I still don’t understand why you’d do this,” Rupert whispered, horror settling into his belly as the firmness of Winter’s words rang through his brain. “This would be as binding on you as it is on me.”

“I’m aware.” Winter patted his chest as he smiled up at him.

To anyone looking at them from out of hearing distance, they could imagine the newlyweds were sharing a romantic moment.

“This is about respect, my dear husband. Something you’ve shown me precious little of since you first saw me in Monce.

I know what you think about me, and there’s something you should know about those peacocks you think I resemble.

You should never underestimate them. Their feathers are beautiful, but their beak and claws are sharp. ”

“I don’t…I…er…” How did he know?

“You made a mistake, Rupert dear. One you’re now stuck with.

It might be time for you to realize that a person is far more than the fancy robe he wears.

People have substance...hidden depths…depths that should be respected.

” Winter’s eyes seemed to glow as he stepped back.

“Now, would you mind escorting me back to our table? I believe it’s time for my brother and myself to retire for the evening. ”

Still stunned, Rupert did as Winter asked, barely nodding at August as the two men made their excuses and left.

“Is everything all right?” Tristan asked as Rupert took his seat again and reached for the nearest glass. “Things looked a bit intense there for a moment on the dance floor.”

“I’m not sure anything will be all right again,” Rupert said before chugging the contents of the glass down his throat.

How the hell did Winter know I referred to him as a peacock?

Is he a seer or something? A shiver ran down Rupert’s spine.

If he was, then Winter’s threat about dragging him before the World Council could be a very real possibility.

Reaching for another glass, Rupert stopped himself.

He was more determined than ever to get away from the castle – at least for a bit.

He would be on his horse by the time the sun rose.

He needed to think about what Winter had said, to try to solve the riddle behind the man’s words.

It would help if he could get the memory of the man’s body against his out of his brain first.