Page 113 of The Throne Seeker

Grant’s hand gripped hers tight as sighed loudly. “I know you expect a proposal tonight, Rose. And I want to—you have no idea how much I want to—but my parents found out you lied about your financial situation.”

Her mouth fell open in shock. “But how? Did you tell them?”

“No,” he answered with a sour expression. “But I bet it’ll only take you one guess to find out who did.”

The only other person she’d told was?—

“Tristan?” she questioned, hating how weak her voice sounded.

Grant gave her an aggravated nod.

She diverted her gaze, blinking back the moisture surging into her eyes. Her vision blurred.

“I’m so sorry. I tried to persuade them,” Grant said. “You have no idea how hard I tried, but my parents won’t accept the union. My father’s too much of a businessman to accept you when he and my mother have bet—” he switched his word choice, “—more advantageous matches for me. You understand I can’t go against them or I’ll have nothing to give you.”

She nodded too quickly, a tear spilling out. She wiped it away. “No, of course. I was stupid to think we could keep it from them.”

His expression hardened. “Are you really trying to take the blame for this?” he asked furiously over the sea breeze. “Don’t you understand what he’s done? He just ruined you, Rose. Forget me. That arrogant bastard just ruinedanychance of even a half-decent marriage because he can’t stand the fact that you didn’t choose him!”

Her eyes fell.

She knew exactly what it meant.

“He means to have you stay here alone forever, while he gets married and lives his life right in front of you. I always knew he was scum. I thought he’d do the right thing when it came to you, but when he flaunted that girl in front of you, I knew he’d reached a new low.”

She gazed out at the sea, wishing the waves would swallow her whole. Her world was crumbling down stone by stone. She wrapped her arms around herself, taking in a deep breath of the cool breeze.

“I understand,” she replied softly.

“My parents insist we leave in the morning… I’ve not only embarrassed them by failing the succession, but now this.”

“I’m jealous.” She lifted her eyes to meet his as her voice cracked. “Your home sounded so lovely.”

He looked out into the ocean, then twisted sharply back. “Damn it all to hell, Rosalie. I never thought I could feel this way about anyone until you came along.”

It was a great compliment coming from him.

“I’m sorry I caused trouble between you and your parents,” she apologized after a slight pause. “It seems like I turned out to be another red mark after all.” She tried to give him a smile, but another tear slipped out instead.

Grant cursed, stepping forward to her with a determination she’d never seen. “Listen to me,” he commanded. “Do whatever you can to get out of here. The longer you stay here, the worse it’ll be for you. I know how strong you are, but a place like this, with him—it will corrode you. I care too much about you to let you wither away here. Promise me you’ll do everything you can to leave.Promise me.”

She would. For her sake as much as his.

“I promise.”

He looked at her with all the care in the world as he leaned down and kissed her for the last time. Ironically, it was the first time she found herself savoring his lips.

“Take care of yourself, Rose.” Grant caressed her cheek, reluctantly dropping her hand as he turned and retreated from the beach, leaving her alone yet again.

Her mother couldn’t fathom it, shocked beyond belief when Rose returned from the beach in tears. She told her everything—how Tristan had betrayed her, how the secret they’d fought so hard to keep hidden was now exposed. Her tears streamed like an endless river.

“You were right, Mum,” she ended, ashamed. “I should’ve never told Tristan.”

Her mother’s shoulders slumped, her eyes searching for some solution, but from her lack of words, Rose doubted she could find one. Another rare occasion indeed.

“No need to dwell on it now. We’ll just have to find you another suitor,” her mother said with a bite of her lip. She paced. “There are plenty more who will still accept you, I’m sure. The letters I sent out should get a reply soon. In the meantime, I’ll speak to the king and queen. I’m sure they’ll have something to say about this.”

And that was the end of the discussion.