He Objects

Chapter 12: Resolved

The rest of the ride was conducted in awkward silence. No one—not even Felix—had the power to render me so speechless the way the prince had. Instead of trying to continue the conversation that was doing nothing but making my head spin, I spent my time mulling over everything that had happened, to see if I could make sense of some small part of it.

I didn't think Prince Henri had any romantic feelings for me. Despite that moment before, when he leaned in...no. Nothing truly indicated anything other than he didn't want me to marry Felix. Marrying me himself was simply a chivalrous way to somewhat salvage my reputation. He must not have been able to find another suitable match for me on such short notice.

The more I thought about it, the less I was certain the crown's issue was rooted in my dowry. Not directly, anyway. If it were, they would not have waited until the last possible moment to put a stop to the wedding. No, something about Felix's circumstances must have changed. Something that, in addition to my dowry, made him a threat to the king, unlike before. But, unfortunately, I knew nothing of the Kentworth holdings, or of the Baltingshire region's wealth, other than that it was already extensive. Did he somehow acquire more assets? Or maybe he was garnering political support among the other nobles? For as long as I'd known him, Felix had never bothered to apprise me of his plans for the future. I was to learn about the estate only after marrying into it, and manage it according to his and the dowager duchess's instruction.

Maybe it wasn't Felix, but the crown that was the changing factor in the equation. I pursed my lips. It was possible that Felix's wealth and influence remained the same, but it was the crown that was weakening in some way. Was the king ill, perhaps? Was there international discord brewing that the nobles were not yet aware of?

I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I didn't like the thought of the royal family being vulnerable. Our kingdom had prospered peacefully in recent years, thanks to them. But I knew it wasn't always that way. Our prosperity was hard-won, and I feared losing the stability that we were blessed with.

Forcing my facial features to smooth and mask my worry, I glanced furtively at Prince Henri. Outwardly he looked calm and stoic, if not for his eyes. He looked like his mind was in turmoil behind those silver eyes. With a slight shiver, I realized it wasn't just the crown I was worried about. It was the man next to me. The one who was quite possibly saving me from a life of loneliness.

Well, I decided. If the prince needs my help or support, then that's what he shall have. I nodded slightly, then patted Shadow's neck, feeling more settled than I had the entire ride so far.

"What are you thinking about?"

I started, and Shadow snorted in annoyance. I shushed him gently and collected myself before answering. There was no way I was going to tell him what I was just thinking. "Why do you ask?"

"You seem...resolved, somehow," he said, shocking me. Was I really so transparent? "But about what, I cannot imagine."

"Hmm," I said vaguely in reply.

Prince Henri chuckled. "That's fair. I haven't been very open with you this morning. Though I expect that will change in the future."

"Do you?" I said dryly. After his demeanor this morning, I wasn't holding out for more open communication. And telling him my inner thoughts was not a requirement of giving him my support.

"You have spirit, Charlotte," the prince said. "I admire you."

"Th-thank you," I stammered, caught off guard by the compliment.

He smiled gently and spurred his horse up alongside mine. The path had widened, and we were on the slow rise out of the marsh onto more solid ground. I was surprised to find that I was a little disappointed the ride was almost over. Our conversation, though frustrating, had given me a tiny glimpse into the prince's character, showing me the smallest bit that was hardly anything, but at the same time multitudes more than anyone else had.

I wanted to know more.

"I had a very pleasant morning, Charlotte. Thank you for showing me around," Prince Henri said warmly.

"You're very welcome. Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you while you're here," I said.

Instead of answering, the prince's expression became grim. At first, I thought he was angered by my offer, but then I realized he wasn't looking at me. He was looking past me, his eyes defiant and glowering.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Felix shouted from the top of the hill.