Stealing His Princess (Kings of Conquest #2) - Adelaide Forrest Page 0,8

on their wedding night, compelled by their duty to the Country they ruled together. Hating every second of it, but trapped by circumstances.

The thought alone was enough to fill me with fury.

Bristol was a woman who deserved to be worshiped. She deserved to feel as though she was her husband's oasis from the rest of the world. Not just another obligation.

"You're fortunate to have a bride who will make a good Queen. Someone you get along with and don't need to worry about petty dramatics if she should want your attention," I pointed out, staring at one of the Princesses who tried to catch another Prince's focus. “I could only be so lucky.”

Holden scoffed as he turned his attention to the same thing I was watching. "I suppose you're right about that. Bristol will never demand attention from any man. She's far too headstrong to appear so needy. Besides, demanding my attention would require her to want it in the first place." He shrugged his shoulders, not even slightly hurt by his soon-to-be betrothed’s lack of interest in him.

"Perhaps. But maybe it would be best if you tried to appreciate her. Since you have a lack of choice or control," I snapped, as my eyes landed on where Alina danced with Corbin. The old oaf stumbled through their dance, stepping on her feet and uncaring with the way my sister's face twitched in pain every time he crushed her toes. Just one more marriage beyond my control.

One more woman I cared for that I couldn't do a damn thing to protect against the circumstances of her life.

He turned and studied me curiously for a moment, his eyes finally following mine and landing on Alina. His suspicion softened to understanding. "Believe me, I appreciate her in our own way. Putting the two of us together so often since we were kids made it so we became best friends, Aric. But sadly, that’s all we’ll ever be. I have to accept it, as she struggles to do as well, I’m sure.” He paused, his lips twisting as he contemplated whatever thought crossed his mind. "And what of you? Surely the time has come for you to pursue a wife of your own?"

"I've yet to meet anyone of interest," I returned, my tone dismissive. It wasn't a complete lie, at least; not anyone within the realm of possibility for me. "I refuse to settle for someone I don't love, or at the very least care for. I know I may need to one day, but I just have to hope someone promising makes herself known before then." I couldn't be certain if I was working harder to convince him or myself of the possibility.

I already knew no one would tempt me the way Bristol did.

I dropped my empty tumbler on a tray as a server passed, turning a bitter smile to Holden. To the man who had my entire world at his feet and saw none of it for the beauty it was. "I’m sorry, Holden. It’s great to see you, but I think I’ll get some air.”

He nodded, giving my back several pats as I moved to pass him. “If it’s any consolation, I wish you luck in finding what you’re looking for. I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.”

If only he knew that if luck were truly on my side, then fate would give me Bristol. My jaw tightened at the disloyal thought, and with no further words I nodded and walked off, making my way to the doors at the back of the ballroom. The terrace called my name. The privacy and fresh ocean breeze seemed like a beacon in the bleak reality of my future.

If I escaped the crowds, then perhaps for just a few moments I could breathe and be myself. As soon as I inhaled the fresh air into my lungs, I felt better. Less trapped by circumstance and propriety.

Free and not drowning in the perfume and cologne of the desperate.

4

Bristol

It took far too long for me to navigate my way through the ballroom and find another glass of champagne. Given the obvious nature of my match with Holden, none of the Kings or Princes bothered to approach me, but many of the women I'd gone to school with or knew through social events wanted to catch up. They came for brief snippets of conversation while they caught their breath between dances. Hoping the next royal would be so charmed by the three minutes of