Chapter 4
My pupils contracted, a surge of pure hatred rising in my chest.
He knew exactly where to strike-how to twist the knife with just a few words.
Gideon left without hesitation, Lenora trailing behind him.
A maid approached, holding my new bridal gown, her voice hesitant. “My lady, you…”
I traced the embroidered lovebirds on the fabric, their beaks touching beneath a golden crown, and asked absently, “Percival mentioned that in a few days, His Majesty will decide the fate of those scholars, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” the maid replied respectfully.
In my past life, Percival couldn’t bear to see me follow Gideon into exile, so he secured him a position in the capital. That was how Gideon climbed the ranks-until he replaced Percival as Chancellor.
This time, I was curious to see if he could rise without my family’s influence.
When we returned to Ravenscroft Manor, Clarissa eagerly took my hand, gushing about how wonderful Alaric was. “Your father will bring him to our private chambers after the council. You ought to meet your intended before the wedding-if he displeases you, there may yet be room for reconsideration.”
I answered flatly, “There’s no need. I’m willing-”
“You dare?! Who gave you the right to barge into Ravenscroft Manor?!”
Before I could finish, shouts erupted outside.
Clarissa and I turned to see Gideon striding in, followed by three men.
My gaze swept over them-each more wretched than the last.
The first was a scabbed, gap-toothed beggar, reeking of filth.
The second, though passably fair-faced, walked with a pronounced limp.
The third minced forward, his powdered face and simpering posture marking him as a brothel’s pet.
Clarissa stiffened. “What is the meaning of this?”
Gideon bowed mockingly. “Lady Ravenscroft, since Isolde publicly refused me, I won’t force her. But out of kindness, I’ve brought suitable matches-men of known backgrounds-before the Crown assigns her some unknown brute.”
Clarissa’s face darkened. “Guards! Throw these wretches out!”
Unfazed, Gideon continued, “She’ll be twenty soon. Once the Crown intervenes, even the Chancellor can’t stop it. At least this way, you can choose a live-in husband-keep him leashed under your roof. If these three don’t please you, I’ll reluctantly take her back. But she’ll have to learn obedience. A proper wife knows her place-and if she behaves, I’ll ensure her comfort.”
The man was a master manipulator. No wonder he’d risen so high in my past life.
Bringing these rejects was both an insult and a threat-a stick to beat me with before offering the carrot of “generosity”. He thought I had no options left, that I’d crumble under pressure.
Chapter A
Clarissa’s face turned ashen with rage.
I stepped forward. “Leave, Gideon. I’ve already chosen a husband-one who outshines you in every way.”
His brows furrowed. “Who could possibly-? Isolde, this is your last chance. If you refuse-”
“If she refuses what?” Percival’s voice cut through like a blade.
He stood in the doorway, still clad in the robes of the royal council, beside a man so striking he seemed wrought from
silver and winter starlight.
Alaric.
Though dressed plainly, his bearing was regal-sharp-eyed, broad-shouldered, every inch the nobleman.
Gideon paled. He’d clearly planned this visit to avoid Percival-but today, of all days, Percival had returned early.
“Explain this farce,” Percival demanded, icy gaze raking over the intruders.
Before I could speak, Gideon interjected smoothly, “My Lord Chancellor, these men are my doing. Lady Isolde’s willful
refusal left me no alternative-I made inquiries at the bishop’s court for suitable candidates. I brought them to
remonstrate with her.”
What silver-tongued lies!
Gideon smirked, emboldened. “I know keeping a mistress before our betrothal offended you. If it pleases you, I’ll wed Lady
Isolde immediately.”
He grasped my wrist, voice dripping honeyed venom. “Who but I can guarantee your future comfort? Having already humored your whims… Sweeten your father’s temper for me, won’t you?”
