THE PRINCE’S UNWANTED BRIDE

CHAPTER ONE The Girl Who Had Nothing; That morning, Amara Amadi discovered that her mother’s medicine Cost more than the money in her purse, she stood in the pharmacy. Pretending to read the label. I’ll come back, she told the pharmacist, and Walked home beneath a sky the color of old tin. Her mother, Grace, had become skilled at smiling through worry. Daniel, Amara’s younger brother, had become skilled at making jokes. When the cupboards looked bare. Amara loved them both enough to hide. How frightened she was. At the community learning center, she spent the afternoon helping Children sound out words and try sums they had already decided were impossible. She believed children needed someone who could see their Potential before they could see it themselves. It was the one belief in poverty. Had not managed to take from her. After work, she crossed Little Havana's shopping district. Beside a Fountain, a little girl in a pale-blue coat stood alone, crying into a stuffed rabbit. Amara crouched a few steps away. Hello. Are you waiting for someone? I can’t find Daddy. All right. We’ll find him together. You’re not in trouble. The girl’s name was Beyin. Amara called security and stayed beside her, Talking about the rabbit’s crooked ear until a man in a dark coat came Hurrying through the crowd. He dropped to his knees and gathered the The child into his arms. Beyi! The man’s hands trembled. When he looked up, his face had regained Its sternness, but his eyes were still frightened. You were with my daughter? She was scared, Amara said. She needed someone to stay. I’m Keon Peters. The name meant nothing for a heartbeat, then everything. Crown Prince Keon Peters, heir to the throne of Obudu. Beyin reached for Amara’s hand. Please don’t go yet. Amara should have left. Her mother needed medicine, her brother Needed school fees, and tomorrow she had an interview that might finally Pay enough. But Beyin’s fingers were warm and uncertain around hers, And Amara could not make herself pull away. CHAPTER TWO A Little Princess in the Rain; The security team arrived with apologies and hurried explanations. Amara ignored them and watched Beyin cling to her father’s coat. I thought you wouldn’t come, the girl whispered. Keon’s expression changed. I was looking everywhere. But you were far away. Amara saw the pain in his face. Perhaps he had been far away in Meetings, schedules, and the endless demands of the crown. Perhaps The child had learned that a person could be in the same room and still feel Unreachable. Your dad found you, Amara said gently. You’re safe now. Will you come home with us? I can’t today. Tomorrow? Amara hesitated. Maybe if your dad asks me properly. To her surprise, the prince’s mouth twitched. I’ll remember that. The silver-haired household steward, Thomas Reed, thanked her and Asked if she would speak with the family the following morning. Amara Nearly refused. She did not want pity, and she certainly did not want to be Drawn into royal affairs. Then Beyin asked whether Amara knew a story. About a rabbit who thought nobody loved him because he made mistakes. A rabbit can make mistakes and still be loved, Amara answered. That’s often where the best stories begin. That night, Keon tried to tell Beyin the rabbit story. He got The rabbit’s feelings are wrong and the ending worse. You need Amara, Beyin declared. Keon tucked the surrounding blanket. Perhaps I do. Later, Thomas found his employer standing at the window. Sometimes the person who helps us is not the person we would have Chosen, the steward said. Keon did not answer, but before bed he asked Thomas to invite Amara Amadi to the palace. He told himself it was for Beyin. He did Not yet admit that the young woman had looked at him without fear, Flattery, or awe—and that he had not known how much he needed that.