Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Twenty-five- Engagement nº 2

Meanwhile, in another wing of the palace, King Alaric had gathered James and Alexander in one of the smaller council chambers. The atmosphere was considerably less pleasant than the Queen's tea room.

The princes, Adrian and Lucien had joined them, both still dressed in the formal clothes they had worn that morning. Adrian stood beside his father with his usual composed expression, while Lucien had taken the more relaxed position near one of the windows.

Alaric poured himself a drink. "There is something I wish to discuss with you, James."

James immediately became cautious. "Of course, Your Majesty."

"The future."

Alexander shifted slightly. James noticed. Adrian already seemed to understand where the conversation was going.

"I have been considering your family for some time," the King said.

James's expression remained carefully neutral. "My family?"

"Specifically, Lady Serena."

Alexander's head lifted. James remained silent for a moment.

Alaric smiled. "I have always considered the Harringtons the finest family in my realm. Loyal, respected, and proven. There are few houses I trust as much as yours."

"Your Majesty honors us."

"I intend to see that trust strengthened and we all know how.”

"My King," he said carefully, "I understand the importance of alliances. But Serena's future is not something I would wish to discuss as though she were a piece on a chessboard."

Alexander looked at his father with something approaching admiration.

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "You would refuse a royal match? I’m offering your daughter a crown."

Adrian, however, remained perfectly calm. "I understand Lord Harrington's concern," he said. "But if Lady Serena does not object, I would have no objection either."

James looked at him. There was no arrogance in Adrian's expression. No excitement, either. Only duty. That somehow made James more uncomfortable.

Before he could respond, Lucien spoke from the window. "Well." He smiled lazily. "Serena would certainly make a beautiful princess."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. There was something about the prince's expression that he didn't like. A tiny smile, almost imperceptible. As though Lucien knew something the others didn't.

And he did.

His mother had already told him enough about her plans over the years that the possibility of Serena becoming his wife was hardly a surprise. If anything, Lucien found the entire situation amusing.

James intervened before the exchange could become more complicated. "Your Majesty, I am honored that you would consider Serena worthy of such a position. But I cannot make that decision for her."

Alaric studied him for a long moment. "You are asking me to wait for your daughter's answer?"

"I am asking you to allow her to have one."

The King smiled faintly. "Very well."

James bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Grace."

But as the conversation moved toward other matters, James remained thoughtful. He knew what a royal marriage could mean for his family. Influence. Security. Prestige. He also knew exactly what it could cost Serena. And he would not turn his daughter into a bargain simply because the King had decided she would make a suitable queen.

Across the room, Alexander remained wary of Lucien. The prince caught his eye and smiled. Alexander's expression hardened.

He definitely did not like that smile.