“It cheapens the royal line,” Lord Preston added.
“How so?” the queen asked. “Because hunters are mostly villagers?” She raised her eyebrows in challenge.
“You know I have no prejudice against you or commoners, Leighlane,” Lord Preston scoffed.
“Charles, please,” Lady Faith spoke. “We know you’re under pressure. We know you wouldn’t make this decision without a care. It’s just that we’re all a bit . . . surprised. You do realize a proclamation like this could invite any vagabond, brutish, scoundrel to have a lucky shot at the beast and live out the rest of his life the castle, don’t you? And with your daughter, no less.”
The queen sucked in a breath. “Don’t be crude.”
“It’s only the truth,” Lady Faith said. “We need to discuss the reality of this situation.”
“The reality is that we’re facing a beast that we struggle to beat,” the king snapped.
“I agree,” Lord James said. He sent his wife an apologetic look for opposing her. “I think this is a worthy sacrifice. Arranged marriages were the way for many years until our generation. Aerity will survive.”
As they argued, Aerity imagined the kind, handsome face of Harrison, but the comfort he brought her was suddenly beyond reach.
“Papa, please,” Vixie pleaded. “Use my dowry instead.”
Oh, sweet Vixie. Aerity’s heart cracked.
The queen shook her head. “Vix, you will need that, trust me.”
“I don’t want it!”
“You’re too young to understand the importance, love.”
“I’m old enough to know this is wrong!” Vixie was crying in earnest now.
Lord James shook his head. “This generation of royal children doesn’t understand the obligation we have to the people. These kids have lived indulgent lives with no responsibilities, playing and doing circus tricks all day.”
Queen Leighlane gasped. “Exercise and agility is nothing to frown upon.”
Lady Faith waved a dismissive hand at her husband. “They learn of hardship through their studies. No need for them to actually experience it.” At this, Lord James rolled his eyes, and the arguing commenced.
Vixie’s wails became background noise to the entire family fighting, emotions rising along with their voices. Aerity’s queasy stomach continued to spin, making her dizzy. While the adults quarreled, Wyneth’s worried eyes met Aerity’s.
Am I selfish to want to refuse? Aerity silently asked. Wyneth tightened her grip on her cousin’s hand under the table, and Aerity knew that even though Wyneth would do anything to avenge Breckon’s death, she would not hold it against Aerity if she defied her father in this.
Lord James stood, his chair flying back, knocking over a water glass as he pointed at Lord Preston. Others rose to their feet as well. Their voices echoed in Aerity’s ears, the words mashing together without meaning, making her head pound.
Thirty men had been slaughtered this week. Thirty women were grieving for the men they loved, and one of those women was her cousin. Thirty mothers had to live with images of their sons’ strong bodies being ripped apart. Now her family was at odds.
Could this proclamation end their suffering?
She forced herself to sit straighter, grasping at fleeting strands of confidence.
“Father.” The single word was lost amid a myriad of loud voices. The frustration and desperation painted on her loved ones’ faces hurt her. She yelled over them, “Father!”
The room silenced. All heads turned to her.
“I will do as I must.” Her words were strong, forceful, even though she felt nothing of the sort. She looked at her father’s red face. “I do not fault you for making this difficult decision. Send out your proclamation. Let the hunt begin as soon as possible.”
His eyes lit in pride and gratitude. When his chin trembled, the chin of a man who never backed down and never showed weakness, Princess Aerity had to release herself from Wyneth’s grip.
The truth of everything began to soak into her, like rain, each drop speaking to her. . . .
A stranger.
A hunter.
Your husband.
Overwhelmed, she turned and gathered her skirts, forcing her chin to remain up as she walked steadily from the High Hall.
Chapter
6
Aerity did not want to speak to a soul. She sat on the edge of her bed, numb. When a soft knock sounded at her bedchamber door, she called, “Leave me be.”
The door opened a crack and Aerity saw a tangle of red curls around a tearstained face. Vixie. All at once, her sister’s offer to use her dowry and her cries on Aerity’s behalf was like a river of sentiment through her.
“Oh, Vixie, come here, love.”
Her sister came straight to her bed and climbed up into her arms, clinging to her. Aerity swallowed hard, trying to hold it together.