Chapter 3

Joss's eyes darkened, and his expression turned to ice.

"Freya, I'll say it again. Stop making a joke of what we have.

"And one more thing. There's a problem at the Girard family's port, and I've kept it quiet for your sake.

"Watch yourself."

My head snapped up. My breath caught.

Joss was one step away from becoming the Don. Over eight years, he'd turned into a tyrant who made ruthless decisions without blinking.

He knew exactly how to use threats like this against merchants and nobles.

I never imagined that one day he'd use them on me.

My voice shook. "Are you threatening me?"

Regret flickered in Joss's eyes, and his voice softened. "Freya, that's not what I meant. I was wrong. I..."

Lydia suddenly burst into tears. "Freya, please don't fight with Joss. I don't want the notes anymore..." She broke off, coughing hard.

She doubled over, and the scarf slipped loose.

Joss hurried to steady her, and she let herself fall right into his arms. "Joss, it's all my fault. Don't make Freya mad," she said between coughs.

Joss held Lydia close. They clung to each other as though I wasn't even there.

I walked over, yanked the scarf off her, and hurled it into the Elvina River.

Joss quickly pushed Lydia away. He was about to say something when she started coughing violently again.

He had no choice but to turn back to her.

I strode away.

By the time I got home, my parents had heard the selection results. They were worried sick, but they managed to smile for me.

My mother tried to comfort me. "Freya, it's only one job. Not getting it isn't the end of the world."

My father nodded, then muttered, "Wasn't that Joss boy in charge of the selection this time? Couldn't he have pulled a few strings?"

My mother glared at him. "Freya simply had an off day. She's capable. She doesn't need anyone rigging things for her."

My father retreated a few steps, still muttering under his breath.

"There's nothing underhanded about a marriage alliance. Don Norton is much better than Joss. He's young, handsome, and capable, and he's the one who asked for the match.

"Why doesn't Freya just marry him?"

My mother's face darkened. "Freya's happiness matters more than anything. She'll marry whoever she loves!"

She turned to me. "Freya, don't worry. With the Girard name behind you, you'll always have options."

I looked up. She was right. The Girard name was my safety net.

Even with the nobility losing ground, the Girard family was still the most powerful in the area.

As the Girard heir, I had a duty to marry into the strongest family I could.

I sat by the window, watching the gray sunset fade, and stayed until the first light of dawn.

When the first sunlight touched my face, I went to my parents. "Write back to Rigel Norton. Tell him I accept the match!"

My parents were thrilled and quickly sent word to the Norton family.

The two families exchanged the marriage contracts.

Rigel was away, but he had his advisor deliver a letter asking where I wanted the wedding and how I'd like to spend our honeymoon.

The letter was brief but thoughtful.

He also sent me a huge red coral sculpture as a gift.

My nerves settled. Rigel was clearly taking this marriage seriously.

One day, on my way to see about my wedding dress, I ran into Joss at my front door.

He blocked my way. "Freya, why did you send back the coral brooch and the coral necklace I gave you? You don't like them?"

I stepped back and said coolly, "Joss, we're just acquaintances now. You don't need to give me such expensive jewelry."

Joss gave me a puzzled look.

"Freya, are you still mad?

"Are you jealous?"

He sighed softly.

"All right, don't be mad. I've been busy finding a tutor for Lydia, and I've neglected you.

"Give me one more month, okay? I'll come ask for your hand then, I promise."

I pushed him away. "Sorry. I'm getting married soon."

Just then, the servants arrived with my wedding gown.

Joss smiled. "Freya, so you've already started getting ready?"

I scoffed. "What does my wedding dress have to do with you? It's not like I'm marrying you!"

Joss clearly wasn't listening. He checked his watch and spoke quickly.

"All right, I need to drop off some notes for Lydia. I have to go.

"That dress is way too extravagant. Remember to pick a different one.

"I'm about to be named the Don, and you'll be the Donna. You need to keep a lower profile."

With that, he hurried off.

I watched him go, a mocking smile on my lips.

About to be named the Don?

He's celebrating way too soon!