Chapter 7: The Prince's Decision

Aria's POV

Cassian examined the ledger before turning toward me. “Serena Blackthorne's name appears beside every payment. Commander Vale hasn't verified who actually authorized them.”

My fingers tightened around the blanket. Serena had never hidden her resentment toward me, but the thought that she might have paid someone to make my imprisonment worse left me sick.

“Could someone have used her name?” I asked.

“Possibly,” Cassian replied. “That's why we're investigating. I won't accuse anyone without evidence.”

He handed the ledger to the guard. “Tell Commander Vale to secure the original records before questioning anyone connected to the payments.”

After the guard departed, Cassian turned to me. “Aria, Commander Vale will need your statement about Deputy Warden Morrow. Dr. Rowan must examine you first.”

“I'll speak to him,” I answered. “I remember what Morrow did, and I don't want anyone speaking for me.”

Cassian nodded, but before he could respond, another guard appeared.

“Your Majesty, Alpha Richard requests an audience,” the guard announced.

“I'll meet him downstairs,” Cassian replied. He glanced at Lucian. “Your Highness, a word outside?”

Both men left, and Dr. Rowan approached my bedside to examine my wrist. He checked the swelling, reminded me not to strain it, and left after making me promise to rest.

I was still thinking about Serena's name on the ledger when Lucian returned.

“May I come in?” he asked from the doorway.

“Yes, Your Highness,” I answered.

He entered and took the chair beside my bed. “Cassian and I discussed your safety. I can offer you accommodation at my residence until your transfer is approved. You'd be a guest, not an employee.”

I stared at him. “You'd let me stay there?”

“Of course,” he replied. “You'd have your own room, and you could leave whenever you wished.”

It was tempting. I wouldn't have to worry about Serena confronting me or Kieran finding another opportunity to hurt me.

But I had spent too long depending on other people's promises.

“Thank you,” I said. “I'd rather wait until I can move somewhere of my own.”

Lucian nodded. “Then that's what we'll arrange.”

“You aren't offended?” I asked.

“Should I be?” he replied.

“Most people don't like being told no.”

“Then you've been surrounded by the wrong people,” he said.

I couldn't help smiling.

“There it is,” Lucian said, smiling back.

“What?” I asked.

“Your smile. I was beginning to wonder whether I'd ever see it.”

Heat crept into my cheeks. “You haven't known me long enough to wonder about anything.”

“Perhaps not,” he admitted. “But I'd like to know you better.”

For a moment, I forgot the documents, the investigation, and the pain in my wrist.

A guard's voice interrupted us.

“Your Highness, Alpha Richard is waiting in the drawing room,” he announced from the doorway.

Lucian rose. “I'll be there shortly.”

“Is it about Serena?” I asked.

“He wants to discuss the marriage alliance,” Lucian answered.

“Are you going to marry her?” I asked before I could reconsider the question.

“No agreement has been made,” Lucian replied.

“But you came here to consider one.”

“I did,” he admitted. “That doesn't mean I've accepted.”

I hesitated. “Serena won't take rejection well.”

“Then she'll have to accept that marriage requires two willing people,” he replied.

After he left, I remained in bed for several minutes. I knew I should rest, but I wanted to hear what Father had to say about the events of the past two days.

I slipped into my slippers and walked toward the landing.

Voices carried from the drawing room below.

“Your Highness, surely we can resolve this without damaging relations between our kingdoms,” Father said.

“I don't consider forged documents or the mistreatment of someone in your household minor misunderstandings,” Lucian replied.

“Aria has always been difficult,” Serena interrupted. “She's taking advantage of His Majesty's presence to make everyone pity her.”

“Serena, that's enough,” Father warned.

“No! She's been trying to interfere with my marriage ever since she returned!”

“There is no marriage,” Lucian said.

Silence followed.

“What do you mean?” Serena asked.

“I haven't agreed to marry you, Lady Serena,” Lucian replied. “And after what I've witnessed here, I won't continue the negotiations.”

“Your Highness, please,” Father began.

“My decision is final,” Lucian replied.

I stepped away from the banister before anyone noticed me and returned to my room.

Mrs. Vale arrived with my evening meal shortly afterward.

“Miss Aria, you should be resting,” she said, setting the tray down.

“I only went for a short walk,” I replied.

“Then please sit before Dr. Rowan returns and scolds us both,” she said.

I smiled and settled beside the tray. She waited until I began eating before leaving me alone.

I had nearly finished when Serena's voice rang through the corridor.

“You can't keep me away from her forever!” she shouted.

“Lady Serena, His Majesty has forbidden you from entering,” a guard replied.

“Then tell her to come out!” Serena demanded.

I set down my spoon and approached the door.

The guard stood between us. Serena's face was flushed, and she looked furious.

“Are you happy now?” she demanded. “Lucian has ended our marriage discussions, and I suppose you're celebrating!”

“I didn't ask him to do that,” I answered.

“Don't lie!” Serena snapped. “You've been following him around, pretending to be helpless!”

“Serena, please leave,” Mrs. Vale said, appearing behind me. “Miss Aria needs to rest.”

“Stay out of this!” Serena snapped. “Aria, you couldn't stand seeing me become a princess, could you?”

“Lucian made his own decision,” I replied. “Why are you blaming me?”

“Because everything was fine before you came home!”

“Was it?” I asked. “Someone forged my signature to send me away as an unpaid servant. Would you call that fine?”

Serena stiffened. “You have no proof I arranged anything.”

“Then let the investigators find out who did,” I replied.

“Watch your mouth!” Serena warned.

“Or what?” I asked. “You'll have Kieran lock me in another room?”

Serena stepped forward, but the guard blocked her.

“You think you're untouchable because King Cassian is protecting you?” she demanded.

“No,” I answered. “I just know you can't treat me however you please anymore.”

“That's enough,” Lucian said from behind her.

He approached with Father at his side.

Serena hurried toward him. “Your Highness, Aria has been insulting me! She's trying to turn you against me.”

Lucian addressed the guard. “Was Lady Serena permitted to approach this room?”

“No, Your Highness,” the guard answered. “I instructed her to leave.”

“Serena, return to your room,” Father ordered.

“But Father—”

“Now,” he repeated.

Serena ignored him and caught Lucian's sleeve. “Please, Lucian. We've known each other for years. You can't throw away our future over a few misunderstandings.”

Lucian removed her hand. “I never promised you marriage, Lady Serena.”

“But I love you!” she cried. “I've waited years for us to be together!”

“I'm sorry you're disappointed, but my decision stands,” he replied.

Serena turned on Father. “You promised me this alliance! Are you just going to let him humiliate me?”

“You're humiliating yourself,” Father answered sharply.

Her eyes filled with angry tears. “What have I done that's so terrible? Everyone keeps defending Aria as though I'm the one who deserves punishment!”

Lucian met her gaze. “Respect, for a start. You haven't shown her any since I arrived.”