Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 17

It wasn't something I expected to have to deal with immediately; I wanted more time to dwell and get used to the idea that I'd have to con some poor woman into a loveless marriage. 

But to be forced to consider Fillipa? 

The woman I've known for less than a few days? 

"It would be an honor to my country for me to serve such a purpose." She reassures the court, and to my shock, she seems to agree that my say on this matter is the least of anyone's concerns. 

The dull roar of fate that has already been decided, I might be the King to the public, but behind these walls, behind these closed doors, I'm the pawn of the court and a slave to the church. Eyes turn towards Chaplin Vore as he takes in this offer. 

"Are we truly deciding this with so little consideration for what I want? Flippa is a lovely woman, but I'm the last of my line. Should we not put more thought into a potential Queen than the willingness to step into the position?"

"What is your religion?" He inquires.

 It seems like an odd thing to ask, given that I, myself, am practically an atheist despite my involvement with the unicorn and Verando's lineage. I couldn't recite a single verse from the holy book to a man. 

"Catholic."

Esmeralda slinks her way down to speak with Chaplin Vore, and it's Penelope who moves to sit beside me. "Want me to take her out?"

 I don't want to entertain her, not after all the suffering she has caused me and not after her betrayal in our last training session. If I were engaged, she would be free to paw all over my warlord, so I can only imagine this plays right into her hands. 

 "Nic, really, are you really just going to let them do this?" There is a touch of sincerity in her voice.

"They're not going to find in favor of a woman I don't even know." However, I'm becoming increasingly unsure whether anything would be my decision at all. 

I'm a wavemaker in their still pond; all I've done is promise change, and change is assured to come if I have my way. The wind slowly leaves my sails as I see the group start to nod. 

This is more than to save face with the people about my sexual interests. This is a way to assert their dominance; this is their way of assuring that I fall into place should they decide it. If they couldn't force me away from my guard, they would wedge a woman between us. 

My eyes drift towards Fillipa, a princess who dutifully followed the wishes of her father; if I wouldn't play ball, she certainly would. 

Penelope makes a face, siding with me in my disgust for the way I'm being auctioned off. It would not suit my nature to have them all killed, to throw a tantrum over having to marry a beautiful woman. My hands were tied; there was little I could do to protest at the risk of my sexuality coming into question once more. 

 "Yes. They would." She reassures me.

 Esmeralda straightens, fixing her dress in an almost victorious manner.

"The court accepts this, despite a lack of support from the crown. Due to the King's age and the sensitive nature of our time frame, the court finds in favor of this pairing, and the church agrees upon it. You will be wed before you go to France, prove your breeding, return to us carrying an heir, and we will discuss your crowning as Queen." 

She motions to Christian, who has to blink himself back into reality, then bang his hammer. "Court is dismissed until tomorrow, when we will discuss taxes and get this wedding situated."