Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Thirty

"I hope that wasn't because of something you ate at breakfast, or I will surely be joining you soon."

Addie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand hastily before spinning around to see George in the doorway to her chambers, leaning casually against the frame where she had just been imagining Charles doing the same.

But this wasn't her brother. It was her husband in the flesh. He wore formal attire, even though it was barely noon. Addie was learning that George was impeccably dressed at nearly every moment, and his black hair neatly manicured in the same way every day.

She reckoned she should be embarrassed, but instead couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

"For your sake, I hope so too."

He grinned and began to step forward into the room before stopping himself.

"Oh, please come in," Addie rushed to say in case he was waiting for a welcome.

He bowed his head in acceptance, walking into the room toward her.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked, genuine concern etched on his face.

Addie shook her head, sure it was just nerves that were bothering her. "No, thank you. I find I am already feeling better."

"Very well. I hope you don't mind if I sit?" George asked, gesturing to the armchair in the middle of her chambers.

"Yes, please do." Addie sat, joining him.

There was a silence that lingered between them before, to Addie's relief, George finally spoke. He had come to her, after all.

"My father has suggested that we go on a wedding tour."

"A wedding tour?" Addie repeated, surprised. "To where?"

George must not have been very invested in the idea, because he merely shrugged. Then after another moment of consideration, he said, "The continent, I suppose. The effects of Napoleon are long gone by now, and I'm sure it would be delightful."

His face, though pleasant enough, did not look truly delighted.

Addie pursed her lips. "This is merely your father's way of getting rid of me."

Another shrug. "Very likely."

She shook her head. "Then I am not interested."

A trace of a smile appeared on George's face. "Very well," he said. "I also want to apologize for my lack of presence in the first week of our marriage."

Addie's brows raised in surprise. "This is an arranged marriage, is it not? I do not expect a doting husband, George."

He didn't respond immediately but instead tilted his head in contemplation. The corners of his mouth raised in amusement.

"You didn't call me Your Highness," he commented.

It wasn't a question or even an accusation, just a simple statement as if noting the color of the drapes. Addie shrugged.

"No, I suppose I did not. We are family, however. Closer than that now. And you may remember, equal in the eyes of the crown as well." She reciprocated his actions, tilting her head as he did. "But if it displeases you, I can make certain to address you formally. In public, that is," she added.

At that, George erupted in boisterous laughter.

"You surprise me, Adelaide," he said, putting emphasis on her name. "You are not as I recall."

"Oh?" Addie asked. "And what do you recall?"

"A young girl often in her brother's shadow. Too tongue-tied to even put two sentences together coherently."