“Ara, please stand. Let them see how beautiful my daughter is,” he beamed and I hesitated. Father gestured, raising his hand in command to stand, and I scooted the chair back, rising. “Finley, please join her.”
My heart leapt into my throat and I whipped my head to him.
No.
He winked at me, grinning with satisfaction.
No, this was not happening.
My cheeks flushed, my stomach in knots, as I slowly looked back at my father.
“Finley and Ara have been friends for as long as they have been alive. Before that, his parents, Marcus and Leia, were our dearest friends,” he said, gesturing to Mother. “Over the years, our families were tied through friendship and mutual respect, but we have recently decided a more permanent bond is in order. With great pride and love, we are happy to announce the engagement of our daughter, Ara, to their son, Finley.”
Every thought came to a screeching halt and my skin went cold, frozen on the spot.
“Please raise your glass in a toast to the newly engaged,” he announced, raising his goblet to the room. “May they be as fortunate as we have been. May they have a long fruitful marriage, blessed with many children, and the privilege of growing old in each other’s arms. To our happy couple,” he said, raising his glass again and downing the contents.
Many children.
Growing old.
The room cheered, every face radiating with joy as if they all expected this. The room swayed under my feet.
Tearing my gaze from my father, I slowly turned to my mother. While she bore a smile, it was sad. Apologetic. She took a small sip of wine, dropping her gaze to the table.
My vision blurred as my thoughts spiraled and a cold sweat broke out along my spine.
My father just announced, to every family friend and the king himself, that I was engaged and without any interjection… I was.
Finn’s fingers intertwined with mine, turning me to him.
He was overwhelmingly happy with no concern for the turmoil playing out behind my eyes. Maybe he didn’t see it. Maybe….
Maybe he knew.
Maybe he wanted this, even though he knew I didn’t.
Maybe he didn’t care.
My face heated.
Before I could even ask him, he grabbed either side of my face, bringing his mouth down to mine in a sudden, awkward kiss.
In front of the entire table.
They clapped and cheered, ecstatic.
Oblivious.
My face was on fire.
Chapter Two
Ara
Back in my room, I paced incessantly.
I cannotmarry Finn. I cannot.