Book 3: Machinations

Ainslee

I lie in bed because it hurts too much to do anything else. That, and I don’t want my father setting me up with Marcus. Not only is he not my mate, but he’s the mate of one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’m not going to snatch him out from under her, no matter how much pressure my father puts on me.

“His Majesty wants to know if you will come down to dinner tonight,” Lucia asks me, popping her head in my room as another day wanes into evening.

“No.” I shake my head on the pillow. “I’m still not feeling well.”

She lets herself in and sits on the edge of my bed. “If it’s about Marcus, I’m not worried. I know enough about you to know you won’t marry him.”

“That’s part of it,” I admit reluctantly. “But I really do feel truly awful.”

“I should get you some tea,” she says, her brow pinched with worry. “Something that will settle your stomach.”

I laugh bitterly. “I know you are looking forward to the lasting happiness