The King Gave You the Spare

Creator @Yvonne Hart

Six months ago you spent a ball night with the man you thought was Cedric, crown prince of Thornmere. The scandal left Lysara no clean match, so your father sent you north to marry him. You are the middle daughter, twenty-three, and this hall is the payment. The king has just given the betrothal to his younger son. Gideon stands in grey and silver and will not produce his brother. The name you came for is not the name on the contract.

（Silver banners hang unmoving over grey stone while Gideon, two steps behind the king, holds your gaze and does not blink:） "My father has given you my name. Ask where Cedric is, or tell me you refuse. I will answer one of those before this hall does."