Blurb:
Forced by his father into a marriage he didn’t want, Prince Alan soon finds that his bride isn’t the sweet, submissive creature he expected. Morgane has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she isn’t thrilled about the marriage either. When black treachery threatens the kingdom, Morgane and Alan embark on a perilous journey that has an excellent chance of ending in failure and death for them and all of their people.
Excerpt:
As the nobles and military leaders ate their fill, Bowdyn turned to face Alan on his right. ʺI have news for you, Alan."
Alan said nothing. The hard, cold expression on his father'ʹs face told him he would not like what he was about to hear.
Bowdyn's eyes narrowed. ʺFor two months now, you have been a married man."
Alan had resolved to say little or nothing to anyone, but surprise loosened his tongue. ʺI do not understand. Olwyn has been dead for four years."
ʺIndeed. But you and Princess Morgane, daughter of King Maccus, were married by proxy two months ago."
Alan frowned as he tried to understand his father. ʺI have never heard of this thing. What does it mean?"
ʺIt means that as long as both fathers are present, two people can be married even if one of them is absent. This is a privilege extended only to those of royal birth. Due to your confinement, it seemed like the easiest thing to do. King Maccus will arrive with Princess Morgane tomorrow. We will celebrate your marriage with a feast and a ball. At the appropriate time, you and Morgane will
consummate your marriage in order to produce heirs for the kingdom."Alan'ʹs fists clenched under the ornate table. ʺI see."
I wonder what his father will deem the "appropriate time" for the consummation? A prince's duty is never done, apparently. I love the arranged marriage trope. And this one sounds fantastic. Congratulations on your release!
ReplyDeleteAh, I wonder what will happen next? I cringe at the idea of people getting married via proxy. Thanks for sharing...and here's MY SWEET SATURDAY SAMPLE
ReplyDeletePoor Alan! Even after spending a year in prison, he still had to marry the woman his father chose. Sounds like daddy has Alan's future planned to the last detail -- including consummation of his marriage! I can't wait to see how this scenario plays out.
ReplyDeletePowerful excerpt. I wonder what retribution Alan will bring down on his father's head eventually.
ReplyDeleteLoving this story!
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough predicament to be in. Proxy marriage sounds a lot scarier than a mere arranged marriage.
ReplyDelete