He stopped, and Josselyn found herself standing at the edge of the floor. He nodded toward the terrace.
“Want to get some air?”
“Yes, please.”
She allowed herself to be led outside, taking Edmund's arm as they strolled in silence past the other couples enjoying the cool, evening air. They found a bench on the far side of the terrace, and Josselyn sank down onto it gratefully. Edmund lowered himself down beside her, his thigh brushing against hers as he stretched his legs out.
“You didn't answer my question, by the way.”
“Oh? What question was that?”
“You know exactly which question I'm talking about – are you still hung up on your guard or not?”
Josselyn stared at the endless array of stars, winking their lights at her as though they, too, knew all her secrets.
“There may have been a time when I had a certain degree of fondness for him, but I assure you, it's long past.”
“A certain degree of fondness? Please.You would moon over the guy like he was the last piece of bacon at the breakfast buffet.”
“Such eloquence.”
“The point is, you were more than fond of him, Joss. Admit it.”
“Fine. I was more than just fond of him, I liked him. A lot. So much so, in fact, that at sixteen I fancied myself in love with him, and I thought maybe, just maybe, he might've felt something, too. But then he was assigned as my guard, and everything changed. He changed. He wouldn't call me Josselyn anymore, only 'Your Highness', because it wouldn't be proper. Everything became about duty and responsibility.”
Inhaling slowly, she watched as a star streaked across the sky, its light disappearing forever. On the exhale, she turned her face to meet Edmund's gaze, which was fixed upon her own with the same intensity as the other day. Her voice dropped to a whisper, her words almost inaudible.
“I tried to tell him how I felt, and he rejected me, just like he's rejecting me again now.”
“He doesn't deserve you. If he did, he would appreciate what a treasure you are.”
He leaned down, capturing her lips with his own in a gentle kiss before whispering, “Choose me, instead, Josselyn. I would make you happier than he ever could, I guarantee it.”
She stared up at him, trying to envision a life with this man who had been her best friend for as long as she could remember. If she had to choose a fiance, wouldn't it be better to choose someone she was comfortable with as opposed to some stranger? Her gaze shifted back toward the castle and she stood, wrapping her arms around her torso as she watched the people dancing through the open doors.
“I care about you a great deal, you know that, but I've never felt anything more than friendship.” She caught her lower lip in her teeth, worrying the soft flesh there as she glanced back at Edmund. He stood and took one of her hands in his own, freeing it from its death grip on her waist. Lifting it to his lips, he brushed a soft kiss across her knuckles.
“Given a proper chance, I do believe I could change that.”
He flashed his roguish grin. A comforting warmth filled Josselyn at the familiar teasing, and she felt a laugh bubble up inside her.
“You just want to be the next king, admit it.”
He pretended to be affronted, pressing his free hand against his chest. “How dare you question the sincerity of my feelings. Why, the thought had never even occurred to me.”
She rolled her eyes, the laughter coming freely now. “You, sir, are a terrible liar.”
He threw his hands up in surrender, laughing along with her. “Okay, okay, so maybe the thought has occurred to me in passing. You are the crown princess, after all.” His laughter faded, and his expression grew serious as he looked her in the eye, his gaze unwavering. “But I'd have you know that is not the reason I'm proposing to you.”
Her breath caught in her throat at the sincerity she saw reflected in his eyes.
“It's not?”
“Not even a little.”
She swallowed, her cheeks warming under his steady gaze. “If you're not proposing for the crown, then why...?” Her voice trailed off as she waited, unsure what answer she actually wanted to hear.
“Because I've been in love with you ever since you first kicked my ass in training. You showed me what strength and determination truly looked like. Even though you were smaller than every boy out there, you never let that stop you, not for a moment. You inspired me, excited me, made me your willing slave.”
He caressed the side of her face with his hand, tracing her lower lip with his thumb.
“Marry me, Josselyn. Say yes.”
She opened her mouth to do just that but the words caught in her throat. Her eyes drifted back toward the castle, and a hollow ache settled in her chest. He doesn't want you. Edmund does. She squeezed her eyes shut, berating her traitorous heart. You have to marry anyway, and here is a man who sees you as more than just a crown to be won. He loves you. It's the right choice.
She opened her mouth once again, and this time the words flowed out on a whispered breath.
“Yes.”
“Yes?” Edmund lifted Josselyn off her feet, laughing as he twirled her around in the air. His excitement was contagious, and she soon found herself laughing along with him.
“Set me down, you goon. People are starting to stare.”
He grinned. “And why shouldn't they stare? This is a momentous occasion, after all.” He set her down, and she smoothed her skirts, making a face at him as she did so.
“Why do I feel like I'm going to regret this decision?”
“You're not. But, just in case you get cold feet, perhaps we should share the news with your father straightaway.” He held out his arm. “I don't want to take any chances on you changing your mind.”
She snorted, but took the proffered arm. “How very romantic of you.”
“I try.”
He led her across the terrace and back through the castle doors. Her heart stuttered as they passed Alex, standing sentry beside those same doors, and her stomach twisted in knots at
