Youre going to use my sisters wedding as an excuse not to bed me? Vars demanded. He could feel the anger continuing to rise. Do you know what Ive already had to put up with for the sake of this farce? My father is sending me into danger. Hes putting me in charge of escorting my sisters procession around the kingdom.

I take it that it is not the honor he is trying to paint it? Lyril guessed.

Vars snorted at the thought that anyone could think it so. My sister goes around the land looking beautiful and receiving gifts, while Im stuck there as if Im somehow less important, just riding along like some… some guardsman.

That would take you away from Royalsport for a long time, Lyril said, she looked thoughtful for a moment. Hmm… I might have to find someone else to keep me company…

Do you think I will sit back and stand for that? Vars demanded. Remember that there are other noblewomen out there.

Ah, but none so lovely, dont you agree? Lyril said. She turned slowly, letting him see her, and in that moment Vars wanted nothing more than to tear the dress from her and have her there on the floor, regardless of the consequences.

None so lovely, Vars admitted. And you know it.

Yes, I know it, Lyril agreed. And I use it, along with anything else that I can. You see that in me, and I think there is a part of you that desires that more than anything to do with my body.

Vars smiled at that. Perhaps. Well then, what do you see in me? Is it just that I am a handsome prince for you to try to snare?

I think you are a man who takes what he wants, Lyril said. A cunning man and a clever one. And I think that if you were to think, there would be an easy solution for all of the ways your sisters wedding is overshadowing you. One that will make sure that Im in your bed and your bed only.

Vars thought he could see where this was going. Lyril, Ive told you

Marry me, Vars. Marry me, and it will be the second in line to the throne getting married, not a girl whos back behind all the men of the family in the succession. Marry me.

Vars didnt like it when people put pressure on him. He would never have used the word coward, because that was a word that the likes of Rodry used to make him feel small, but he knew he couldnt stand up to someone truly forceful head on.

All right, he said. All right, Ill marry you!

Lyril threw her arms around him, kissing him. Thats wonderful! Vars, you just made me the happiest woman in Royalsport.