The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 30

The daughter of Lord Beaumont, and the second-born at that—not even the primary heir.

For someone of such low standing to dream of marrying Prince Jareth was utterly laughable under normal circumstances.

But right now, the king thought it was the most brilliant match in the history of the realm!

If Jareth married a woman like that, he would receive absolutely no political backing from his new father-in-law. Perfect. The king was exceedingly pleased!

"Since you already asked for the royal decree earlier, it shows you had made up your mind to take the girl as your bride."

Prince Jareth frowned. "I merely thought to present her to Father immediately. I did, unfortunately, tell her I intended to marry her."

"The royal family's word is bound in iron! A promise made cannot be broken, or it would ruin the poor girl's reputation!"

The king was practically vibrating with urgency now. "Truly, Jareth, our father's spirit still lingers in these halls. He can surely hear us. You have always been a devoted son. For his sake, finalize this betrothal at once!"

"What was Lord Beaumont's second daughter named again?" the king prodded. "The eldest is Aurelia, if I recall. And the second...?"

"Lucia Beaumont."

"Excellent, excellent! I shall have the scribes draft the royal decree immediately!" The king was in such a rush to leave, terrified that Jareth might change his mind, that he paused at the door to add a solemn, weighty reminder. "Jareth. Do this for our father!"

Prince Jareth watched his brother hurry off to seal the marriage, a deep, unfathomable shadow crossing his predatory gaze.

Turning back to the bed, he dropped to one knee before the deceased king.

*Father... it seems there truly is someone in this world who can save me.*

A short while later.

The royal decree of marriage was carried out of the palace by a king's herald.

Prince Jareth intercepted the man at the palace gates. He unrolled the parchment, verified that Lucia's name was correctly inscribed, and handed it back to the herald.

"Go."

*Go. Deliver the decree to Beaumont Manor.*

With the old king's memorial tablet tucked safely inside his cloak, he turned his steps toward the family chapel.

Lucia awoke to find herself back in the familiar surroundings of Sunstone Pavilion.

As her senses returned, so did the memory of the final words she had heard before blacking out.

When the king had barged into Serenity Palace, she had indeed collapsed into Prince Jareth's arms, but she hadn't lost consciousness entirely. She had heard every word!

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