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"Then it is done," said King Henry, interrupting Duchess Arden's thoughts. "Not quite. What about your side? She is my only daughter. You will pay me the courtesy of presenting to me the man whom you will have me wed her to. Preferably prior to such an engagement," said Duke Arden.

The duke said this equally, without emotion. It took Zoey a moment to understand. And when her brain did once again function, she spat out the word engagement like every syllable was a hot coal.

Not too far away, lurking in the shadows, Prince Aaron beheld Zoey. The shadows were not a place he was accustomed to, but this morning it suited his purposes. He watched Zoey go from excited, to hushed, then pale. This amused him. Queen Mary was doing a number on the mousy, little commoner. His father truly must be in fear for his throne.

"Insolent child!" Duchess Arden exclaimed.

"Forgive my sister, Your Majesty. She is not accustomed to noble society." Bart's apology was swift and elegant, as though practised.

"It's true, Lady Zoey only came to us yesterday," Duke Arden added.

Zoey's head spun. Did this man who deemed it appropriate to call himself her father, just apologise for her? But wait, that wasn't what was important. They had said engagement, had they not? Should she ask? Who was it that had said the words?

King Henry gave a nervous chuckle and said, "Think nothing of it."

"One might hardly expect anything more," Her Majesty quipped. "If nothing else, she is pretty and pretty is all she needs to be."

Wait, wait, wait. Stop! Everyone, slow down a bit. Why had she been brought here? Why were they speaking of her, but not to her? Why would the words they were saying, though crystal clear, not make any sense?