by
- The Pirate's Treasure
- A Marriage of Necessity
- Six Types of Apology
- The Gentlemen's Agreement
- The Most Unsuitable Prince
“You know,” he said, as he got the glimmer of an idea, “it would teach my father a lesson if I married someone totally unsuitable and took them home.”
Crown Prince Rupert of Simigile had been ordered to get married. Immediately. To the point where he wasn't allowed to return home to Simigile until he had secured a marriage contract. Stuck at Monce, definitely not mooning over King Consort Jaq, Rupert's eye was caught by a man in a particularly gaudy robe. He was short of stature, bedecked in jewels and reminded Rupert of a peacock. Better yet, he was a lowly prince from a family with numerous siblings. The perfect undesirable prince. Ordering a contract be drawn up immediately, Rupert headed for home. He had events to attend, and he had no intention of taking his new husband with him.
“All right then, my lovely people. What have we got? Can we work this marriage business to our advantage, or do I need to pull in a favor at the World Council and get this debacle stopped for reasons of national security or something similar?”
Prince Winter of Martingale had been "working" when he was spotted by Crown Prince Rupert at the Monce coronation. Living a life few knew about, and intensely committed to keep his secrets, Rupert's offer for his hand in marriage was a wrinkle in his plans. Determined to make the best of a frankly annoying situation, Winter and his staff headed for Simigile immediately. Once there Winter found out why the king had been so insistent that his only son find a spouse. The mystery was why Rupert hadn't simply married someone he already knew. It wasn't like the man didn't have any friends... or did he?
People are gossiping that I’m an unfit husband, and I think damn Tristan is trying to blackmail me by wanting to set up house with me. What are you going to do about it?
Rupert's wish to hang onto his past life was never going to happen. When he and Winter are forced, through unusual circumstances, to actually get to know each other, Rupert was surprised by how complex his new husband was. But a happy ever after is never guaranteed, especially with sword-wielding friends and grumpy gryphons determined to keep them apart.
The Most Unsuitable Prince can be read as a standalone. It features a crown prince who's default setting is grumpy, and a prince with a far sunnier personality despite his name. The story features friendly kings, treacherous friends, and well-kept secrets that have to come out eventually. Rupert and Winter's story has an HEA - eventually. It is a story intended for adults only.
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 26-35
Tropes: Arranged Pairing
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Same Universe / Various Characters
“You appear tense,” Winter said quietly as they moved across the floor. “Have you enjoyed the day?”
“It was a day.” Rupert couldn’t help being abrupt. He was honestly at the end of his rope. Nothing about Winter or the way he acted made sense. “I have to ask. Why did you marry me?”
Winter laughed, and Rupert got the impression that the people watching them probably thought he was having a good time. “I wasn’t given much choice. You sent a proposal for me – a lesser prince from a large royal family that rules a much smaller country than Simigile is. I’m sure I was chosen specifically for that reason, as you likely knew my father would think it prudent to accept.”
READ MOREHis husband was closer to the truth than he probably realized, but Winter’s answer left Rupert feeling all the more confused. “I’m neither confirming nor denying that,” he said, making sure to keep his voice low as the dance floor started to fill. “However, if you knew this was a strictly political alliance and nothing more, why did you insist we be faithful to each other? I know it was you who instigated that clause.”
“Oh, that’s easy, dear Rupert.” This time Rupert was sure Winter was mocking him. That idea was further reinforced when Winter leaned closer to him, never missing a step. “You might rule your domain, and get your own way whenever you raise your voice.” Winter’s voice was almost hypnotizing.
“You might stomp over people’s feelings, and insist your way is the only way, even to the point of marrying someone you’d seen for no more than five minutes at a social event. I respect you have that right – it’s who you are. I know exactly why you offered a contract for me – I know that before I signed the papers.”
“Then why did you accept?” Why did you include that damn clause? The music was coming to an end, but Rupert was desperate for an answer.
“For the same reasons you offered the contract in the first place, I imagine.” Winter’s voice dropped even lower. “As to why I decided to hold your balls in a vice, to be kept for my pleasure only, is simple too, if you think about it. You married me to keep your father happy and no other reason. You have no desire to get to know me, spend time with me, or integrate me in your life at all. I married you, despite knowing that.”
“You’re not making any sense,” Rupert hissed, even as his blood ran cold. How did Winter know so much about him?
“Then I’ll make it simple for you, my dear Rupert. I’ll accept that I’ll barely see you. I’ll accept all you want to do is be out playing with your little friends. I have more than enough activities to keep me busy. Your absence will not bother me. But you will not disrespect me in that way. You will not flaunt your dalliances, discreet or otherwise among your friends. I will not be made a fool of. Do you understand now?”
Rupert’s nod was short and automatic, his steps slowing as the music came to a close.
“And Rupert dear,” Winter added as they both stopped. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking I won’t find out about any dalliances you might entertain, because I will. And if I hear the slightest suggestion you’ve behaved inappropriately with anyone, I will drag you before the truth sayers at the World Council. Do we understand each other?”
“I still don’t understand why you’d do this,” Rupert whispered, horror settling into his belly as the firmness of Winter’s words rang through his brain. “This would be as binding on you as it is on me.”
“I’m aware.” Winter patted his chest as he smiled up at him. To anyone looking at them from out of hearing distance, they could imagine the newlyweds were sharing a romantic moment. “This is about respect, my dear husband. Something you’ve shown me precious little of since you first saw me in Monce. I know what you think about me, and there’s something you should know about those peacocks you think I resemble. You should never underestimate them. Their feathers are beautiful, but their beak and claws are sharp.”
COLLAPSE
