I Do, But Not Really

Chapter 1 - Christian

“The people of Solvaria want… no.” Simon shakes his head as he taps his pen on documents before him. “They need a stable ruler. This is why you must marry soon, Prince Christian. There’s no way around it.”

I swallow hard, eyeing each council member who sits before me. Some squirm under the pressure of my gaze. Others, like Simon, carry an undeniable determination behind their stares. They want an immediate marriage.

That’s why they have called me here. This meeting room is only used on occasion, which explains why the polished mahogany table harbors no scratches or dents from frequent use. A chandelier sits pretty above our heads. I’m starting to wish the damn thing would just fall and crush me underneath it. Harrison snaps his fingers, calling for the table’s attention. “Just look at your brothers, Prince Christian. They’ve all found exceptional brides and they’re much better men for it.” Months ago, when Father fell ill, he demanded that I get married. I’ve been fighting against that order this whole time, knowing the type of calamity that awaits me if I engage with the woman who I was betrothed to.

The image of her appears in my mind, but I’m quick to shove that thought to the wayside.

Raising a brow, I stare directly at the brown-haired, bespectacled man. “Are you saying that I’m inadequate without a woman by my side?” Harrison fidgets with his glasses. “Well, no. Th-at’s not what I mean. But you’d be a more relatable and loved ruler if you do marry. That’s without question. Just look at the data!”

Beside me, my secretary scribbles down notes on a worn-down notepad. Paul keeps his back straight and his handwriting steady, not gazing up to engage with the questionable looks my council members are tossing around. Truth be told, I’m offended. I want to chart my own path. No one should demand things of me when I know what needs to be done. I've heard all this before, anyway. I’m the presumed heir in the minds of my people, though my father has made it clear he could pass me over for one of my married brothers. The Solvarian people accept a bachelor Prince, but they won't be as understanding of a bachelor King.

Sucking in a deep breath, I keep my emotions in check. There’s no use berating my advisors when they only want the best for the kingdom. I, too, act only in the interests of Solvaria.

As the future King, there are certain things expected of me. Keeping a clean reputation is one of those things. Maintaining public support is another.

I know what I must do, but it feels akin to swallowing a cup of nails. Across from me, Ernest tilts his head slightly. “Prince Christian, do you have anything else to say?” he asks. With a stern nod, I clap my hand on Paul’s shoulder. My secretary flinches slightly before looking at me with wide eyes.

“Book me a flight to New York. Immediately,” I say, each word punctuated with urgency. Then I turn toward the rest of the council with a forced smile. “Meeting adjourned.” Shocked faces and open mouths are what I receive in return. I’m sure my council members are aching to stop me from walking out of this opulent meeting room, but none of them do.

That’s a good thing. I’m not in the mood for further conversation with them. As I walk through the palace corridors to my study, I adjust my uniform and search for my phone. The silk blue velvet robe upon my shoulders, embroidered with intricate designs, flows behind me with my movements. The Vanecourt family crest appears clearly upon my left shoulder. I glance down at my left hand, catching a glimpse of the scar that rests upon my left ring finger. Flexing my hand instinctively, I’m reminded of my duty to my family. Of the expectations that fall upon me simply by being my father’s heir.

I’ve tried my best to separate myself from Cataleya Fitzrelzon. On paper, she’s the ideal marriage candidate. She comes from a strong family with numerous connections to the Solvarian elite. She’s headstrong, she’s beautiful, but she carries a spirit of rebellion that infuriates me if I’m around her for too long. She would never be a traditional Queen of Solvaria. She hardly bows down to the wishes of anyone, especially those of my own. If I tell her something, she’ll do the exact opposite just to spite me. It’s a shame, truly. Cataleya’s beauty is unmatched. From her hazel eyes to her lustrous chestnut hair to her smooth dark skin. Her cheekbones are high and sharp, while her jawline carries a soft curve. The last time I spoke to Cataleya, she told me that I was unwelcome in her life. That she has a future of her own and she doesn’t see me in it.

Of course, at the time, I didn’t think much of it. In fact, I silently rejoiced in the fact that she didn’t want to be my wife. But when duty calls, I must answer.

And so must she.

I find her in my contact list and call her number. There’s a chance she won’t pick up the phone, but that doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just keep calling and pestering her until she stops ignoring me.

Thankfully, she has enough sense to answer me within seconds.

“Christian,” she says. I imagine her in her office, one hand on a cup of coffee while she sandwiches the phone against her shoulder and ear. She likes complicating things for herself. “To what do I owe the honor?” I smile at the sarcasm-laced tone. “Hello, Cataleya. It’s been a while since we last talked.” “Yes, well, I have a life of my own. And believe me, I wasn’t anticipating another conversation with you any time soon.”

My jaw clenches. I reach my study, carefully unclipping my robe and setting it upon my desk for one of the servants to put away.

“I wanted to let you know that I’m going to visit you in New York soon.”

Cataleya lets out a noise. Then she mumbles a few things that I can’t catch. Perhaps that’s for the better.

“Why?” she asks in a harsh tone. “Why are you coming?” “I need to speak to you.” “If you’re expecting a warm welcome, you’re not getting it from me. I have plans of my own and I won’t be able to accommodate you.”

I roll my eyes. “I haven’t even told you the exact date when I’m coming.”

“Doesn’t matter. I won’t be available.”

“Why? What other plans do you have?” I try to keep my frustration at bay. For some reason, Cataleya has always been able to push my buttons in a record-setting amount of time. “Set them aside. It’s important that we talk soon.” “If you’re looking for a woman who’s going to obey and serve you, it’s not going to be me. I’ve told you this, Christian. I am not the one.”

To me, it sounds like she hasn’t truly given up her reckless behavior. I’ve lectured her on this before. The future Queen of Solvaria shouldn’t be seen drinking vodka shots at New York parties. Imagine the scandal. Imagine the headlines! And yet, she doesn’t listen to me. “I’ll see you soon, Cataleya,” I reply simply before hanging up the phone. It takes me a few moments to gather myself. Alone in my study, I tightly grasp the back of a chair and close my eyes, breathing deeply to combat against the anger that threatens to blind me. How dare she speak to me that way? My phone vibrates, but it’s not a message from Cataleya. It’s Paul, sending me confirmation of my booked flight to New York. It’s scheduled in four hours, meaning I must get to the airport soon. Whether she likes it or not, I must rein in Cataleya Fitzrelzon for her own sake. For Solvaria’s sake. It’s bad enough that she’s run away to the United States to become a lawyer, tossing aside her obligations as a future monarch and co-ruler. But to disrespect me so openly… To challenge me directly and not apologize for it? That’s something I cannot allow.

With a newfound determination, I gather a few personal belongings and place them in a suitcase to take onto the private jet with me. Cataleya doesn’t know it, but she has just awoken my competitive spirit.

I have a deep desire to succeed, no matter the cost, and this is no different. I don’t care what I have to do to tame that wildfire of a woman, but it’s going to happen. She can no longer run from her destiny. She can no longer run from me.