The Decoy Princess by Dawn Cook Read Free Book Online

to, would they? Then our ships and harbors would be safe. But even as I thought it, I knew what I wanted made no difference. It never did.
    Brow furrowed, my mother gave my father a sharp look. Seeming reluctant, my father came around the table, taking me from Garrett and pulling me a step away. I went with him willingly, feeling as if I had to wipe my hands free of the Misdev prince.
    “I understand your worries, Prince Garrett,” my father said, placing himself between Garrett and me.
    “But as my wife says, we are skilled at fending off assassins. Having the wedding after the shipping season is to provide protection against a prophesy-induced attack. To have it earlier, even as a surprise, would invite violence. Our agreement remains unchanged. You will have your bride. But there will be no marriage for at least six months.”
    Garrett’s stance stiffened as I stood beside my father, relishing his protection for the first time in years.
    “I believe you are stalling, sir,” Garrett said, a faint flush coming over his pale features. “You have a lovely daughter, and I see no reason to wait for an assassin’s knife when everyone is in agreement.”
    My mother sighed at my obvious ire. She gave my father a tight smile. “Dear,” she said to me, patting the chair beside her. “Come sit. Gentlemen? I would speak with my daughter?”
    My father slumped, turning from a sovereign to a father struggling to reconcile the will of a kingdom with the will of his daughter. “Leave us,” he said to his guard. Still not looking up, he said tiredly, “Prince Garrett, if you would ask your man to join him?”
    Garrett made a quick gesture to his guard, and the two sentries turned smartly and left. The silence was uncomfortable as we waited for the sound of the door. My resolve stiffened. Garrett wanted my father’s ships and harbor. He didn’t care about my safety.
    “It’s my responsibility,” my mother said, her eyes sad upon my father. “I’ll explain.”
    Explain what ? I thought. I already knew I had no say as to whom I married. But I could make things difficult, drag the proceedings out, make sure everyone knew I wasn’t happy. Papers had been signed, but if I set my mind to it, it could be years until the actual wedding took place. Who knew? Maybe if I stalled long enough, he would find a poisoned knife in his ribs.
    Nodding with his head lowered, my father gestured to the prince. “Prince Garrett,” he said. “Would you accompany me on a brief tour of our interior gardens? We can rejoin the women shortly, and all will be explained.”
    “Mother?” I demanded, feeling my stomach tense.
    Garrett cleared his throat. “It’s all right, Tess, dear. I have a desire to learn the history of that exquisite statue there. I won’t be but a moment.”
    I scowled openly at his term of affection. My parents exchanged that same weary look, and my father escorted Garrett out of earshot to the most recent addition of statuary, a young woman in flowing robes.
    My father moved his hunched figure as if he would rather haul nets out of the bay than tell Garrett of the life-sized statue I pitched cherrystones at when avoiding my lessons. It’s not nice to have a statue prettier than oneself.
    Garrett gave me what was probably supposed to be an encouraging smile before he followed my father, standing so I could see him across the short distance. Thinking he was rather vain, I frowned and turned away. My mother took my hand and pulled me down into a chair beside her.
    “Tess. Sweetheart,” she said, her eyes showing deep lines at the corners. “I was expecting to have the next few weeks to tell you this. I am so sorry. Garrett arriving early has thrown everything into a quick coming-about, and now your impatience has complicated things beyond belief.”
    “You can’t give King Edmund one of our harbors,” I protested in a harsh whisper. “The man is a flop! A carp mouthing the top of the water for scraps. What about the