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Magnus looked at his cousin. “Are you sure about this, Sarika?”

Sarika shook her head. The two of them were six weeks apart and were as close to each other as they were to their own siblings, having grown up together. “Magnus, you are the crown prince. Who in their right mind turns down the crown prince? Especially as long as the two of you have been seeing each other?”

Magnus gave her a sheepish smile. “I know, but none of the rest of the family married courtiers.”

“My mother is a courtier,” Sarika pointed out. “Aunt Nikitha is a courtier.”

“True. But look at father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. They all found their wives elsewhere.” Magnus looked at her anxiously. “I know father says he approves, but what if he doesn’t?”

“Magnus, will you stop worrying and just ask the woman to marry you?” Sarika asked with some exasperation. “Your parents approve. My parents approve. I approve. Aunt Nila approves. Even Caden approves, and he doesn’t approve of anyone.”

Magnus snorted at that. Their cousin Caden took his responsibilities as Magnus’ guardian very seriously, and had since they were children. It took a lot to get his approval and he knew it. “All right, Sarika. You’re right. I’m just being ridiculous.” He picked up his pad and sent the message. A few minutes later, the answer came back. “She’ll meet me in the Imperial garden. The guards already have the order to let her in.”

“There, now go ask her and get your answer. I’ll be here waiting either way,” Sarika assured him.

“Thanks Sarika. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He hugged her and slipped out the door.

Magnus made his way to the Imperial garden. The lady in question, a clever and beautiful courtier he’d fallen in love with named Hokona, stood just inside the garden waiting for him. “Your Imperial Highness, I received your summons. To what do I owe the honor?” Hokona asked in her lightly accented voice.

“Hokona, we’ve been together nearly a year now and I was wondering if you would do me the honor of marrying me?” Magnus offered her the ring he’d been carrying for a few months now.

Hokona stared at him for a moment and then burst into peals of laughter. “I’m sorry, Your Imperial Highness. This is the best jest you’ve pulled yet. As if I’d marry you. You’ve known all along this was just a means to ensure I gained more of a reputation at court.”

“I see.” Magnus put the ring away. “Of course.” He spoke with her for a few minutes and then returned inside.

Sarika saw his expression. “Oh dear. It didn’t go well, did it?”

Magnus told her what she’d said. “Perhaps I should go the courtesan route. At least they’re paid not to be insulting.”

Sarika sighed and put an arm around his shoulders. “I think I’ll have a word with Caden about her. He can drive her off now.” Magnus buried his face in his cousin’s shoulder and cried out his heartbreak. Sarika glared angrily at the wall over his head. Magnus was only twenty, so he had time to find love, but she didn’t like it when someone played with her cousin’s heart.

Yes, she thought. I’ll have Caden deal with her. That will make her pay for hurting Magnus.