Chapter 9 - The Engagement RingThe fake engagement became real enough to terrify every family in Blackridge.
The revelation followed us all the way to Pinehaven.
I couldn't look at Nathaniel.
Not because I was afraid of him.
Because I didn't know what to call him anymore.
Family.
Protector.
Stranger.
The man whose coat had covered my shoulders while everyone laughed at me.
Nathaniel gave me space.
That somehow made everything worse.
At sunrise, a doctor examined my mother.
She was weak but stable.
Daniel disappeared into a secured room.
Nathaniel stood on the balcony overlooking the forest.
I walked outside.
“You knew.”
He turned.
“About what?”
“About my biological father.”
“No.”
“Your father?”
“No.”
“Then why aren't you surprised?”
He took a breath.
“Because my father was a monster.”
I folded my arms.
“He could have had children everywhere.”
“He did.”
My stomach turned.
“How many?”
“I don't know.”
“Do you?”
“No.”
His eyes met mine.
“But I know one thing.”
“What?”
“If you're his daughter, that doesn't make you anything like him.”
I looked away.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“Because I've known you longer than you realize.”
My heart stumbled.
He stepped closer.
“Do you remember the night of the fire?”
“A little.”
“I carried you outside.”
“You were seventeen.”
“Yes.”
“You stayed?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
His expression softened.
“Your mother asked me not to leave.”
Silence.
Then he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.
I stared.
“What is that?”
“A ring.”
“Why?”
“Because our enemies believe we're engaged.”
“We are pretending.”
“For now.”
He opened the box.
The ring was simple.
Platinum.
A dark sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds.
It looked expensive enough to buy my apartment.
“I can't wear that.”
“You can.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because people will believe it.”
“They're supposed to.”
I laughed.
“This is insane.”
“I know.”
He took my hand.
Then slid the ring onto my finger.
The fit was perfect.
I stared at it.
“How did you know my size?”
“I didn't.”
I looked at him.
“Then how?”
He smiled faintly.
“I asked your mother.”
My face warmed.
“You two planned this?”
“No.”
He looked at the ring.
“She said you'd hate anything flashy.”
I couldn't stop myself from smiling.
It lasted only a second.
Then the door opened.
Daniel entered.
“Grant is calling a council.”
Nathaniel turned.
“When?”
“Tonight.”
“What does he want?”
Daniel looked at me.
“He wants to formally challenge the engagement.”
I blinked.
“That's possible?”
“Under Blackridge rules, any alliance involving controlling bloodlines can be contested.”
Nathaniel's expression hardened.
“How?”
Daniel answered.
“By forcing the woman involved to choose publicly.”
My heart raced.
“What happens if I refuse?”
Daniel hesitated.
“Then Blackridge can freeze your inheritance.”
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed.
“Who invoked the challenge?”
Daniel looked toward me.
“Madeline.”
Of course.
I closed my hand around the ring.
“When is the council?”
“Midnight.”
Nathaniel looked at me.
“Then we'll go.”
I swallowed.
“What if she wins?”
He answered without hesitation.
“She won't.”
“How do you know?”
“Because she thinks this is a contest.”
He stepped closer.
“This isn't a contest.”
“Then what is it?”
His eyes dropped to my lips.
“War.”
That night, the Blackridge council gathered.
Hundreds of people watched as Madeline stood across from me.
She smiled.
“I challenge this engagement.”
A judge raised his hand.
“Emily Carter, do you accept the challenge?”
I looked at Nathaniel.
He said nothing.
For once, he let me choose.
I turned toward the council.
“I accept.”
Madeline's smile widened.
May you like
Then she whispered:
“Then let's see whether he still wants you after everyone learns what your mother did.”
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