Convenient Vows with a Viking by Lucy Morris and Sarah Rodi

Author:Lucy Morris and Sarah Rodi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises ULC
Published: 2023-12-01T13:06:52+00:00

Chapter One

Stepping out on to the platform in front of the bustling crowd, under the brightest blue sky, Kassia couldn’t breathe. She was wrapped up in a swirl of tight golden silk, on show for everyone to assess. The grand stage was set against the backdrop of the Great Palace, its gleaming marble and colourful tiles shimmering in the scorching morning sun. She knew she was expected to look around in wonderment at the dazzling scene before her and feel lucky to be here, but she felt like screaming inside.

Her parents had told her over and again that she would be the envy of every woman, as this wasn’t an auction at a bazaar—she had been chosen to be a participant in the Emperor’s bride show, for which hundreds of people had travelled from far and wide to see.

It was tradition for the sovereign to pick a wife from the most beautiful women in the land and its neighbouring kingdoms, hand-picked by the royal mother. Refusal to comply would see her punished and Kassia’s parents had made it clear from the outset they thought it was a great honour that she had been selected. They hoped she would be successful in attracting the Emperor’s attention to secure their family’s legacy.

Kassia did not.

She certainly didn’t feel like one of the fortunate ones. She felt as if her life was ending. And she would never forgive her family for making her do this—for everything they had put her through these past few weeks.

She stole a look at the other participants—the eleven other noblemen’s daughters in swathes of decadent silk and velvet—and pitied each and every one of them. Were they forced into this, too? Had they been poked, prodded and humiliated for weeks, pruned and groomed to look the part?

Now it was judgement day and as Kassia walked out across the sumptuous stage, decorative drapes gently floating in the warm breeze, tulip petals scattered beneath her feet, she forced herself to place one foot in front of the other. She tried to pin a smile on her fearful face as she neared the platform where the Emperor and his entourage were sitting.

If only that stranger hadn’t thwarted her escape last night. If only he had accepted her coinage and taken her far, far away from here... She would have missed the vivid colours of the city, the fig forests and vivacious markets, but not the riots, rebellions and invasions that had ravaged the capital for years. And certainly not the people.

She felt the Emperor’s beady stare rake over her body as she drew nearer and it made her shudder. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him. Instead, sensing another pair of eyes on her, pulling her in their direction, she turned to focus on the guard next to Constantine and her stomach flipped. His intense, piercing gaze locked with hers across the platform and her perfectly practised steps faltered.

It was the man from the boat. The one from last night. What was he doing here? And at the Emperor’s side? Her mouth dried.

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