The Mainhof daughter could have no warm feelings toward me. Her father's death had set her family on the road to ruin, and the one who'd reaped the rewards of that fall was none other than me, the so-called Gale Knight.
The underbelly of noble society was woven through with envy and jealousy. Why would the Mainhof daughter be any different? It was entirely possible Vermeer's disposition had shifted under her influence.
"And what about your own marriage talks, Your Highness?"
"That's enough, Sir Streit. That question is out of line."
Vermeer cut me off, his face hardening.
Hold on—was it really sensitive enough to make him bristle like that?
The crown prince's expression dimmed a little.
"Continuing the bloodline is the most important duty of the royal family."
"Lord Franz, you don't have to..."
"It's fine. I feel like venting now and then. With Sir Streit married, and now Leo getting engaged, my own match still hasn't been settled. I don't know what Father is thinking."
