Chapter 4

The standoff had barely settled when William Sterling strode in from outside.

The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up. "Lady Sinclair," he said, "Edward is far too fond of making others bow to him. Don't marry him. Marry me instead.

"If you marry me, you will be his elder. Not only will he never dare demand your courtesy again—when he sees you, he will be the one bowing."

Edward's face darkened instantly at those words.

William and the Crown Prince were full brothers, both born of the queen.

William was the second prince, Edward's elder brother. His birth…