The Rejected King (Desolation, #1)

by Kortney Keisel

“If that was half-asleep, I’d love to see what you can do when you’re awake,” he drolled.

“I agree completely. Intimacy can be a very good thing.”

“It’s the number one thing I am looking for in a Promenade Director. Someone skilled in chair weaponry.”

She raised her chin even higher. “You’re in luck, then. I’m one of the best.”

“Miss Dutson, I think our relationship passed appropriate the second we met, don’t you?”

Miss Dutson stood. “Yes, of course. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the briefing.” Unfortunately, Davin looked forward to seeing her, too.

Apparently, us working-class girls aren’t good enough to run the kingdom and be the queen.” It was all Emree could do not to roll her eyes at the ridiculousness of the class distinctions. Millar gave her a wry smile. “Just good enough to run everything else?”

“I guess charming is in the eye of the beholder.”

Later that night, as Davin climbed in bed, a folded note on his nightstand caught his eye. He looked around his suite, wondering when it had been left for him. He unfolded the edges and began reading. You didn’t warn me that it was a cliffhanger. Please tell me you have the sequel. President Snow was really screwed up. Very dark and twisted. Enderlin’s people should consider themselves lucky that you’re a somewhat normal leader and don’t kill children just for the sport of it. And while I’m sure you didn’t pay attention to the love story, my fingers are crossed for Gale. I don’t see how you can top The Hunger Games, but I’d love to see you try. I’ll be awaiting your next book recommendation. Davin smiled to himself. His two-person book club had just become his favorite hobby.

Usually, Emree had no control when it came to books. If they were good, she would stay up all night and finish them.

She had read about how the old civilization had been littered with technology that made life easier but, at the same time, disconnected society.

“My eyes aren’t set on her.”

“I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” Whatever she wanted? Emree had to force her mind not to run away with that train of thought.

Davin bit his lip, looking back at Miss Dutson. His stomach stirred. He was also in the mood for a little romance. Until he remembered Portlend Ricks. Suddenly Davin wasn’t in the mood for anything. Except maybe a boxing fight.

The king pressed himself even closer, putting every sense in Emree’s body on high alert. “I know what I like,” he whispered.

“Yeah, I want to go straight to bed.” That was a lie. He wanted to go straight to chapter one of Emree’s book.

Anthony bridgerton?

“Maybe I should marry you.”

How had he fallen for the one girl he couldn’t have?

He had told Emree he wanted her. He hadn’t come right out and said I’m falling in love with you.

“I’ll ask you again,” Davin said softly. “Is there room in your heart for Peeta?” “Are you Peeta in this scenario?” she asked, trying to wrap her mind around their entire conversation. “I think so.” He smiled, and amusement filled his eyes. Davin loved her.

“Stop biting your lip and looking so attractive. I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

“I want to do this. I want you. More than I want to be king. More than anything else in this life. In my mind, in my heart, you come first.” A small smile formed on his lips. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

“Now that the Promenade is over, have they offered you a permanent position at the castle?” Fennish asked. Well, Davin offered me the job of Queen of Enderlin. Is that permanent enough for you?

You were just a dream girl then, but now you’re what my dreams are made of.”

“Yes, I love your dimples. They’re the first thing I noticed about you. The first thing I want to see every day and the last thing I want to see every night.” Davin sucked in a breath as he knelt on one knee in the dirt road. His expression held hers, and emotion filled his voice. “I want to marry you, Emree Dutson, for all the right reasons. Images of you consume my everyday life. You are my future, every special moment I don’t want to forget, and all my dreams coming true. You’re not just a random girl at the Morreck Inn, the Promenade Director, or a working-class woman in gray. You’re my everything, and I don’t want to live another day without you.” He held the ring out in front of her. “Please say that you’ll marry me and be my forever.”

“You better watch yourself,” she warned. “I’m trained in chair weaponry.” “Oh, I know. There’s no way I could ever forget that.”