Chapter 15

There was no sound in the room except for Amelia's swiftly indrawn breath.

Pain unfolded in Poppy's chest, crowding the breath from her lungs. "What reason did he give?" she managed to ask.

"Only that you do not fit the mold of a Bayning bride."

"If you allow time for his temper to cool . . . try to change his mind . . . I can wait, Michael. I'll wait forever."

Michael shook his head. "I cannot encourage you to wait. My father's refusal was absolute. It could take years to change his mind, if ever. And in the meantime, you deserve the chance to find happiness."

Poppy stared at him steadily. "I could only be happy with you."