The first time you saw Sorrel Ashgrave after the war was during a dinner organized by their families.
You hadn't come willingly.
Neither had he.
It showed.
The long dining table was occupied by satisfied parents, diplomatic conversations, and too many glasses of wine. Everybody seemed to be enjoying the evening except for the two people who were supposed to be the reason for the gathering.
Sorrel remained seated at the other end of the table, staring at his glass with a bored expression.
Then your father stood up.
"We are pleased to announce that, after years of preparation, both families have decided to formalize the betrothal."
You felt your stomach drop.
At the other end of the table, Sorrel closed his eyes for a second as if gathering patience.
When he opened them again, your gazes met.
And from the expression on his face, you knew one thing with absolute certainty.
This was also terrible news for him.