The Matchmaker Prince: A Fantasy Romance Novella

By Brooke Losee

Being a Prince comes with expectations...

Anaros must chose a lady to court or his father will choose one for him. A trip to a neighboring kingdom presents the perfect opportunity for finding a wife. However, Anaros spends his time helping a friend discover happiness rather than fulfilling his duties. Playing matchmaker is easy, but avoiding unwanted flirtations proves difficult, especially when a title such as his is up for grabs.

As the trip nears an end, choosing a woman to court appears bleak. Can unexpected conversations restore a prince's hope for finding love, or will an arranged marriage be Anaros's fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brooke Losee
• Release date: Oct 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005617639

Brooke Losee

Brooke Losee is a geologist, wife, mother/maid of three, and author of the the series Chronicles of Virgàm. Her fiction novels dive into a realm of magic while exploring the strength of human nature. Brooke has always believed books provide us with an escape to new worlds and allow us to dream beyond our own reality. She has worked as a consultant for Usborne Books & More for the last four years and believes in encouraging children to develop a passion for reading while they are young. Brooke is currently working on her third title in the series, Origins of Virgàm .

Book preview

The

Matchmaker

Prince

Brooke J. Losee

Chapter One

Adark corridor wasn’t enough to make me nervous, but the conversation that waited for me at the end of it was. My boots glided against the dark green carpet with the kind of airiness that comes from pure dread, the kind I should have been accustomed to by now. The nightly discussions with my father had taken a turn to my greatest aversion—marriage.

My long strides made for a short walk to the end of the corridor. My hand hesitated momentarily before tapping on the wooden door. I drew in a deep breath and waited for my father’s familiar voice.

Come in, he said in a soft tone, one that reminded me of how he had comforted me as a child shortly after the passing of my mother. For a moment, I almost allowed myself to relax at the warmth in his voice...until I reminded myself why I was there.

I closed the door behind me and gave him a courteous bow. Father.

He smiled and beckoned me to join him at the desk in the corner of his chamber. I took the chair across from him, releasing a long sigh that made him raise his brows as I sat down. We’ve not even started and already you show your disdain?

It is not disdain for your company, but merely the topic we are to discuss.

He chuckled, his smile causing the skin on his cheeks to wrinkle. Well, the topic is of great importance. Whether you like it or not, it is a necessary part of the position you were born into. A rather fortunate position, I might add. I dropped my gaze to the space in front of me. Guilt constricted my chest. My father had been patient with my reluctance thus far, but that patience was waning, and not by choice, but rather a result of limited time. He desired I take a wife before being crowned the next king of Selvenor, an event a mere eighteen months away and one for which I didn’t feel prepared.

My focus returned to him, finding sympathy and a hint of longing in his dark brown eyes that only made the guilt swell inside my chest. He sighed. Anaros, I’m not trying to make your life miserable. I wish for you to be happy, but you must know that this is something you cannot put off?

I know. It’s not that I wish to delay. Only that I’ve seen what a marriage can be. You and mother loved each other. How can I want for anything less than the example I was given?

A few new wrinkles appeared alongside his small smile. Your mother and I were quite fortunate in that regard. Not everyone is so lucky, especially those in higher positions of nobility. Often our duty outweighs our hearts in this matter.

My expression must have reflected my disappointment, because my father reached across the table and patted my hand. We have time to find someone you can at least tolerate. He tapped his finger on the piece of parchment in front of him and picked up a feathered quill. Which is why I have made a list. So, has anyone given you an inkling of a good impression?

I ran my fingers through my hair and chewed my cheek. I couldn’t think of a single name. When I didn’t answer, my father started with his list. Well, what about Lady Ysmay? Have you met her?

I nodded and tilted my head slightly to one side. She’s very...delicate.

Delicate?

I cleared my throat. I’d rather not have a wife who is afraid of her own shadow and rarely leaves the comfort of her own palace.

He made a quick mark through the name and moved on. Lady Sabene?

I grimaced. The thought of being married to Lady Sabene was the thing nightmares consisted of. My father's shoulders dropped a little. I noticed on our last trip to Dunivear that Lady Sabene seemed to welcome your attention. She's a rather lovely girl, and her family is of good blood. Is she not someone you would consider? I daresay she already has an affection for you.

I might choose death over that, I muttered before I could stop myself.

My