One wrong move and one or all of our vehicles could plummet to the depths, leaving Isabella to rule Molave.
While the king’s decree of my IUI didn’t feel right, I wasn’t ready to die. Watching the blowing snow beyond the windows of the car, I imagined a child of my own or maybe two. I entertained thoughts of Rothy and Alice. I mourned the hopes I’d allowed to bud and grow within me of Molave and of making a difference.
It wasn’t until we neared the castle that I remembered to breathe with a normal rhythm. The blue sky from earlier in Molave City was no longer visible, replaced by a fog of snow and condensation. We traveled within those clouds covering the mountains. The rural landscape of Monovia was covered in a blanket of white with more snow accumulating.
We passed through the first gate to Annabella approximately four hours after leaving the palace in Molave City. That was twice the time the trip usually took. By the time the fleet pulled up to the castle and came to a stop beneath the arch, I was both tired and upset. It would have been easy for Roman to tell the guards to return to Molave City. If only I could have spoken to him.
Once my door was opened, my fantasies of taking Roman on a tour were gone.
The castle staff stood outside the doors. Despite the frigid temperatures, they lined up beneath the stone arch protecting us from direct snow. Each person bowed and offered greetings as I stalked past. Once inside, I removed my gloves and long wool coat, handed them to Lady Buckingham, and gave a strict order. “I’m not to be disturbed.”
“Dinner, Your Highness.”
I spun toward her. “Leave it in the connected parlor.”
Connected.
I turned as Prince Roman entered with a dusting of snow and a gust of cold air.
“Princess.”
I didn’t notice his slight smile or the way his dark eyes glistened under the light of the large chandelier. My thoughts were too focused on what we’d all endured.
“We could have died,” I said too loudly and forcefully. “These roads. You don’t know how dangerous...”
Roman’s eyes opened wide as his deep voice boomed through the cavernous foyer. “I don’t know my own kingdom? Do not speak to me in such a tone.”
The eyes of all those around us were on us. Once more, I hadn’t been thinking. I’d been too concerned for our survival.
Gritting my teeth, I curtsied. “I apologize, Your Highness. I’ll be retiring. I’m not well.”
“We are not done.” He turned to his advisors. “The roads are unsafe. You’ll spend the night here.”
“I’ll make up your rooms,” Mrs. Templeton, the head of housekeeping, said to the men.
I only briefly met Roman’s gaze before taking off to our private apartments and leaving the voices behind me.
My mind was a cyclone of thoughts. Our lives were still intact, and yet I jeopardized them with my words in front of Lord Martin and Lord Taylor as well as the Annabella staff. It was the second time I’d almost ruined Roman’s role. First with the king and now here.
When I’d first learned of the impostor, I truly believed I could carry on this charade, but perhaps I couldn’t. My father’s offer to help me divorce came to mind. If the new Roman was the answer to Molave’s future, perhaps it would be better if I weren’t at his side.
Is it really a divorce if the man you are married to isn’t the man you married?
With my temples thumping, I entered our private apartments and turned left toward my suite. I was barely inside when I heard the heavy pounding of the footsteps behind me. Spinning, I pushed to close the door.
My efforts proved fruitless as Roman placed his shoe in the doorjamb.
“I’m sorry, Lucille. I didn’t realize.”
“Stop apologizing,” I said, my emotions winning as tears streamed down my cheeks.
“Lord Taylor was filling me in on the upcoming summit. I wasn’t paying attention.”
How could he not see our peril?
I lowered my voice. “Does Lord Taylor know about you?”
Roman shook his head.
“Lord Martin?”
“Yes. He’s been on my team since the first day of my arrival.”
Wrapping my arms around my midsection, I took a deep breath and nodded. “What has become of Lord Avery?”
“I don’t know that name.”
“He was Roman’s…Lord Martin, his chief assistant.”
“Maybe he’s with Roman.”
My gaze met Roman’s. “I was afraid,” I admitted. “So very scared, more so than I recall ever being. I don’t want to die. I don’t want you to die…Lady Buckingham.” My body trembled as I continued. “And downstairs, I spoke without thinking, which is also dangerous. I don’t want to ruin everything for you.”
“We’re in this together.”
I shook my head. “It’s so much. Too much.”
“I was wrong.”
For a moment, I stared. “I’m not used to hearing you admitting that.”
Roman’s dark eyes shone as he bowed his head and again met my gaze. “I was raised with manners, Princess. It goes against my upbringing to forget that.” He reached out, caressing my cheek with his thumb. “I was wrong about the drive and involving you in this charade.”
“I…” My reply faded away as Roman looked over his shoulder to the empty large room, confirming our privacy.
Lady Buckingham had minded my warning, allowing me space.
My heart skipped a beat as Roman took a step toward me.
One step backward and he followed until we were both within my parlor. Quietly, he closed the door behind him. “As long as I’m around, you don’t have to be frightened alone.” He lifted his arms.
Against all better judgment, I took a step toward Roman and leaned into him as his arms surrounded me. My cheek settled upon his chest, cushioned by the padded shirt beneath, as the faint thump of his heart sounded in my ear. Closing my eyes, the rich scent of his cologne surrounded me as I gave into the emotions I’d worked for years to keep closed away.
Roman’s touch started as comforting circles on my back. Slowly, the circles moved lower as his other hand found its way to my neck.
Without thinking, I lifted my tearstained face to his, where without hesitation our lips connected. Unlike the passionate kisses or even the timid kisses, this one was different. It warmed me from within while cementing a bond we had no right to pursue.
Together.
We were in this together.
Roman’s hand came to my cheek. “I vowed to keep you safe, and I’ve already failed.”
“No, I’m safe. We’re here.”
He looked around and grinned. “Our home.”
“Our castle. It’s never been much of a home.”
His forehead fell to mine. “Tonight, I’ll send for you.”
“I cannot. Mr. Davies…”
Roman smirked. “I’ve been told.”
“I have to wonder if it’s the king’s way of protecting me.”
“You’re safe with me, Princess. I’d simply like to talk. By morning, you’ll be back in your own bedchamber. Now, I must go down to my offices and continue my work with Lord Taylor and Lord Martin.”
“Do you know where to go?”