Damn, that must have been excruciating, having Gracie down the hall in her forever slumber. “It’s not your fault.”
“I should have been there.”
“I’m not your charge anymore. And I don’t need you to watch over me like a helpless damsel.”
“Really?” He motioned to me.
“No.” I reached up to his face, my arms shakier than I thought. “We are equals. You can’t constantly protect me from the world.”
“Spencer.” Leaning over me, his voice went low and gruff. “I will always watch over your body…very closely.” His mouth grazed mine, about to kiss me, when footsteps clipped at the entrance, jolting Lennox up defensively.
My head fell to the side, my eyes rolling over the tall, fit figure, dressed in his usual impeccable suit. What the hell was he doing here?
Suddenly, another guard I recognized slipped to the wall right across the room.
Peter, Eloise’s guard.
A figure, dressed in a cap, jeans, sweater, and huge hooded jacket that engulfed her petite frame strode in my room with confidence you couldn’t cloak. No disguise could hide the Princess of Great Victoria.
“Eloise?” I rasped, my mouth dropping in surprise. “Wha-what are you doing here?” She was one of the last people I ever imagined seeing here.
She nodded at Dalton. He looked to me first, dipping his head. “I am so happy you are all right. I was very worried about you.”
“Thank you, D-man.” I blinked back my emotions.
He tipped his head at Lennox, giving him a smile before stepping out of the room, shutting the door.
“He wouldn’t let me come without him.” Eloise tossed out as if she had to give reason to his presence. “He’s exhausting to fight when he gets like that.”
Lennox and I stared at her, her gaze drifting down to my cousin, who still snored from the chair. Landen was the person who could sleep anywhere and anytime, with commotion going off around him and never even roll over.
Eloise shifted on her feet, feeling our focus on her. She sucked in, lifting her head. “You are probably wondering what I am doing here. I never thought I would want to see you again.”
I flinched but nodded my head in understanding.
“However, after what happened to you…” She motioned to me. “When Dalton told me you almost didn’t make it, I no longer felt like I hated you. What happened to you was beyond horrific, and it only occurred because of us. Because you fell in love and out of love with a prince, the world feels they have the right to condemn you.” Her lashes fluttered. “They could have killed you.” Her voice cracked, but swiftly she rolled back her shoulders, tucking back any emotion in her voice. “The group was caught on the store video camera, and I will make sure they are made examples of. I will make it known the Royal House does not tolerate this kind of behavior, no matter what. Theo has made a statement about the breakup, saying it was mutual, and happened before the video, and to respect you both during this private and awful time.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “Thank Theo for me.”
She nodded, staring at the floor. “I understand, Spencer…more than you know.” Her lashes lifted to mine. “But he’s my brother. My support will always be with him.”
“As it should be.” I shifted, trying to sit up more. “I am sorry. You don’t know how much. Hurting your brother will always haunt me, but hurting you is also a deep regret of mine. For what it’s worth, I am so sorry. Your friendship meant more to me than anything while I was there, and I hate that I lost it.”
“Yeah.” Her lips rolled together. “I don’t have many girlfriends, as you know. But this is probably the last time I will ever see you.” She cleared her throat, her princess persona switching on. “I’ve come here, not just as an ex-friend, or at my brother’s suggestion—as you know, there was no way he could personally come down here—but for my father and the Royal House as well.”
My gut twisted, knowing this incident probably only angered the King. Another mess for him to clean up.
“No matter what we say, the attacks on you physically and in the media won’t stop.” She glanced at Lennox, both sharing a look, making me curious as to what was being said about me now. “Everywhere you go will end up a media frenzy. It won’t stop; they will hound you, pursue you, chase after you… next time you might not be so lucky.”
Lennox’s fingers curled into my blanket. I twined my fingers through his, trying to ease his tension.
I saw Eloise’s gaze take in our linked hands, but instead of anger, I saw a flinch of sorrow. Longing.
“Money has been transferred to this account.” She abruptly stepped forward, pulling a piece of paper out of her pocket. “We advise you leave the country. Find a place where you can disappear for a while.”
“What?”
“We are not saying forever, but for the foreseeable future…” Eloise’s eyes softened, her head tilting. “It’s for the best, Spence. You are not wanted here.”
I sucked in, feeling the stab.
“This country will destroy you. Rip everything from you and laugh as they squash you. I know it’s harsh, but for your safety, please leave. Enjoy your life with Lennox. Don’t ever look back.”
She set the piece of paper on the rolling tray.
“I don’t want the house’s money,” I snapped, hating they could still dictate my life.
“Don’t be stupid.” She shook her head. “Take it. Start a new life. Away from all this bullshite.” Envy dripped off her face and words. She quickly hid it, taking in a breath. “Goodbye, Spencer.” She whipped around, rushing through the door. Dalton was right there waiting for her, his gaze giving away his concern as she brushed by him.
He gave each of us a nod before the two guards disappeared down the hall after the princess.
Lennox picked up the paper.
“I can’t take that money.”
“Yes, you can.” He peered at me. “She’s right. It’s not safe for you to stay here.”
“How bad is it out there? What are they saying about me?”
“That’s not important.” He moved closer to me. “Do you want a life with me?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then let’s go. Start over.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know; we’ll figure it out.” He leaned over me, his mouth close to mine. “There’s nothing but heartache, tragedy, danger, and pain here. I was a breath away from losing you. I will not let that happen…do you get that, Spencer? Not on my watch and not to them.” He flicked his head toward the door, indicating the outside world. “I would not survive if anything happened to you.” His lips grazed over mine. “I’ve lost too many I’ve loved. I can’t lose you.”
Could I? Could I leave all this? But what did I exactly have here? My family, yes, but there was no doubt we’d probably lose our home. I had no friends, schooling, job, or ties here. No future. Who would risk taking me on? I would be a liability to any job, school, or new friend. No one would want me, my life always under threat.
“So how about it, Duchess? Want to run away with me? Leave all this bullshite behind?”