by Gill, Tamara
Oh, but he did. And no matter the time that had passed, she loved him still. "Unfortunately, you do not get to decide what I feel or want," she declared yet again to him. "Seeing you again, touching you," she said, running her hands up his arms to wrap about his neck, "it is like a dream come true. I have missed you so very much."
Rowan wrapped his arms about her, pulling her near. Their closeness still wasn't enough. She wanted more. "Tell me what you have been doing these past two years. I imagined you on distant shores in the Americas, happy in your new life. A woman and children at your side." Not that she had liked that imagining, but then, so long as he was happy, so too would she have been for him.
"No," he declared with a little bit of revulsion. "If you remember, your sister returned to London last Season. I heard she was in town, and as shameful as it was, I waited on the docks as the ship arrived. I was so hopeful that you would be with her and so disappointed when you were not. I asked for an audience with her, and surprisingly she agreed."
Alessa had not heard a word of this. "Holly never said a word about it."
He grinned. "I asked her not to. I offered my apologies to your sister."
"And did she grant you forgiveness?" Alessa asked, knowing she had because Rowan was here, in her arms and hers forever.
"No, she threw me in Newgate for three days."
"What?" Alessa gasped, her heart stopping at the thought of such imprisonment. "Holly threw you in jail?"
Rowan chuckled. "For three days, but I did think that I was there for the duration of my life. Until I was released and your sister was in the carriage that took me back to my rooms in Spitalsfield."
Alessa could not believe any of this. She had no idea any of this occurred. She would have a strongly worded talk with Holly when she was ready to let Rowan out of her sight. "What happened then?" she asked, intrigued.
"She put me to work on your women's shelter. I've learned the trade of a builder and have helped bring to fruition your dream of the sanctuary for women. I also work as a guard and support to the children's orphanage. It enabled me to remain close to you, even when the distance between us was so great."
Somewhere between their words, they had stopped dancing and were standing in the middle of the ballroom floor. She did not care who heard or watched them. Nothing mattered. All that did was Rowan, and he was before her, in her arms, and she would never let him go again.
"You helped complete my two projects?" She blinked, fighting back the tears. How wonderful he was. He did not have to be so. His upbringing, his hard years as a child, and his youth could have hardened the man before her. Made him loathe people and become part of the problem instead of the solution. But instead, he had seen a better way. He may have tripped a time or two on his journey to the life that he wanted, but he had finally arrived at the destination that was his to claim.
A future with her.
"It is like a dream for me seeing you too," he admitted, leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you still, Alessa. Tell me that you will be mine. Now and forever. Be my wife," he asked her, kissing her quickly. "Marry me, my darling princess."
Alessa sniffed, her mind a kaleidoscope of nerves and excitement, of hope and dreams. She nodded, knowing that, in this case, she did not have a choice. The heart wanted what it wanted, and hers beat only for the man in her arms.
"I will marry you, my darling love."
Rowan smiled, his eyes alight with pleasure. He took her lips in a searing kiss that made her toes curl in her silk slippers. Alessa forgot where they were and who was about them and kissed him back. She leaned up on tiptoe and took her fill of him, kissed him with all the love and adoration she could muster. And after two years of living without her heart, she had a lot to give to Rowan.
The sound of clapping, of laughter, oohs, and ahhs sounded about them, and she ignored them all. Instead, the kiss went on, needy and with tears shed by both of them.
It was the ideal end and also the perfect beginning.
For their life to come.
Epilogue
London 1810
"I announce the Atharia Women's shelter open," Alessa stated, cutting the bright-purple ribbon with a rapier and watching as it floated to the ground. After three years of building, purchasing furniture, and hiring staff and medical personnel, the shelter was ready to house those who needed help most in London.
Rowan came over to her, kissing her quickly, and she reveled in his presence. She looked back at the building behind them, knowing her wonderful, sweet husband had helped build the center of hope and healing that she prayed the shelter would become.
"Now, you can start preparations on the opening of your next project, my darling, and perhaps take it a little easier. Now that you're expecting, I would like to have you home at a reasonable hour instead of all times of the night."
Alessa chuckled, holding Rowan about the waist and keeping him close. "Perhaps, my dear. We will have to wait and see." Ever since they were married, a month after his arrival in Atharia, she had not spent one night from his side. She had missed him so much. The thought she would spend the rest of her life without him, that to have even a day without seeing his sweet face, was too much.
Her sister had bestowed on them her mother's estate that overlooked the ocean not far from the main palace and within the walls of the royal estate. Their home, as large as it was, was home now. Rowan had settled into life reasonably well, but she sometimes found him doing chores and gardening, tasks that were usually left for the staff to complete.
His grounded soul was a marvel to her, and she loved him that he was so different from her own upbringing. He was not bedazzled by her title or the money he now had access to, the jewels and royal connections. He had married her because he loved her. There was no fear that his only want of her was due to what she could give him.
He would have married her had she been as poor and unfortunate as the women they were set to help in the shelter behind them.
They entered the building where morning tea was set up to celebrate their opening. Alessa had invited several friends of influence, seeking their charity in helping the shelter prosper and grow.
The Duke Sotherton and Aunt Rosemary walked about the bottom half of the shelter, taking in the work and marveling at the facilities that would be available here.
Alessa hoped it would be well-received. She wanted to help those less fortunate than they were. There was nothing better than giving aid. She would much prefer it to receiving gifts.
"I think this is wonderful, Alessa," her younger sister Princess Elena stated, glancing about the room. "How wonderful of you. I should like to do something similar back home should I decide to stay there."
Rowan took three glasses of champagne, handing one to Alessa and Elena. "Where will you settle if not Atharia?" Rowan asked her.
Elena shrugged her delicate shoulders. "Here in England perhaps, but I have not made up my mind as yet."
Alessa knew her sister was struggling with the decision for her future. She had come out last year, and one year on, she had not shown one iota of interest in any gentleman who had called upon her or sought her out at balls and parties.
She adored reading and kept to herself most of the time, but she was to attend at the end of the London Season a month at Kew Palace, King George's home, even though he was rumored not to be attending the house party himself.
"I see Lady Margaret Villiers is here. I shall go speak with her. I'm to travel down to Kew Place with her next week."
Alessa smiled and watched as her sister joined her friend. She observed her a moment, wondering if Elena ever would find someone as wonderful as she had.
A comforting arm slipped about her waist, squeezing her a little. "She will be fine, Alessa. You are here in England for several more months and will be able to keep a close eye on her. Do not worry," Rowan said, kissing the bridge of her nose.
She grinned, his words already making her feel a lot happier. "I do not know what i
s wrong with her. In Atharia, before our uncle attempted to take the crown, she was the bubbliest, happiest young woman you would ever meet. She is so withdrawn now. I hope she does not feel alone or that we have abandoned her. Perhaps I have not spent enough time with her since our marriage. I know Holly cannot be expected to since she is the queen, but I am not." Alessa frowned. "I have failed her."
"You have not failed her. That ability is an impossibility for you, no matter who it is in regard to. You help everyone and are always there for anyone, no matter their rank or wealth. Elena will find her way, and if not, I know you will be there for her to guide and assist her when she requires it."
Alessa handed her glass of champagne to a passing footman, preferring to hold her husband instead. She linked her arms about his back, looking up at his fathomless blue eyes that would forever make her forget her own name.
"Have I told you today how much I adore and love you? You really are the perfect husband."
He chuckled, pulling her close. "You were a royal proposition that I could not refuse." He schooled his features, bending down to kiss her, forgetting and not caring who was about them. "I adore you, Alessa. Without you, I do not know who or where I would be. Nowhere good, I can promise you that."
Alessa clasped his jaw, shaking her head. "I do not believe so. You're a strong man and would have found your way in life. I merely stepped in your way and detoured you a bit."
His smile was like a ray of sunshine, and she hoped their children had his features. All of them, so handsome and perfect, as he was to her. "I like detours. Perhaps we ought to detour out of here and to the carriage. The ride home is, I heard, quite long but can be very pleasing with the right company."
She bit her lip, her body thrumming at the thought of being so naughty and leaving early. "I do feel a little tired from all the excitement. Perhaps we ought to make our excuses."
Rowan was already leading her toward the doors. "You're the Princess Alessa of Atharia. What is the point of your privilege if we cannot use it every now and then to our advantage?"
The carriage loomed ahead of them, and one of their liveried footmen opened the door, setting down the steps. "Very true," she agreed, climbing up and settling herself on the squabs.
She heard Rowan give the driver directions, and the carriage lurched forward, taking them home. Rowan pulled her onto his lap, slipping the bodice of her gown down to expose the flesh of her breast.
"Now, where were we, wife?" he asked her, his lips warm, his tongue wicked on her nipple.
She sighed, spiking her fingers into his soft hair. "You're right where you ought to be." Near her heart, where he'd forever be for as long as she lived.
Thank you for taking the time to read A Royal Proposition! I hope you enjoyed the second book in my new, The Royal House of Atharia series.
I’m so thankful to my readers and your support. If you're able, I would appreciate an honest review of A Royal Proposition. As they say, feed an author, leave a review!
If you'd like to learn about book three in my Royal House of Atharia series, Forever My Princess, please read on. I have included chapter one (unedited) for your reading pleasure.
Forever My Princess
The Royal House of Atharia, Book 3
She’s not who he thinks she is. But she just might be everything he needs…
* * *
Tired doesn’t even begin to describe how Princess Elena of Atharia is feeling. A brief respite from the pressures of her position will do her good. Unfortunately, rest isn’t something royalty is typically afforded. But she’ll do what is necessary to escape her responsibilities for a time—even if it means becoming someone else entirely…
* * *
Lord Theodore Ward has no love for the wealthy. But if he doesn’t marry well soon, he’ll lose everything. And his hunt for a perfect bride cannot begin while his mother is unwell and unattended. So, hiring a lady’s companion is the only option. Then the lovely Elena Smith arrives at his door and his plans become infinitely more complicated…
* * *
When all the truths and secrets come to light, can these opposites find their way to happily ever after? Or will Theo lose his princess forever?
Chapter 1
Princess Elena of Atharia sat in the opulent wingback chair in her sister's new London home and waited for her friend Lady Margaret Villiers to arrive.
She had sent word almost two hours ago for her to call, and yet still, she had not arrived. Elena stood, pacing back and forth between her chair and the mantle, the clock clicking down the time with an annoying click.
What could have kept her? Margaret had not sent word that she could not attend her summons.
Elena frowned. For her plan to work, she needed Margaret's loyalty and silence for the next month at least. The crinkle of the many letters she had written crackled in her pocket, and she patted her leg, ensuring herself they were still there.
She had spent hours penning them, wanting to ensure her sister Alessa never assumed she was not where she was supposed to be. That she would not come looking for her for the next month at least.
A footman knocked and came into the room, bowing. "Your highness, Lady Margaret Villiers wishes an audience."
Elena whirled about, seeing her friend grinning behind the footman's back. "Thank you, John. We will have tea if you please," she commanded the footman, watching as Margaret came into the room and closed the door behind her.
Elena met her across the room, taking her friend's hands. "Oh, I'm so very pleased you are here. I did not think you would attend, and then I was not sure what I would do."
Margaret, sensing the worry in Elena's tone, frowned. "Whatever is the matter that you are all aflutter? I thought you would be busy packing for Kew Palace? What fun we shall have for the next month. Do you think King George will attend after all?"
Elena gestured toward a chair. "We need to talk, please sit, Margaret," she asked her friend, joining her on the settee.
"What is it that you need to discuss so urgently?" Margaret slumped. "Are you about to tell me you're not going to attend the house party? I shall be ever so disappointed if you do not."
Guilt pricked her conscience that her friend's concern was about to come to fruition. But there was no way around it. She needed to leave London to remove herself from the endless cycle of balls and parties. Having entered society last year in Atharia, Elena felt she had done nothing but parade herself before young men who were looking for a bride.
She no longer wanted to play such games. A month away at a country house with an elderly lady was just what she needed to regain her composure, to prepare herself for a union that would eventually come.
She was not fooled enough not to know that she would eventually marry a man that her sisters deemed appropriate. But it was not how she wanted to choose a spouse. She wanted to fall in love, to marry her best friend. The gentlemen in town were all so charming and complimentary, so much so that their constant flattery made her teeth ache they were so sweet.
And false, she admitted.
"I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you, Margaret dear, but I do hope you'll support me as your dearest friend, for I shall need your help, even if I'm not with you at Kew Palace."
"What do you need me to do? Or better yet," Margaret added, "what is it that you're going to do?"
"As to that," Elena said, nerves and expectation making her stomach flip. She had never been adventurous. After being left at the castle in Atharia when her sister Alessa had escaped, she had done all she could to become invisible.
Such a temperament and desire had not left her since coming out and being in society. She was no longer so comfortable in boisterous and crowded ballrooms. She would much prefer a country ride or a long walk in beautiful gardens to a ball.
"I have taken a position as a ladies companion to Dowager Marchioness Lyon in Somerset. I will be working for her ladyship under the alias as Miss Elena Smith. I leave for the estate tomorrow, the same
day I'm supposed to leave for the house party."
Margaret's mouth gaped, and Elena hoped she had not bitten off too much for her friend to take in or for her to do. "Tell me you're willing to help me. I truly do not wish to attend the house party. I need some time away from London and the madness that my title brings into my life. A month in the county will be the perfect escape, and I shall return in four weeks, ready to find a husband and marry."
"Really?" Margaret stated, raising one disbelieving brow. "But what of Lord Lyon? Will he not be home? From what I know of him, he never attends the Season, something about a rift that happened years ago with his father here in London."
"That does not mean he does not need a companion for his mother, but from what the correspondence has stated so far, forwarded to me from the servant registry office I've been hired through, he is to return to town."
"Well," Margaret said with a surprised sigh. "I did not think he would ever come to London. He is one of those country gentlemen who never comes to town, but I'm sure his return here will cause a lot of hearts to flutter."
Elena did not care how many hearts fluttered in London for the marquess, so long as she had a lovely, relaxing four weeks looking after his mother and keeping her company. A month of long country walks, of reading and sitting before the fire, not having to attend a ball or soiree, or a royal event would be a pleasure indeed.
"Perhaps he intends to find a wife, like so many other gentlemen of our acquaintance. Nevertheless, his plans are not my concern. I have been hired as Miss Smith and Miss Smith I shall be for the next four weeks."
Margaret pinned her with a disapproving stare. "And may I ask how it is, Princess Elena,” she said, accentuating her title, "that you will get away with such a plan? Your sister is in London and will want to know that you are safe and well, especially after her own safety scare last Season. I do not see how you can get away with this foolery at all."