by Ember Casey
If she hadn’t remembered, if she hadn’t stopped you…
I don’t want to think about what I would have done. How this would have ended. I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself—that much is certain. I wouldn’t have had the control to stop and pull out before…
Victoria is grabbing her clothes. Hastily pulling them back on.
“Victoria,” I say, and my voice still sounds raw.
She doesn’t look at me. “That shouldn’t have happened.”
“I should have been prepared—”
“No. It shouldn’t have happened at all. You’re meeting your future bride tonight, remember?” She has all her clothes back on, but she still doesn’t turn toward me.
I’m trying to refasten my belt, but I reach out and touch her arm. She flinches.
“This is inevitable, Victoria,” I say. “Surely you must see that.”
“Which part is inevitable?” she demands, turning. “You mean us sleeping together? Or do you mean the part where all of this ends with you marrying your cousin?” She gives a sharp shake of her head. “Nothing is inevitable, Your Highness. I shouldn’t have let things go this far. And I’m glad at least one of us had the sense to stop it before we made a mistake we couldn’t go back from.”
She pulls away from me and marches toward the door.
“Victoria!” I call after her. I can’t go chasing after her like this—I still don’t have my shirt on.
I grab my undershirt and shirt and quickly pull them on. I’m still doing up the buttons on my shirt when I reach the door, but the corridor beyond is empty. Victoria is already gone.
I curse and jerk a hand through my hair. I want to go after her. To pull her back into my arms and kiss her until we both forget about everything again—especially the Lady Clarissa. But the risk is too great. If I lose control again, if Victoria doesn’t stop me this time… It won’t do. We cannot risk Victoria becoming pregnant.
I slam the side of my fist against the door frame. My entire body seems to throb, tense with unspent desire. But I’m not Leopold. I can’t give up my responsibilities over the demands of my cock. Right now, my responsibility is to prepare for the imminent arrival of Lady Clarissa.
I hope she’s calmed down a bit since the last time we met, I think. When we were younger, Lady Clarissa was prone to dramatics—she’d behave perfectly in fine company, but in private I always found her quite exhausting. She was quick to laugh and quick to cry, and she was always taking offense at one thing or another—she seemed to operate under the assumption that other people’s choices, both good and bad, revolved around her. But she does a fine job of managing her public reputation—the people of Montovia seem to love her.
I rub my forehead. She was always a pretty girl—blessed with strawberry blond hair and the blue eyes that seem to run in all branches of our family—and the photographs I’ve seen recently show she’s grown into an even more beautiful woman. But in spite of everything, I find myself wishing she looked a little more like Victoria—dark hair, bright eyes, delicate curves… God, I don’t think anyone but Victoria would satisfy me now.
There’s still time before the wedding, I tell myself. You and Victoria will still have your chance.
Tonight, though, I have to ignore my body’s urges and focus on Montovia’s future.
Victoria
I’m out of breath by the time I reach my room, I raced here so quickly. I can’t believe what I almost allowed to happen back there. And I can’t believe I stopped him.
A condom? What the hell was I thinking?
It doesn’t matter—it stopped him. It stopped me. Part of me understands that Andrew and I are going to have to get this over with sooner or later, especially if we end up alone together again. And how will we be able to avoid that? He’s going to want to read every last word of what I’m writing about him. He’s not going to leave me alone until he does.
Sooner will definitely be better than later—at least we can get it over with before he chooses his princess. I guess I’m just not sure how I can separate my heart from the equation. Every time I’m near Andrew—every time he holds me in his arms—I feel myself falling a little more under his spell.
And he’s completely oblivious.
If his concern is an unwanted pregnancy, well, he doesn’t need to worry about that. Not that we shouldn’t use a condom—I mean, I know he’s not like Leopold, having sex with any woman who moves. But who knows what Andrew is like in private? He’s just as attractive and almost as charming. There’s no way for me to know if he’s been with a bunch of women. I should be just as worried about getting an infection of some sort as he is of getting me pregnant.
I close my eyes for a second when I think of that word. Pregnant. I’m almost glad Elle hasn’t been around—she’s probably not showing yet, but if I spend much more time in the palace, it’s going to become increasingly difficult for me to be near her.
My heart twists in my chest when I remember why, but I shove the feelings back down where they belong.
She’ll be there tonight…
Shit.
I walk into the closet and pull out one of the cocktail dresses I chose the other day—the one with pockets. I slip in a small notepad, pen, and the phone the royal family provided for me. I twist my hair into a low bun on my way back down to the reception hall where Lady Clarissa and her family will be entertained tonight.
It’s probably best that I’m not too made up and that my hair looks like I did it on my way here. This night isn’t about me. It’s about Andrew.
And Lady Clarissa.
A servant—he might be a butler or some sort of footman—nods to me as I enter the hall. It’s a much smaller area than the ballroom where the state dinner was held a few weeks ago, but there aren’t nearly as many people here, either. I see Leo with Elle on his arm in the far corner of the room, their backs turned to me, and they seem to be oblivious to anyone else in the room.
Thank God. I don’t want to have to think about Elle and her baby. Not yet.
King Edmund and Queen Penelope are closer to me, chatting with an older couple I don’t recognize, but guess from the formal dress they are very likely Lady Clarissa’s parents. Sophia and William are near the fireplace, chatting with two younger men—also people I don’t recognize, but given the crests on their jackets, I assume are Montovian royalty of some sort—Clarissa’s brothers, maybe?
And Andrew is several feet away from anyone, standing with a young woman who places a hand on his forearm as she laughs at something he’s just said.
She must be Lady Clarissa.
She’s beautiful—long reddish-blond hair flowing over her shoulders and bright blue eyes—almost the same color as Andrew’s.
I pull out my notebook and jot down a few of my observations.
I must be engrossed in my notes because I startle when I feel a hand on my back.
I look up into shining blue eyes, and for a second, I think that Andrew has come over. My heart races for only a moment until I realize it isn’t Andrew—it’s William.
He smiles at me and guides me closer to the wall. He pulls two champagne flutes from a passing tray and hands one to me. “What could you possibly be writing at a party such as this?” He glances over at Andrew for a moment before looking back at me. “You’re not close enough to hear what they’re saying.”
I shrug, slipping the notebook back into my pocket before I take a sip of the champagne. “I brought my phone to make a recording if either of them want to give me a quote. I can’t imagine that’s going to happen tonight, though.”
“Then why be here at all?”
Sophia joins us before I have the chance to answer. She grabs a flute of champagne, too, draining the glass before she sets it on the tray and takes another. She smiles at me. “This might be the most dull party I have ever been to.” She glances at William. “Isn’t Lady Clarissa our cousin?”
He chuckles. “Yes, I believe that may have been what Mother and Fath
er were having their row over last night.”
“Ah.” She nods before she drains half her glass. She looks over at me, a slow grin spreading over her face. “You haven’t been properly introduced to my brother, have you, Victoria?”
I shake my head, extending my hand. “No, I don’t believe I have—”
He takes my hand and pulls it to his lips, brushing a kiss over the back of my fingers. “Delighted, I’m sure.”
“Uh, same.” I gently pull my hand away from his.
“Victoria fences, William.” Her gaze darts between the two of us. “I know it isn’t my place to say so, but the two of you would make an excellent match.” She giggles. “As dueling partners, of course.”
I suppress my urge to roll my eyes. “Of course.” Princess Sophia seems to have inherited the same matchmaking gene her mother possesses.
He grins. “Sophia mentioned you were skilled with the épée. I’ll admit, I’ve not done much in the way of fencing since beginning my military training a few years ago, but I do enjoy sparring with a skilled partner. If you’d ever care to join me—”
“She would be honored,” Sophia interrupts with a grin.
His eyes narrow playfully at his sister. “I would imagine that Victoria might like to answer for herself, Sophia.”
She grins at me and nods, her eyes wide.
“I might enjoy that if I have any time off. Though I can’t imagine I won’t be busy following your brother around on his dates or with writing his stories—”
“Nonsense,” Sophia interrupts again. “You’ll have plenty of time away from our stodgy brother.” She glances over her shoulder at Andrew. “Besides, once he’s chosen his bride, they’ll need all the privacy they can get.” She gives me a suggestive wink.
It’s a little hard to ignore the way my stomach twists on itself when she says those words.
But the twisting is nothing compared to the feeling of being punched in the gut when Andrew and his date walk over and join our group.
“Ah, yes.” Andrew nods a greeting to each of us. “Lady Clarissa, you remember my siblings, William and Sophia?”
She laughs—a lilting, almost forced giggle. “Of course.”
Andrew turns to me. His smile falls when his eyes meet mine, but I’m sure I’m the only one who can see it. “And this is the reporter I was telling you about. Victoria Simpson, please meet Lady Clarissa. Her mother and father are the Duke and Duchess of Eastburn.”
I only plan to nod at her, but she stretches out her hand, her palm down as though she expects me to bring it to my lips or something.
I am not kissing this woman’s hand. My brow furrows, but I give her fingers a squeeze—an almost pathetic handshake.
She pulls her hand away in disgust, turning to Andrew with a look of outrage.
He smiles, placing a hand on her forearm. “Forgive her, Clarissa. Ms. Simpson is not noble born. She’s an American.”
Her lip curls. “A commoner?”
Something about the way she says that word makes the jealous twisting in my stomach turn hard as a rock. It’s difficult not to clench my teeth and say something equally nasty to her, but I bite my tongue and decide to glare at Andrew for not defending me further.
But he’s oblivious. He seems positively enchanted by the woman standing next to him.
William slides closer to me, placing a hand on my back. He pats his hand on the back of my shoulder, almost like he’s trying to comfort me from the sting of Clarissa’s words.
His fingers slide around to hold the top of my arm before he interrupts his brother’s conversation. “Brother, did you hear I have a new sparring partner?”
Andrew’s gaze snaps to William’s before it slowly moves to mine. His eyes only meet mine for a second before he snaps them back to William. “I’m afraid Ms. Simpson will be far too busy to be sparring with anyone.”
William’s fingers curl possessively over the top of my shoulder. “I hardly think she’ll be slave to these proceedings, do you, Brother?”
“What proceedings?” Clarissa’s eyes dart between the two men. “What is he talking about?”
Sophia laughs. “Uh oh. Did someone forget to let our cousin in on the big story—?”
William’s foot comes down on hers and she yelps.
Clarissa’s eyes widen and she turns slowly to Andrew. “What story, Andrew? I was told the decision had already been made.”
He gives her a pained smile, glancing at me for only a moment before he turns back to her. He places a hand on her shoulder. “Come. I’ll explain it to you over here.”
William and Sophia both begin laughing as the couple walks to the other side of the room.
William’s hand seems to have found a home on my shoulder—he hasn’t moved it the entire time and doesn’t pull it away after Andrew leaves.
He turns to his sister again. “You really must learn some decorum, Sophia. If Father hears—”
“Oh, let him exile me. I’d welcome being allowed to travel without the constant threat of punishment for my misbehavior.” She turns her head to the back of the room before looking back at William and me. “Speaking of misbehaving, I need to ask Leopold to assist me with something.” She tries to suppress her grin. “A…surprise for our cousin.”
She nods at me with another grin and almost skips to the back of the room where Leo and Elle are standing.
William’s hand slides from the top of my arm down to the small of my back and he guides me to a more secluded part of the room.
He turns and pulls his hand away from my back, taking my hand into his instead. “I meant what I said about our sparring. I’d love if you’d join me tomorrow after the festivities with our cousins have concluded.” He squeezes my fingers.
“I…I think I’d like that.” If nothing else, a little exercise would help me work off some of the pent up energy that’s been building inside me since I met Andrew. And fencing would definitely be a better outlet for that energy than having sex with Andrew.
That’s the story I’m sticking to, anyway.
“Wonderful.” He smiles. He has the same charm in his expression as his brothers have. “We can meet after dinner. I can meet you in your suite or you can—”
“You’ll do no such thing.” Andrew’s voice rings over my shoulder. “I’ve already told you that Victoria will be far too busy—”
“After dinner, Brother?” He shakes his head. “And what exactly would she be busy with after dinner tomorrow night?”
I step between the two men, more so that I can see Andrew’s expression than anything.
Andrew is glaring at his brother. “I would have no way of knowing what she would be busy doing. Only that she will.”
William shakes his head, the forced smile falling completely away. “You have no right, Andrew. I believe Victoria is the only person who can decline my request for her company, and she has already agreed.”
“She…has.” His voice is flat, and what he’s said definitely isn’t a question. “I see.”
Andrew’s date joins him again, smiling. She wraps her hands possessively around his forearm. “Forgive me, what have I missed?”
“Nothing.” I force a smile. “You haven’t missed anything.” I glance at William, nodding, before I turn my gaze to Andrew. “Your father wanted me to see your reaction tonight, and I believe I’ve seen enough.” I turn back to William. “I’ll be happy to join you tomorrow after dinner.” My gaze darts back to Andrew’s. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some more notes to make tonight.” I force another smile and give Clarissa a shallow nod. “Lovely meeting you.”
She gives me nothing but a small sneer. “Likewise.”
“I’ll escort you.” Andrew and William speak at the same time. Both men glare at each other for a moment before they say in unison, “I’ll escort her.”
Clarissa’s brow furrows. “Andrew?”
Her words seem to break the trance he’s in and he looks down at her. “I… I’m sorry. Of course W
illiam should escort her.” He turns and gives me a small forced smile. “I’ll see you in the morning, Victoria.”
“I…I think I can escort myself tonight. Thank you both, though,” I say, trying to cover my discomfort. “I suppose I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
I edge out of the group of people and make my way for the door, not turning to see if anyone is following me until I’m well into the corridor. But there’s no one there.
My shoulders drop in relief. I don’t need the complication of either man tonight.
Andrew
I am going to have words with William. What is he thinking, asking Victoria to spar with him? And what is Victoria doing agreeing to it? This is about more than fencing, that much is clear.
By the time I get back to my suite that night, my head is throbbing. Try as I might, I can’t seem to think about anything but Victoria. Lady Clarissa is as lovely as I remembered, but the moment Victoria walked into the room, I had eyes for no one but her. And after she left so abruptly, my thoughts could focus on nothing else. I watched William all night, half expecting him to sneak out after her, and more than once Lady Clarissa had to tug at my arm to get my attention.
I thought perhaps my thoughts would settle once we all retired for the night, but I feel even more restless now. I ache to punch something, to physically expel my frustrations somehow, but I restrain myself. One thing is certain—I won’t be able to sleep tonight. Not with so much on my mind. Not without Victoria in my arms.
I force myself to release a long breath as I undress. You were the one who put yourself in this situation, I remind myself. You were the one who proposed this ridiculous pageant even when Victoria and your own mother objected. And for the good of Montovia, I know I must go through with it.
I’m lucky the other story hasn’t surfaced yet—the one that made me hire Victoria in the first place. But it’s only a matter of time, I know, and that makes this public search for my bride all the more important.