“I know,” he whispered. “And that is what terrifies me.” He sighed and gave her a long, mournful look.
“Killian, please don’t. I am careful.” Serena reached up and stroked his cheek, promising. “I will always be vigilant.”
The prince shook his head and sighed. “Careful does not mean throwing yourself between a dagger and me.”
“No. That was love and would not matter if you were a prince or stable boy.” She turned his head, so he was looking at her. “I would do the same thing, every time.”
He met her eyes and stroked her cheek. “I hope to have the chance to repay you.”
She smiled, one that lit up her eyes. “I hope repay does not mean you will put yourself in front of a blade meant for me.”
“I do not know what it means,” he admitted, shaking his head.
After a few moments sitting in silence, Serena came to a decision. She lifted Killian’s hand to her lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it. She didn’t think about the consequences of her actions but let her instincts guide her as she had so often in her twenty-one years. “Lock the door.”
Killian blinked several times, his mind trying to work out what she had in mind. “What?”
“You heard me.” Serena leaned forward and feathered a light kiss on his lips. “Lock the door.”
Confusion flashed on Killian’s face for a moment before he stood, crossed to the door and slid the bolt in place. When he turned around, Serena had risen and was leaning on the bedpost.
“What are you doing?” he scolded, rushing to her side.
She gasped, as the wound in her back protested the changes in her body position when she found her balance. I’ve had wounds before, but nothing as deep as this one. I was lucky it didn’t kill me. Her mind couldn’t quite grasp why she was in such pain. “I want to be on my feet when I tell you this.”
Killian eyed her with suspicion but reached out a hand to steady her. “Tell me what?”
“I had a visit from your grandmother.” She paused and smiled when the lines appeared between his brows as his mind started working out some problem.
“Well, that would explain why she said she’d seen my young lady. Which is strange because usually you’re that girl.” He paused, tilted his head to the left while letting out a small laugh.
As he spoke, Serena reached out and tucked an errant strand of hair behind his ear, rather enjoying watching him try and work out her meaning.
“Never mind the fact that you gained your majority years ago, you are still that girl to the queen. Except for just now… now you were, my young lady.”
Serena stepped forward and slid an arm around his waist. “Saving your life might have something to do with her change of heart.” She paused and stroked one calloused finger down his cheek to his throat, smiling at the soft sigh her touch elicited. “I look forward to the day when I can do this in the open.” Before he had the chance to ask what she meant, Serena pressed her lips to his, drawing him into a long, passionate kiss. When they broke apart, Killian shook his head and frowned.
“In the open?” he asked.
“Yes.” Serena’s half smile made her appear mischievous and beautiful. “Your grandmother, our queen, has named me Lady Governor of Lakeshire province.”
Again, he shook his head. “Wait, what?”
“She named me the governor of Lakeshire province. As soon as I am well, she will call for the formal ceremony.”
Killian frowned and shook his head, confused. “My grandmother raised you to nobility for saving my life?” When she nodded, Killian noticed Serena sway on her feet, and he caught her before her knees gave out. “I think you need to get back in bed, and we should unlock the door, just to be safe.” He chuckled as he helped her back into bed, finishing by pulling the blankets up to her chest and kissing her lips.
She reached out and touched his cheek. “This feels like a dream.”
“A good dream, I hope.” A ghost of uncertainty showed in his eyes. It was something Serena had seen, from time to time, since the first day he’d stepped into the practice ring and demanded the Arms Master train him. He had a need to be accepted for himself, not just because of his station. That had been the moment when her heart had been lost though it took some time for her mind to fall into line with her heart.
“Quite a good dream,” she whispered and brushed his lips against hers in a quick kiss.
Moments later, he unlocked the door and returned to her bedside, sitting in the chair his grandmother had occupied. They sat talking for a long time, their hands linked on the bed, where they would be hidden from view if someone opened the door. When Serena started to drift off to sleep for the third time, Killian gave her a lingering kiss and left her to rest.
Chapter 6
Serena stood in the dressing area of the suite of rooms bestowed upon her with the title and governorship. Two maids bustled around preparing her wardrobe for the day. Clara stepped in front of her with a boned corset, sliding it over Serena’s arms to her shoulders. Behind her, the second maid began lacing the garment, pulling it so tight that Serena’s breath escaped in a harsh gasp. “Not so tight.”
“This is how they are meant to be worn, my lady,” Amelia insisted.
“I prefer breathing to fashion.”
“I will do the best I can,” Amelia said as she gave the laces one final tug and tied them off. If anything, the infernal garment was tighter than before.
Serena tried to take a full breath but was unable to, the corset’s constricting embrace making it impossible. She closed her eyes and gave in to the insanity. The past several days had proved she needed to dress the part of a noblewoman in order to be taken seriously by her new peers. For her apparent immediate need, a dress shop in town had been able to accommodate her, so she now possessed several suitable dresses, even though Killian insisted more were required.
A short time later, Serena stepped into the formal sitting room and found her prince waiting. He wore the suit of nobility as though it had been made for him. No doubt, he was confident in his own skin and needed no trappings to demonstrate it. He turned to her, and an appreciative smile curled his lips, lighting those beautiful eyes.
“My lady.” The bow he offered her was fluid. “You look lovely.”
“I feel like a roast chicken, trussed up and ready for the spit,” she complained, pulling an exaggerated look of disgust.
Killian chuckled and crossed the short distance separating them. He caught Serena by the hips and pulled her to him, dropping a chaste kiss on her lips. “You look lovely, my lady. That was a compliment. Please accept it as such.”
“I’m not used to all of this.” She stepped away from him, and gestured to the dress, flouncing the skirt with her hands for emphasis.
“I know.” Killian sighed. “Your appointment with the royal seamstress later this afternoon should help.”
Her eyes went wide, and her face blanched. “I have to go through more of this?”
“Yes, my love.” Killian chuckled and kissed her forehead. “I apologize, but you do have to endure.”
She rested her forehead against his chest and asked, “How are dresses supposed to help?”
“You will have clothing fit for your station, which will be made for you and more suited to your taste.” Most women, especially noblewomen, would be thrilled at the thought of a whole new wardrobe. Not my Serena. She’d prefer new boots and a sword, I’m certain.
Serena whimpered and wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging to him. “Is there some way I can refuse the title?”
“Would you truly want to?” He tilted her chin up to look into her eyes.
She glanced down, and a slight blush colored her cheeks, camouflaging her freckles. “Although… the honor comes with a few definite advantages.”
“Such as?” he asked, a note of teasing in his voice.
Serena draped her arms around his neck. “Such as being able to do this.” She kissed him and said, “Without having
to worry about drawing the eye of every court gossip within palace walls.” She tried to step back, but Killian’s arms snaked around her waist holding her in place.
“I don’t think I am going to let you go just yet.” His voice dropped to a low promise-laden whisper.
“Killian.” She took a deep breath to steady herself. “We both have duties to attend to.”
“I know.”
“We can’t just hide for the day.”
Killian frowned as he glanced down and to the left. “You, me, the lake, in three days.”
“Are you asking me to accompany you?”
“Yes.”
“Just you, me and a few members of the Royal Guard?”
“Well, it wouldn’t be an outing with my love without Ryan, Michaels, Davies and whoever else is on duty that day.” He pulled her tight against him, “Are you agreeing?”
“Yes, my lord.” Serena smirked. “I accept your invitation.”
“I’ll make the arrangements.” He kissed the tip of her nose and let her go.
The blush he loved crept up her cheeks, and she couldn’t hold his gaze. “What has gotten into you today?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because you’re adorable when you’re flustered.” He reached up and twisted a strand of red-gold hair slipping free of her elaborate up-do around his finger. “I don’t get to see it all that often.” He let the curl fall from his finger.
“It is not adorable,” she groused, stepping away from him.
“To me, it is,” he said under his breath, hoping she didn’t hear him.
Serena walked into the study and over to her desk, frowning at the ever-growing stacks of papers, invitations and other items that seemed to appear daily. An ornately carved box sat beside the usual assortment of papers with a letter sitting on top. She didn’t recognize the writing but knew the seal embossed in blue-green wax came from her estate in Lakeshire. Serena frowned before picking up the letter and calling out. “Clara?” She glanced up, waiting until the maid stepped into the room. “Do you know who sent this?” She pointed to the chest.
“Steward Grayson had it delivered by two of the house guards from Lakeshire.”
“Thank you,” Serena muttered and broke the seal on the letter. She scanned the information, frowned and held it out to Killian before opening the chest. The wooden treasure box was made up of three trays lined with crimson velvet. Each one was divided into several small compartments, which held sets of matching jewels. She lifted one of the trays, finding another underneath. Tilting her head to the right, Serena did a quick calculation, guessing there were at least six layers of trays. Realizing what was before her, she gasped. A small fortune in jewelry sat on her desk.
Killian took the letter and studied it. The gift was from her steward, conferring all of the former Lady Governor’s jewels on her. When he glanced up, he watched Serena pick up a necklace and run it through her fingers, admiring the delicate metalwork and gems. Her expression softened, and a slight smile curled her lips.
After a few moments, she shook her head, sighed, and laid the piece back in the chest. “Clara, please send for the messengers who brought this.” Her fingers lingered on the necklace for several long moments before it fell away.
“Yes, my lady.” She bobbed a quick curtsy and hustled out of the room.
“What are you going to do?”
She took as deep a breath as the corset would allow, a stern look of determination crossing her features. “Send them back. The province is teetering on the brink of financial ruin. I can’t keep these when they can be sold and the profits put to use helping my people.” She took one last glance at the necklace and closed the chest, latching it with a final snap.
“Your Highness?” Thomas’s voice broke the silence.
Killian turned to face his valet. “Yes?”
“Her Majesty has requested a few moments of your time before the beginning of today’s public audience.”
“Very well,” Killian said with a nod, “Please inform Her Majesty I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, sire.” Thomas turned and walked out of the room.
Killian stepped closer to Serena and took her hand, their fingers twining. “I will see you this afternoon for our bout, my lady, and later for your fitting.”
“I look forward to one but not the other, my prince.”
“Don’t forget,” he said while tilting her chin up to look into her eyes, “you earned your title. Most of the nobles were born to it. You have every right to be counted among them. And you have the heart of your prince. Until this afternoon, my love.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it before following Thomas to the throne room to meet his grandmother.
Killian pressed the attack, forcing Serena to go on the defensive. Their swords flashed in the bright sun, ringing out with each strike and block. He focused on his technique though he knew their bout had drawn a larger crowd than usual. Since Serena’s investiture, Killian noticed a few of the young lords had begun watching their daily bouts. He eased up a little, feeling his temper and a new emotion he couldn’t quite place as it slithered into his heart and started to take over. Part of him wanted to stop the fight and call for a break while he sorted out the twisted knot growing in the pit of his stomach. Serena slipped past his defenses, her sword tip brushing up against his billowing shirt sleeve. He met her eyes and winked before slashing the air with his weapon. Serena was out of position, his reach a little longer than he’d thought. Before he could correct it, Killian heard the rip of fabric. He dropped his sword when Serena cried out as the blade fell from her fingers.
“Serena.” He closed the distance separating them, searching for the wound, expecting to see blood staining the white linen.
“I’m fine, Killian,” she said. She pulled her hands away from his and clutched the ripped portions of her shirt back together.
“Did I hurt you?” he asked, putting his hands on her shoulders.
“No.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes, love I am certain.” She chuckled. “You only wounded my shirt. Though I fear it was fatal.” She glanced down at the tear. The long rip went from left of center to under her right arm. If not for her hand gripping the fabric, the gaping hole would expose her corset underneath.
Killian saw her quick glance at Katia and the other ladies. Still insecure are you, Lady Harlowe? He thought tipping her chin up. Pressing a chaste kiss to her lips, he smiled. “I am glad I didn’t wound you.”
“As am I. Though I am afraid without intervention, my modesty and reputation might be wounded.”
Killian frowned. “This will not do,” he muttered while sheathing his blade. Before Serena realized, he had removed his leather arm guards, dropping them to the hard packed dirt.
“Killian?”
He flashed her a quick smile before pulling his shirt over his head. Serena started to say something, but at the sight of his toned chest, the words fled, and she just stared. Killian chuckled and gathered his shirt up in his fists before draping it over her head.
“A little assistance, my lady?”
Her cheeks stained with crimson heat. Serena dipped her head and slipped her arms into the sleeves.
“Too large, but it will serve,” Killian said as he tied the cuffs at her wrists.
“My modesty and I thank you, my prince,” Serena whispered while raising up on her toes to feather her lips against his.
Killian caught her around the waist and held her. He sensed the stares of both the young lords and ladies of the court but didn’t care. I will show them all she is mine, and I am hers. Nothing is going to come between us. “Do you know how much I love you and being able to do this without having to worry about who sees us?” He slipped his hand behind her neck and drew her to him for a proper kiss.
Her arms snaked around his waist, and she melted into him.
Someone’s throat cleared behind Killian. “Your Highness. Your grandmother is expecting you
r attendance at the public audience,” Ryan interrupted.
Killian tensed for a moment before relaxing, stealing one last taste of her lips. “It appears I must go.”
“Do stop by your chambers and fetch a clean shirt.” Her hands roamed over his back, exploring smooth flesh over hard muscles. “I would hate to see you cause a scandal.”
“Scandalous is what we were just doing, my love.” He winked and stepped back, bringing Serena’s hand to his lips. “Until later.” He turned and accepted the cloak Ryan offered him, throwing it over his shoulders as the pair strode toward the castle.
That afternoon, a few hours before sunset, Killian sat behind the desk in the sitting room of Serena’s new apartments trying to look busy, going through papers scattered across it. Instead, it was too much fun watching her so out of her element. He stole a glance at his beloved and hid the lower half of his face behind his hand, trying to keep in the laughter that threatened to escape.
Serena stood on a stool in the center of the suite’s sitting room in the midst of a whirl of activity. All around her, a group of women bustled, brandishing measuring tapes, pins, sketchpads, and yards of fabrics in a range of colors, weights, and textures as though they were weapons. They fired questions at her, many of which Killian was certain she didn’t understand or care to answer.
When she gave a curt or noncommittal response, they would first look to the royal seamstress and then to Killian. Knowing as much if not less than Serena, he often deferred to the royal seamstress’s opinion. More than once, he wished his little sister, Coleen, still lived in Haven. She would have had the seamstresses doing her bidding while thinking it was their idea. Serena didn’t know it, but the wardrobe she was being fitted for was his gift to her. She’d given up the jewels, that had come with her title, to help the people of her province. He’d watched as her fingers trailed over a heart-shaped emerald and opal necklace, seen the slight curl to her lips and the moment her smile slipped and duty won over desire. He wanted to give her so much more than a wardrobe, but it was a place to start. Killian hoped it would help make an easier transition into her new role at court.
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