He raised a brow but didn’t comment.
“I bet you can’t wait to get one of them home.” She winked. “You know, to get rid of the competition?”
He laughed. “I have nothing to fear from your suitor.”
“What? You think you’re hotter?” Okay, maybe he is…and a much better kisser.
“When I went to question him, he was kissing the blonde maiden passionately. She is with child, and she has declared him the father.”
Sarah’s mouth dropped. Wait…is Beth trying to save Frank’s life by making up such a ridiculous story? Maybe she feared Victor would kill Frank because he saw him as a threat, another suitor he needed to dispose of immediately. She pondered it for a moment, and it did make perfect sense. Frank could’ve easily been the guy in the bar that Beth had gone home with that night. Anger bubbled up inside. How dare my best friend sleep with my ex-boyfriend and not tell me about it? Even Frank kept their secret romp in the hay a secret from me, the liar! She blew out a breath. “That’s my crappy luck. I couldn’t find love if my life depended on it. See why I’ve never gotten married before?”
“But you are married now.” He gazed into her eyes. “To me.”
“It’s not real. It was a sham of a marriage, based on a lie.”
“A lie? The passion we feel when our lips touch isn’t a lie.”
Her cheeks burned. She needed to get his mind off the kiss. If he dwelled on it too long, he might be tempted to take what he thought he possessed. But would that really be such a bad thing? “Why did you wait so long to get married? I mean, William has grown children.”
“I loved a woman once.”
“Della,” Sarah whispered. “I’m sorry.”
“After I lost her, I swore I’d never marry anyone for love, but then you came along. I knew you were beautiful the moment I laid eyes on you, but the moment we kissed, a part of me sparked back to life. This passion I never knew existed overtook me—something I haven’t experienced in hundreds of years. I was taken by surprise and could barely control myself.”
“But you were so mean to me the first time I met you.”
“I’m sorry about that, truly sorry. I was so caught up in the war and getting revenge that I didn’t even give you a thought…at first. You were just a pawn in my game. I only said the things I said to you because I was having fun taunting the king’s daughter. I don’t desire ten little ones.” He winked. “But two or three would certainly bring life to the castle.”
Sarah giggled. “That’s good to know.” It was, and not just the part about Victor wanting a normal-sized family instead of a whole soccer team. It was also the fact that he felt something for her, something he had felt for Della. Sarah had never figured she’d want him, so she had never really cared, but deep inside, something awakened in her, and she couldn’t help herself.
“I hope you didn’t believe a word I said in that dungeon. On the day of our wedding, if you wouldn’t have kissed me back—or slapped me—I would’ve taken you to the guest quarters to live. I would’ve never forced myself on you against your will. I might be labeled a tyrant, but I don’t hurt women or children.”
She shook her head, still deep in her own thoughts. “You kept calling me Princess Gloria. I tried to tell you the truth, but you refused to listen.”
“Forgive me, Sarah. I don’t care who you are or where you came from. I don’t care if you’re from a wealthy family or if you’re not. All I know is that I cannot stop thinking about you. Deep down, you surely feel the same way about me.” He kissed her hand gently. “I’m taking you back to Tastia as my wife, my Queen. My kingdom is yours.”
“Hmm. Well, I can’t say I’ve ever had such a generous offer, Victor, and I do appreciate it, but we both know my place isn’t here. I need to go back to my home, my world, and if you truly care about me, you’ll let me go.”
He hesitated for a moment, as though gathering his thoughts. When he met her gaze again, she could read the determination in his eyes, though she couldn’t tell which way he had decided. “You’re scared of the Immortals, but I’ll fix all of this. I assure you it’s my intention to see that you and your sister receive full pardon.”
“This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have put the ring on.”
“It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. It was fate’s way of bringing you into my life.”
Sarah smiled as he traced the necklace on her neck with his fingers.
“I’ve fought many battles, great warriors, and mighty beasts, but I was never as nervous as I was standing before you, reciting wedding vows.”
She peered at him, surprised at his words. “You mean even kings get cold feet?”
“Excuse me? I was wearing tights and proper shoes, so I am not sure—”
Sarah laughed and held up her hand. “I’m sorry. I meant wedding jitters.”
“How could I not? You were so beautiful with all those curls, that stunning wedding dress hugging your fabulous form. You took my breath away, just as you do now.”
Heat rose in Sarah’s cheeks. “Thank you. I’m flattered. And the truth is…well, Victor, you took my breath away, too, especially with those eyes of yours and…and that kiss.”
“I was busy trying to win a stupid war, and you were busy trying to find your sister.” His gaze glazed over, reliving the memories in his head. “Neither of us had plans to get married until fate stepped in, and now here we are.” A soft breeze blew his hair across his forehead.
In spite of Sarah’s better judgment, she leaned in to wipe it away. She heard him suck in his breath and hold it, not letting go until she jerked her hand back. “Does fate know I don’t belong here?” Sarah whispered.
He looked away toward the trees, as if pondering his thoughts. “Perhaps fate is telling me it’s time to move past the darkness and become the honorable man I know I can be.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, why did Della leave? William said she left you because of things you did, but he wasn’t specific.”
He shook his head. “I won’t lie to you. I’ve done terrible things, things I’m ashamed of. I was raised by a cruel tyrant, and I blindly followed in his footsteps. It’s no excuse, I know. When Della left, I should’ve learned my lesson and become a better person, but it only fueled the fire. I took all my anger out on William and started the biggest war. I lived and breathed only for revenge. It was a very dark time in my life.”
“Why didn’t the Kardashian Court stop the insane war? Why didn’t they step in?” she asked.
“They refused to get involved and stayed neutral. It caused too many political problems because we both have strong connections at the court.” He ran his finger down her arm. “I’m beginning to see the light again in my life. I’ve been foolish for so many long years, and everything’s been a black blur in my life. When William held that axe over your head, a sudden realization hit me.”
She threaded her fingers through his. “And what was that?”
“An innocent woman was going to die because of my sins. Was I so evil that another king would execute you just to bring peace to his land? It was time to quit dwelling in the past and move toward the future. I’m willing to drop this grudge and stop this insane war, especially after the vision we’ve witnessed. I’m more determined than ever to change the future and bring peace to our lands.”
She smiled. “So you can rule with kindness and compassion?”
“Yes. I want to be a better man, a loving husband, and an honorable king.” His voice rang true with absolute sincerity.
Sarah regarded his face, searching for any sign that might give him away, that might indicate he was just pretending, but she found none. “I’d like to see you be the people’s king.”
“I am already that! Shall I get my crown to show you?”
“I’m talking deeper, beyond your title or inheritance. You should be a king of the people’s hearts, accept and love your people, talk to them, listen, shake their hands, and hug them. Join in th
eir festivities and eat and drink with your subjects. Laugh with them during the happy times and cry with them in the sad. Get involved, Victor. Be a humanitarian, and they will love you forever. Rulers from neighboring lands will think of you as brother instead of a monster. Can you imagine the great things you could do to help people around the world?”
“That’s never been done by royalty,” he said.
She pulled his hand, forcing him to face her. “Then start today. Attempt to reconnect with your people by leaving a mark on history that people will talk about for generations. When a child is crying because he hasn’t eaten in days, feed him and his family a feast. When a man walks the streets with no shoes, lavish him with boots and clothes. When a woman cries because she has lost her husband, give her comfort and declare her free from all her debts. Be an influential role model and stand up for those who can’t. We are our brothers’ keepers! Make it your personal cause to care. You’re in the position to help others who are less fortunate.”
“What strange and wonderful ideas you have, Sarah. Nobody has ever talked this way before. Surely your world must be a very different, very interesting place.”
“My friends were going to be burned at the stake in Dornia because they were accused of stealing some bread. The people in that village are starving, and my heart ached for them. A lady screamed that her child hadn’t eaten in two days. Those babies need milk, so I’m glad you acted fast. Thank you, because the suffering of children should not be tolerated by any society. In my heart, I was crying with the mothers and their children. One of your first priorities should be to see to it that the people in that village—and others—are fed.”
“That’s in Dornia, which means it’s William’s problem.”
“No, it’s everyone’s problem.” She drew in a long breath. “All of us must do what we can to help. You pride yourself on power and wealth, yet there are people who go hungry every day. It’s your responsibility as a leader to get involved and care. You hold the power to change the world and make it a better place. There’s more to being a king than just being powerful, rich, and ruling a kingdom. Why haven’t you used your power and authority to the people’s advantage, instead of for gain, revenge, and power?”
Victor gazed into her eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips.
“What?” She pulled back a little because his intense stare made her self-conscious. No man had ever made her feel like that before.
“Sarah, you are like no other woman I’ve ever met,” Victor said. “Instead of worrying about how many gowns, jewels, and furs you’ll possess, you care deeply about the welfare of my people—our people—and even William’s people. Those people turned on you, chasing you off a cliff, yet you still fought for them. Your compassion melts this cold heart of mine.”
“If I knew the people in your kingdom were starving, I’d refuse to wear fashionable gowns, designer shoes, and fancy gemstones. I’d sell them to feed the people.”
“You truly amaze me.”
“You amaze me too. Deciding to do something different to change your life for the better is very admirable. My mom always tells me that everyone deserves a second chance—sometimes even a third one.”
“Your mother must be a lovely woman.” He cocked an eyebrow. “You know what my world is like, but I know nothing of yours…well, other than what you mean by cold feet!”
Sarah smiled. “I don’t even know where to begin. You’re far behind us in technology. I mean, we don’t use candles for lighting. We have something called electricity.”
“A kind of magic?”
“Well, more science than voodoo. We turn on a switch on the wall, and light floods the room from light bulbs.” She smiled even bigger. “Also, we rarely use horses.”
“Oh? How tired your legs must get going from place to face on foot!”
“No, we drive around in something called a car or an automobile. It is something like a cart that moves on wheels and goes far faster than any animal.”
His brows furrowed. “What you speak of, it’s hard to understand.”
“You’ve never wanted to go through the portal and check it out for yourself?”
“Immortal law states it’s forbidden for all, even royals. Plus, the Guardians of the forest can kill us with one bite. That is why Charles and your sister, whom I thought was Gloria, headed into the forest to escape me. They didn’t think I would follow.”
“But you did. When I first met you back in the forest, you said, ‘You know how territorial the Guardians are. They have the power to destroy our kind’. I had no idea what you meant by that, but now I know you were talking about being Immortal.”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“So if I had made it back through the portal, you couldn’t have followed me?”
“Immortals would’ve gotten special permission from the Kardashian Court to come in and get you. You see, they have ways to repel the creatures.
“I told Frank that Immortals would probably follow me to my doorstep.”
“It would’ve happened, and—”
“I know, I know…and it wouldn’t have been pretty,” Sarah finished, her lips pressed together.
He nodded before he looked into the brush and pointed. “Do you see that?”
Chapter 7
Twigs crunched as something moved. Sarah’s gaze drifted past the waterfall and into the vegetation. The leaves, larger than any she had ever seen, were dark green. The dense bushes obstructed her view to what lay hidden behind, but something caught her attention. She turned her head sharply to the white blur in the distance. “I do see something.”
“It’s a unicorn.”
She peered at him from the corner of her eye, regarding him intently to read his expression. “You aren’t serious, are you?”
A frown crossed his brow, as if he was insulted that she’d doubted him.
She turned her attention to the white blur which suddenly revealed itself as a horse, sleek and white as snow, with a flowing mane and tail and one beautiful horn jutting from its head. It was the most beautiful, most majestic creature she’d ever seen. “Surely you’re not going to try and catch it.”
“Wait right here,” he commanded.
“Why—”
Her words remained trapped in her throat as he pressed a finger against her mouth to silence her, then turned his back on her and disappeared into the vegetation. Victor’s horse neighed somewhere nearby.
The thought that she could take off as fast as the wind would carry her crossed her mind. “Hey, how do you know I’m not going to leave?” she whispered, sure he would be too far away to hear.
Victor’s head appeared through the bushes. The smile on his lips was as cocky as ever. “If you were planning to leave, you wouldn’t have warned me beforehand.” With a wink, he turned and raced toward the majestic animal, chasing it into the woods. He knew he had all the control. Without him, her friends would never get back home. Plus, he had her sister and her sister’s stepfather back at the camp, and she had no doubt he was keenly aware of how much she enjoyed being there with him that very moment. “Come here!” he called, his strong voice rising over the sound of the cascading waterfall.
She hesitated, but curiosity overwhelmed her. She walked into the towering ferns and stood by Victor’s side. The air smelled cleaner here, filled with the moisture from the water. Mist rained down on her hair, lingering on her skin as she peered into the sparkling water at her own reflection and immediately regretted it. Her hair was in disarray; her clothes looked disheveled. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve sworn she hadn’t taken a shower in ages.
He smiled and pulled her away from the edge as he pointed across the bushes. “Call for the animal.”
Sarah let out a long whistle. The sound carried through the silence of the woods. Apart from a few birds taking off over their heads, nothing stirred.
Victor laughed and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her close. “Good try, but you have to sense it
s presence. Call for him in your mind.”
“I can’t do it,” she said. “I’m not a unicorn whisperer.”
“You can, Sarah. I know you can. It’s really very simple.”
She closed her eyes and focused on the animal. It was difficult to concentrate with Victor’s hot breath hitting the skin on her neck, sending shivers down her spine, but she wanted to try again, this time tuning out the gorgeous hunk wrapped around her.
“Try again,” he whispered into her ear. His voice came so low for a moment she wasn’t sure he had even spoken.
“Okay.” A cloud of white fog enveloped her. Suddenly, a picture appeared in her head. She could see the animal sipping water from a clear puddle in the grass. She called to it, and the creature lifted its head. Buzzing swirled through her mind the more she tried to communicate with the horse. A burst of heat spread before her eyes. Droplets of sweat dripped down her face, her fever returning in full swing.
The unicorn squealed loudly and burst through the brush.
“You did it!” Victor lurched toward the animal, mounting it bareback in one single leap. He lifted her onto the stallion and swung up behind her. “Milady, let’s go for a ride, shall we?”
She twined the soft, flowing mane through her fingers. “I actually did it? What’s with the hot flashes?”
“Once you learn to handle your new powers, it’ll become like second nature, and the heat flashes will stop.”
She gripped the unicorn’s mane like a saddle horn and clung on tight as she bounced back and forth. Victor’s hard body pressed against hers, his hands wrapped around her waist. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. They weaved in and out of twisting trees as hooves pounded across a bubbling stream, water spraying up everywhere. The sweet scent of wildflowers grew stronger. Her body felt every bump and she started to slide to the side, fearing she might just fall off of the amazing animal. She readjusted herself, leaned forward, relaxed, and moved with the rhythm of the horse. “This is just…exhilarating!” Sarah yelled over the roar of the wind. Racing into an open meadow, she screamed with delight.
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