Page 21 of Royal Secret

The offer is compelling and, despite my better judgment, incredibly enticing. There’s a part of me that yearns to say yes — to explore the cobblestone streets, the rolling hills, and the ancient castles that make up the tapestry of Bergovia. To possibly unravel more about my grandmother’s past. And maybe, just maybe, to understand the enigmatic prince before me. And to even…

No, I can’t think that way about the two of us. Jakob is off the table. For one, I can’t trust him. For another, he’s a prince! How could we ever make anything beyond a one-night stand or a fling work?

“Okay,” I utter, giving in to curiosity, to the adventure, to the chance of discovering what lies beneath the crown. “Show me Bergovia, Jakob.”

His smile is gentle, a soft curve that reaches his eyes and, for a moment, I allow myself to believe that there’s more to him than just royal blood and hidden agendas.

“Under one condition.” I hold up my finger. To my satisfaction, he looks disappointed.

“And what is that one condition?” He quirks a blond eyebrow.

“We start with a trial day,” I say. “So we can see if we can evenstandeach other.”

He looks like he’s trying not to smile. “I am fairly certain we can do more than stand each other.”

I stare him down, my eyes narrowing. “A lot has changed since last night.”

That makes the smirk fall right off his face. And it should. He’s the one who royally — no pun intended — messed things up between the two of us. If he wants to make things better, he’ll have to try a whole lot harder.

Also, on my end, this is my way of testing him a bit. Of seeing if he’s actually willing to show up and put in some effort. After him stealing away with the necklace, it would be foolish of me to just automatically trust him.

“Then one day it is,” he says. “But I have a feeling you’ll find Bergovia quite captivating and want to continue for more than only one day.”

FindBergoviacaptivating? Orhim? Which one is it that he really wants to say?

I’m sure he’s used to women falling all over him, jumping at his smallest whim and treating him like a god. Well, not me. He might be handsome and slick, but the prince thing won’t work on me. Not since I’ve already gotten a taste of the real Jakob.

His fingers dance across his phone screen, likely notifying someone of his change in plans. “Let’s not waste any more time.”

I watch, amazed, as he issues instructions to postpone meetings and shuffle appointments. Each spoken word is deliberate, each command carrying the authority of someone who knows they will be obeyed. The prince is clearing his schedule for me — for us — to have this day together.

And I have to admit… I’m impressed.

“Where do you think we should go?” There’s a lilt to his question, playful and brimming with possibilities.

“Somewhere historical,” I suggest, the idea sparking sudden excitement within me. “How about one of Bergovia’s old castles?”

“Perfect,” he agrees, and I notice the glimmer of enthusiasm in his eyes. It mirrors my own. “I know just the place.”

Before I can ask where, he’s on his phone again, speaking in rapid Bergovian to someone on the other end. He hangs up with a smile that’s both triumphant and conspiratorial. “It’s settled. We’ll visit the Schloss Klein. They’re preparing for a private tour as we speak.”

“Private?” I echo, surprised by the exclusivity of it all.

“Of course,” he responds, his smile never wavering. “I wouldn’t want our trial day marred by crowds or distractions. This way, you’ll see the castle as few ever do.”

The idea of exploring the castle with him thrills me more than I care to admit. I won’t show it, though. I’m taking a page from Jakob’s book and holding my cards close, making sure that I don’t reveal too much.

“Ready?” He opens the door for me.

“Um… sure.”

“Do you need to stop at your hotel first?”

“No. I’m ready to go.”

Twenty minutes ago I was ready to tear into him for taking the necklace and deceiving me. Now I’m headed out for a day of sightseeing with him. Should I feel manipulated?

Maybe, but this is also what I want. I came here to see Bergovia, and no one has more exclusive access than a prince and the head of the security department. I doubt there’s anywhere in the country he can’t get us into, so why squander a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

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