Page 30 of Royal Secret

I recount our chance meeting, how his easy charm left me reeling. I describe the way he took me under his wing, showing me Bergovia through his eyes, all history and hidden beauty intermingled with his personal anecdotes that made the city come alive. With each memory, Jakob’s image grows sharper in my mind, and I wonder if he’s thinking of me too, despite his busy schedule.

Mimi listens intently, her elbows propped on the table, chin resting in her hands. She doesn’t interrupt, just nods and lets out a soft “wow” every now and then. It feels good to share, like releasing butterflies from a jar — one flutter at a time, my experiences with Jakob take wing in the sunlit space between us.

Her eyes widen, the sunny hue of her irises seeming to smile. “It sounds like you’re falling hard for this guy.”

I swallow, feeling the weight of her words settle like stones in my stomach. She’s right. I’m plummeting headfirst into unchartedemotional territory with Jakob, and the thought of the impact makes my hands go clammy.

I haven’t told Mimi the biggest details. That he’s a prince — Prince Jakob — and that he stole back the family necklace that somehow ended up with my grandmother. I’m pretty sure I can trust Mimi, but she is Bergovian, and I don’t know how she’ll react to my hanging out with royalty.

“I think I am falling for him,” I admit. “But it could never work out. We live across the ocean from each other.”

“Hey, never say never! Long-distance relationships work out all the time.”

“You’re right. They do.” I pause, suddenly desperate to change the subject. “How was work this week? Will you tell me about your job?”

The conversation turns to other things — easier things — and I do what I can to forget about Jakob, although every once in a while I wonder if he’s texted me. I keep my phone in my purse, though, resisting all temptation to bring it out.

We part ways outside the brunch spot with a promise to meet up again before I leave town. My feet carry me back to the hotel, each step heavy with the sadness that comes with an infatuation that can’t turn into reality. In the solitude of my room, the walls close in like concerned friends, urging me to protect what’s left of my heart.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I reach for my phone, thumb hovering over the travel app. One change, one swipe, and I could be on a plane heading home before my heart has the chance to shatter. But just as I’m about to confirm an earlier departure, my phone buzzes — a call from Jakob.

“Hello?” I answer, hating how excited I am to get a call from him.

“Good morning.” His deep vibrato sends shivers through me. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I was wondering if you’re free tomorrow? There’s somewhere special I’d like to take you.” His voice is a warm caress, and I’m powerless against its pull.

“Somewhere special?” Curiosity piques, mingling with the careful resolve I’d just mustered.

“Yep, but it’s a surprise. You’ll have to trust me.” The playful lilt in his tone is infectious, and I can almost see his charming smile through the phone.

“Okay, Jakob. I’ll trust you.” The words slip out, wrapped in hope and a silent prayer that I’m not making a mistake.

“Great! I’ll pick you up in the morning. How is nine? Wear something comfortable for walking.”

“Sounds good. See you then.”

“I look forward to it. Goodbye, Courtney.”

The way he makes my name sound that good, like it’s dripping in diamonds and wrapped in velvet, should be a crime.

“Bye.” I hang up and set the phone down, then pull the travel app back up.

My finger lingers over the “book” button on the screen. But instead of pressing it, I let out a long sigh, allowing myself to be swept up in the possibility of magic rather than the certainty of heartache. For now, Bergovia — and Jakob — still hold me in their enchanting embrace.

CHAPTER 17

JAKOB

Ilean back in my chair, the leather creaking softly under my weight, my mind wandering away from the to-do list and the calls I don’t want to make. It’s been days since I’ve seen Courtney, and her absence feels like a weight on my chest.

Every report I file, every meeting I attend, it’s her laughter that echoes in my mind, her smile that I see when I close my eyes. She extended her stay here in Bergovia for me, and guilt gnaws at me for not being there for her as promised.

I glance at the clock, its hands inching closer to the time I’m supposed to pick her up. Today has to be perfect. I need to make up for the lost time, make her see that my showing her around isn’t about…

Isn’t about what, exactly? Isn’t a façade covering something else up?

Because, as I hate to remember, that’s exactly what it is. I’m whisking her through the countryside, from small town to small town, deep into the oldest parts of the city, because my father wants me to keep an eye on her.

If I had it my way, I’d be doing it anyway. Yes. Of course I would. The guilt would be there either way, though.

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