Page 37 of Royal Secret

The realization hits me gently, like the first snowflake of winter; unique, unexpected, and changing the landscape of my emotionsin silent flurries. It’s dangerous, this path I find myself on, yet I can’t bring myself to turn back. I know that she told me we cannot become personally involved, and I will respect that. I will not make a move on her unless she wants me to.

But I cannot shutter my heart. It beats for her now, whether I intend for it to or not.

“Thank you for this, Jakob,” Courtney says as dessert arrives. “It’s more than I ever expected. You said you would show me around the country… but this. Everything you’ve done…”

“Only the best,” I reply, the unspoken words hanging between us: for you.

As the night wears on, I know this is only the beginning. There are challenges ahead, mountains to climb, but for now, the only thing that matters is the way she looks at me, like I’ve hung the moon.

And that is as it should be, because she has done the same for me.

CHAPTER 20

COURTNEY

The last bite of the chocolate mousse lingers on my tongue, rich and sweet, just like the evening has been so far. The restaurant, with its golden lights and intimate setting, is a scene straight out of a fairy tale — a fitting backdrop for a prince’s dinner.

Jakob’s gaze meets mine across the table, a stormy sea in his eyes that I’ve learned to navigate. “I want to tell you something,” he begins, his voice a soft baritone that commands attention even in whispers. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.”

My heart skips a beat, yet I stay silent, giving him the space he needs. He takes a deep breath, as if bracing himself against the tide.

“My life… it isn’t just about my work at the security department and charity balls and ribbon-cuttings. My siblings and I… we’re in a constant struggle for our father’s approval, vying for the throne.”

A piece of the puzzle falls into place, explaining the burden he often seems to carry on his shoulders, hidden behind the charming smiles.

“The sapphire necklace,” he continues, the words pained as if they’re thorns piercing his tongue. “I took it back to appease my father. It was never about hurting you, Courtney. I hope you believe that.”

There’s a sharp pang in my chest at the mention of the necklace, a reminder of betrayal. Yet, looking into Jakob’s earnest eyes, I see the regret, the internal war he is fighting between duty and desire. I understand — more than he realizes. Royal or not, we’re all prisoners to our family’s expectations in one way or another.

“Let’s go outside for a bit,” he suggests, perhaps sensing how hot it suddenly is getting in here. “The balcony?”

“Sure.” We’re done eating anyway, and I could do with moving around a bit.

We stand, and he offers me his hand, strong and reassuring. I take it, allowing his warmth to seep into my skin.

We step through the French doors onto the balcony, the night air refreshing and welcoming. The lights of the capital twinkle in the valley below, the image one that almost seems too perfect to be real.

The staff brings us two glasses of wine before retreating to give us some space, and I take a sip of the best thing I’ve ever tasted, the ruby liquid reflecting the starry sky. Tonight is so beautiful that it almost makes me sorry I will need to continue on with life after this. I wouldn’t mind being forced to live this evening over and over again through the rest of eternity.

With our glasses in hand, we lean against the balcony railing, shoulder to shoulder, and gaze out into the vastness above us. The stars gleam like diamond dust scattered across a canvas of midnight blue.

“Look,” Jakob says, pointing upwards. A streak of light zips across the sky — a shooting star, carving its brief journey for all to wish upon.

“Make a wish,” he says softly, his eyes not leaving the heavens.

A wish. Such a fanciful concept, yet here, with this man who is both forthright and an enigma, it seems fitting. I close my eyes, the star’s afterglow imprinted on my lids. I envision a life where moments like these stretch into eternity.

I wish that life could always be as amazing as it has been since I arrived in Bergovia. Despite the tangled web of royal expectations, the necklace drama, and family feuds, there’s an undeniable magic here — an enchantment woven through every street, every hint of history, and especially through Jakob.

“Did you make it?” Jakob asks.

“Made and sent off into the universe,” I reply with a smile, opening my eyes to find his gaze locked onto mine.

In this suspended moment, the world shrinks until it’s just the two of us. His hand finds mine, fingers intertwining naturally, as if they’ve known each other for lifetimes. He steps closer, bending slightly… and then pauses.

“I’m sorry.” His fingers slip from mine, and he starts to step back, but it’s right then that I make a split-second decision to do what I’ve been aching to do for days.

Stepping forward, I press my lips against his.

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