Page 40 of Royal Secret

She tilts her head, curious, an expectant smile playing on her lips. “Oh? What’s on your mind?”

“Texas,” I say, and her eyebrows rise in surprise. “I want to visit you there. See your world, meet the people in your life you talk so fondly of.” The idea sends a wave of excitement through me, but I’m cautious not to let on too much.

“Really?” she asks, her voice a blend of delight and disbelief. “You’d come to Texas?”

“More than that,” I add quickly, before my resolve can falter, “I want you to come back to Bergovia with me afterwards, as soon as possible.”

Her hand pauses mid-air, the piece of toast forgotten. “Jakob, that’s… that’s amazing, but what about your work? You’ve already lost so much time there showing me around.” Her concern is genuine, but it’s my family that weighs on my mind, their expectations towering like the ancient castles that dot this country.

“Work will manage without me for a little while,” I assure her, deciding to ignore the inevitable upheaval for now. I don’t let on about that part, though; I need to shield her from the brewing storm until I’m ready to face it myself.

“Okay,” she breathes out, a radiant grin spreading across her face, dispelling my anxieties. “Yes, let’s do it!”

The room fills with her laughter, and for a moment, I bask in the sound of our shared joy before reality nudges again. I pat my pockets, looking for my phone, needing to make arrangements. Yet, it’s nowhere to be found.

“Can’t find my phone,” I murmur, more to myself than to her.

“Mine’s dead,” she responds cheerily, not a hint of worry in her tone.

A chuckle escapes her, and I find myself joining in. It’s liberating, this accidental disconnection from the rest of the world.

“Looks like we have the day to ourselves, then,” I say, the irony not lost on me.

On any other day, I’d be swamped with duties, but today, fate seems to have conspired to give us this uninterrupted time together.

“Best unplanned day off ever,” Courtney declares, and I can only nod in agreement, feeling the luckiest man in the world.

“How about a latte?” I ask, clearing our empty plates.

“I would love that.”

“You get cozy on the couch,” I instruct.

But as I open the cupboard where the beans are usually stashed, I’m met with emptiness. A little frown creases my forehead; it’s unlike me to run out of something as vital as coffee beans, even in the apartment that I only spend part of my time at.

“Seems like we’re fresh out,” I announce. “Give me five minutes. I’ll run to the market across the street.”

“Take your time.” She picks up the TV remote.

With a quick smile, I grab my keys and wallet and head downstairs. The crisp morning air greets me as I step outside, the streets just beginning to bustle with life. My feet carry me automatically across the street to the familiar grocery store, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Courtney’s laughter and the softness of her lips.

“Your Highness!” a familiar voice calls out just as I reach the coffee aisle.

It’s Mrs. Petrov, the shop owner, her eyes alight with curiosity. “Your face is all over town today! And who’s the lovely lady?”

What is she talking about?

“Uh… a friend,” I say, not willing to give anything away until I know exactly what’s going on.

“Looks like more than a friend to me,” she teases, holding up her phone.

There on her screen is a grainy photo of Courtney and me. It’s our time on the balcony last night, a kiss captured from afar, now a digital whisper riding the morning airwaves.

“Beautiful girl,” Mrs. Petrov adds, a knowing smile etched into her features.

“Thank you,” I say, grabbing my coffee beans and swiping my card.

Nerves rush through me. I’m not ashamed of being with Courtney; I’m proud. I had expected to reveal our relationship on our own timeline, though, and in our own way. Now, without our consent at all, it’s public fodder.

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