Page 114 of Duty and Desire

What else does the Universe have left to throw at us?

“Your Majesty.”

I snapped my attention back to the Prime Minister, who regarded me with furrowed brows. “We must quash the story before it spreads. We must issue a denial. The people?—”

I blinked. “The people have a right to know the truth, don’t you think?”

His expression was that of an indulgent father. “Your Majesty, there is nothing in the Constitution to say that is the case. Citizens don’t have rights, only privileges.”

I stiffened. “Then it seems we view this situation from opposing sides.” And if that was truly how he felt, then I needed to choose a new Prime Minister.

“Your Majesty, I beg you to be reasonable. You are going to marry Princess Karoline. There can be no question of this… relationship continuing. You have to issue a statement denying these rumors.” The Prime Minister’s tone was deferential, but his words stung.

“But they’renotrumors,” I exclaimed, louder than I’d intended.

“They will be if that is how we paint them. We show the article for what it is—journalistic garbage—and then hit the media with a blizzard of articles and posts showing you and Her Highness, happy together, contemplating your upcoming marriage.”

The hypocrisy made me nauseous.

“Your father would want it this way,” Daniela murmured.

Ice filled my veins. I’d heard enough.

I rose, my stomach churning. “We will speak more on this tomorrow.” I couldn’t think straight right then. Gio followed me from the room.

When we were outside, he stopped me with his hand to my arm.

“I’m sorry. By coming here, I’ve made your life so much harder.”

I sighed. “Your coming here has nothing to do with this situation.Hasler would still have published his trash if you’d stayed on Bora-Bora.” I scowled. “What I want to know is how he found out.” Gio dipped his chin to his chest, a tide of red staining his neck and face. I stilled. “Gio?” When he didn’t look at me, adrenaline shot through my system. “What do you know?”

“Kai messaged me. He said Aulani had been to see him today.”

“Was it her?” I wouldn’t have believed her capable of such a betrayal.

Gio shook his head. “It was the woman who took care of your house—Malie, right?”

“And how did she find out?” I couldn’t recall sharing any personal details with her. I’d spent too long in hiding to do that.

“I don’t know, but Kai said she was the source. Then he said Hasler went all over the island, flashing our photos, to see if he could dig up any more dirt. Apparently he found some.” His face was a picture of misery. “I’m sorry.” He lowered his arm.

My hand ached to cup his face.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” I glanced along the hallway. Faint strains of music could still be heard from the ballroom.

That was the last place I wanted to be.

“I’m not going back to the ball. I need to think.” I managed a half-smile. “And I can’t do that with you around. You’re too much of a distraction. Get some sleep. There’s nothing we can do tonight.” I huffed. “As I said in there, the damage has been done.”

“Hey, Nick…” Gio’s smile held a hint of sadness. “Was that our first—and last—dance?”

Right then I didn’t know how to answer that question, and it was one of many I was adding to a growing list.

I wanted to kiss him, but I didn’t dare.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” And with that, I walked to my rooms, my limbs as heavy as lead, my heart aching.

I don’t know what to do.

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