Page 27 of A Touch of Royalty

That didn’t mean that she had any claim on him.

“Emryn?”

“Forgive me,” She turned from him. “I should return to my rooms. If there is something you require, you have only to ask it of me.”

She walked away from him before he could say anything else. Fleeing back to her room and throwing herself on the bed. It was uncomfortable, the pins of the stomacher and the bones of the corset jabbing her.

And she hadn’t no idea how to get out of the gown herself.

“All finished for the evening, Highness?” Shana walked out of the next room with a fresh sleeping gown and a fairy light. “I imagine you are exhausted.”

“I would like to sleep.” Emryn said, carefully disguising the turmoil she felt. “His Highness will call on me should he need anything.”

“Let’s get you out of your gown.” Shana said calmly. “Her Majesty’s seamstress has said she will return tomorrow and begin dressing you as befits a princess.”

“Then I should try and rest.”

18

THOUGHT

Cas watched her go and hoped he hadn’t frightened her. He hadn’t meant to kiss her, not yet and not without asking, but he’d made the mistake of touching her face and the yearning in her eyes had nearly taken him out at the knees.

She’d had no softness in her life, that was becoming abundantly clear. Emryn had been a healer to the exclusion of all else, right down to the needs of her heart.

And if that was true, he could use that as a way to find her. As a way into her confidence, and perhaps as time went on he could find the door into her heart.

And then they would be happy together.

Cas went to his rooms, looking at the door that connected them to Emryn’s rooms. He kept it locked, had given the key to Shana, and if Emryn ever asked for him, then he would unlock that door.

But for now, it was best that Shana have the key.

“Highness,” a voice echoed out of the dark and Cas flicked a fairy light up at the ceiling so he could figure out who was in his rooms.

“What are you doing, Ruby?” Cas sighed.

“It’s our night.” She pouted slightly in a way he used to find endearing. “You’re better now. I thought you would have been happy to see me.”

“Ruby,” Cas pinched the bridge of his nose. “I sent you a letter, did you read it?”

Ruby shook her head. “I just knew you were calling me.” She rose from his bed, wearing practically nothing and walked in his direction.

“Then you didn’t listen to the palace servants either?”

“You wanted me,” Ruby pouted.

Cas shook his head and took a breath. “Ruby, I got married today.”

“I know that, silly.” She giggled. “The entire palace, and most of the city knows that you wed that healer.”

“That was what was in the letter, Ruby.” He sighed. “I won’t be seeing you any longer, Ruby. I have a wife now.”

“What do you mean, Cas?”

“Exactly what I said.” He picked up her robe from the chair where she’d left it and draped it around her shoulders. “I have a wife now, and won’t be seeing you again. I’ve left you enough money to establish yourself anywhere.”

“You’re leaving me?” Her lower lip trembled but her eyes were angry.

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