Page 142 of The Prince of Power

It’s not that he’s done nothing for me. I know he’s worried about my emotional state. Sienna has been here at the castle almost every day—at his request—probably because he knows I need comfort.

But I can’t get comfort from Sienna. I can’t tell her about my dad until I know that it’s safe to do so.

I need Damian. He’s the only person who truly understands what I’m going through.

But he hasn’t come near me.

Something is wrong. Terribly wrong.

A knock at my door pulls me from my thoughts. I open it to find one of the newer staff members, a young woman with anxious eyes. “Miss St. Clair,” she says. “I’ve been told to ask you about…your monthly cycle.”

I blink at her, uncomprehending.

“Someone saw your…products…in the bathroom trash.” Her cheeks flush. “The lord prior has requested to see you immediately.”

My heart thunders in my chest. Why would Damian care about my period? Unless…

That’s right. We had unprotected sex on the night that now feels like an eternity ago. And now…

He knows I’m not pregnant. Not carrying his heir.

Not necessary.

I nod stiffly and close the door, my fingers trembling as I press the lock. I turn and lean against the wood, trying to breathe.

Maybe he just wants to talk.

Maybe this is nothing.

A while later, I reach the heavy door of his office, pausing for just a moment before raising my hand to knock. Whatever lies behind this door, I need to face it.

I need to face him.

When I open the door, he’s standing by the window, his hands behind his back. Tension vibrates through every inch of him. When he turns to me, his face is gaunt.

Oh God, something is very, very wrong.

“How are you feeling about…everything?” he asks.

I frown. “My dad, you mean?”

He nods once.

I shrug. “It’s all still so surreal. I’ve been thinking a lot, piecing things together. I think every time he went out of town, it was to do…Four Hundred business, I guess.” I shake my head. “It’s so weird. He’s a good liar.”

Damian’s white lips tense. “I know it’s trite to say, but time will heal the pain. Especially when you’re not…surrounded by memories of it.”

My skin prickles. “Surrounded by memories of what?”

His gaze falls to the floor. “You’re not pregnant?”

I swallow. “No.”

He’s quiet for a long time. Then his head snaps up, but his intense gaze is fixed over my shoulder. “You have five minutes to leave Thornecroft forever.”

The world tilts. “What?” I can barely get the word out.

His jaw ticks. “Five minutes. I have an overnight bag packed for you and a car waiting outside.” His voice is robotic. Lifeless. “When you get to your destination, you’ll have everything you need for the rest of your life. You’ll live—” He shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath. “You’ll live very well. And you’ll be able to see everyone you love. Sienna. Your sister.” His mouth tightens. “Even your father. If you want to see him. As long as he thinks I’m keeping his secret, I can trust him not to cause any mischief.”

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