Page 36 of Royal Catch
“You will be someone else’s wife one day. Some lucky man.” She’ll marry someone from her kingdom probably. Or maybe she’ll be stuck in a soulless alliance of kingdoms as I am. This all feels wrong.
I sink heavily to the bed and rest my elbows on my knees. “I cannot let my father down. He’s suffering and needs peace of mind.” And then I think of what my father truly needs, what we all need, a way forward for Villroy. Fresh blood with fresh ideas, as my mother said. For the first time it occurs to me that Polly’s rebellious nature, her free spirit, could actually be an asset. Something to embrace not restrict.
I straighten as this new idea takes hold. “Maybe the fact that you don’t fit the mold is a good thing. You could help make some much-needed changes around here.”
She stares at me with so much longing in her eyes I feel hopeful. She understands what I’m asking. If she would agree to be my wife, I would fight for that right. But then she looks away, her lips pressed into a flat line.
“Polly.” I hate the desperate tone in my voice. I have never sounded desperate in my life. Nothing has ever mattered as much.
She sits next to me and gives my arm a reassuring squeeze. “Francesca is smart. She was the only one who could figure out the economic puzzle clue. I’m sure she can help with whatever you need. She’s a good choice.” Her voice is strained. She’s trying to do the honorable thing and set me on the proper path.
“She’s the king and queen’s choice. Not mine.”
She leans her cheek against my arm, wrapping her arm around mine and entwining our fingers together. “Thanks for your help, Gabriel. I appreciate it, and the funds from today’s challenge will be put to good use. I called home, and everything is all set. It might save a life.”
I jolt. “Are you in danger too?”
“No, someone close to me. She’s not about to die, but she needs my help to live. I can’t tell you any more than that.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You’re a good person. And I’m the worst kind of person because I don’t want to give you your freedom.” I drop my hand and turn to her. “I want you to stay.”
She slowly shakes her head. “I’m not what you need. Deep down you know that; the king and queen know that. Give it some time and you’ll forget all about me.”
“I won’t. Polly, I will be king and I need—”
“Someone else.” She lets go of my hand and shifts away. “You will do your duty because you’re an honorable man. It’s in your DNA.”
“You would refuse me?”
She takes a deep shuddering breath and looks at a point over my shoulder. “Yes.”
I cup her cheek, turning her to me, and find her eyes shiny with unshed tears. This isn’t easy for her either. Real emotion is banked deep in there, whether she’ll admit it or not.
I’m not sure who moves first, but we’re drawn together. I slowly lower her to the bed, our mouths fused together, her arms wrapping around me. At least we can have this. For just a little longer.
~ ~ ~
Anna
I’m compartmentalizing, which I’m aces at. There’s Anna’s life back home as a beautician, and then there’s Anna’s fairy-tale life living it up in a palace, stealing kisses (and getting dirty) with the crown prince. It’s Saturday night and my flight is booked for Monday morning. I’m pretending I’m an honored guest of the royal family this weekend. It’s the only way I can enjoy my remaining time here without having a breakdown.
I head to the dining room to meet Gabriel and his younger siblings for dinner. I’m sure they’ve been summoned for their opinion on the potential brides. Francesca will also be there. Knowing the decision has to be her allows me to completely relax about meeting so many royals at once. Everything has been taken care of for Polly, which is a huge relief. The needed funds were transferred to her private foundation. She’ll direct the funds as needed for a primo lawyer. At some point I’m sure someone will notice the money has gone to a lawyer in Florida, but she hopes to be on the move again far away from Florida before that happens. I’ll miss her, but I feel good about my part in helping her live life on her terms.
Gabriel is waiting for me, standing tall and proud just outside the dining room. This is a man who would never slouch. He’s impossibly gorgeous in a crisp white dress shirt, gray dress pants, and black leather shoes. My cheeks flush and all of my nerve endings tingle like I touched a live wire. It’s like my body remembers the sensation of his touch, and just seeing him can have an effect on me. I’ve got it bad. It’s horrible.
I work to keep it light. “Hello, handsome. Am I the first one here?”
He smiles at me warmly, and my pulse thrums through my veins. “Emma and Phillip are in there. Still waiting on the others.” He leans down to kiss my cheek. “You look beautiful.”
I can’t help my wide smile. I’m wearing a green sleeveless dress, low cut, belted waist, and it barely covers my ass. I think it looks fab, but it’s not royal material. Gabriel appreciates it because he appreciatesme. Another time, another place, another life, we might have had something. “Thank you.”
He escorts me into the room, his hand on my lower back. I stop short and whisper to him, “You shouldn’t touch me in public. It’s not fair to Francesca.” Thankfully, she’s not here yet.
“I don’t care.”
He’s playing this wrong. He’s going to screw up everything for something that could never work. He doesn’t know who I really am. This place prides itself on long family lines dating back to the Vikings. I read up on it in the royal library. The Rourkes have a proud history, a foundation set in stone, literally, with the first round Viking fortress. The remains of the fortress are not far from the palace, a constant reminder of their heritage. And as much as I’ve always longed for that kind of foundation, I know I don’t belong here.
I rush ahead of his hand and smile at his siblings. “Hi, I’m Polly. Nice to meet you.”
