Page 42 of Royal Catch
I take her hand, leading her to dance in a quiet corner. She’s stiff, her hand cold, her movements precise. She’s clearly had dance lessons.
After a few minutes, her hand remains icy cold. The sun has set, though I still find it a comfortably warm temperature. “Are you cold?” I ask. “We could go back inside.”
“I am a little chilly, Your Highness.”
“I’ll escort you back. Just a moment.”
I cross to where Phillip and Polly are now standing, talking amiably. I address Phillip, but I’m really telling Polly what I want her to know. “I’m taking Francesca back to her room, and then I’ll return.”
“Take your time,” Phillip says cheerfully.
Polly offers me a small smile before turning away.
I turn to do my duty, my limbs heavy with every step.
~ ~ ~
Anna
Every little sound makes me turn, hopeful to see Gabriel again, but no. It’s been more than an hour and he hasn’t returned from walking Francesca back to her room. I tell myself it’s for the best. He’s acting the way he should, establishing a good relationship with his future bride. I try to enjoy myself with Oscar, Lucas, Phillip, and Adrian. The four of them are a riot. Adrian got us started on poker, and he and I are a team since I suck at it. He taught me a lot. Still the whole time my mind is on Gabriel. I only have two nights left in the palace before I have to say goodbye to him forever. Did he go to Francesca’s room to test their marital compatibility? I hate that I have these thoughts. He is not mine to keep.
Finally, I stand from the card table and make an excuse to go. “It’s been great, guys. I’m pretty beat, so I’m going to call it a night.”
“Aww, it’s early,” Adrian says, shuffling the cards. “One more round.”
“Even with your tutoring, I’m afraid I still suck.” I laugh. “Hopefully I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
“We’ll be here,” Adrian says, dealing out the cards. He stills, lifting his head, his voice hoarse and a little bitter. “No one wants to go far now that we know the truth about my father’s condition.”
He’s angry he was left in the dark. They all are, I imagine. “I think Gabriel was trying to protect you in his big-brother way,” I offer.
Adrian scowls. “It’s not just him. Our parents kept us in the dark too. We’re not children.”
I don’t know what to say. It’s just a horrible situation all around. “I’m so sorry.”
Lucas looks up at me. “Tell the truth, Polly, do you really want to marry my brother? He’s so not your type.”
I bristle. “Why do you say that?”
He lifts his brows. “You know what I mean. You’re fun, and he’s not.”
“You shouldn’t be so hard on him,” I snap. “He’s had a heavy burden on his shoulders his entire life. Don’t assume that just because he doesn’t complain that means it was easy. He’s strong, so strong you’d never know what was going on underneath that stoic expression.” The words keep spilling out. “He’s everything a king should be. An honorable man. And you think that’s not my type? I should be so lucky to have a man like that.”But I can’t have him. My throat chokes and I can’t utter another word.
Four sets of eyes study me with open curiosity.
“Are you okay?” Phillip asks.
“Gabriel deserves your respect,” I manage before turning on my heel and making my escape.
As soon as I get to the third floor, I know where I’m going. I can’t help myself. I need to see him again before I have to let him go forever.
His door is unlocked. I hope it means he’s waiting for me. I really hope he’s here and not in Francesca’s room.
I slowly open it, step inside, and shut the door behind me, locking it. He’s in bed reading and sets the book on the nightstand.
“I told myself to stay away,” I blurt.
He gets out of bed and faces me. “I told myself the same thing.”
