Page 12 of Royal Darling
“I love you, Emma. Please take what I’m offering.”
My breath hitches. She loves me? My sister-in-law is still a newcomer to the family. But then I think of how she tried to talk to me about Abdul before the wedding day, how she was the only one who gave me an option to get away and think, and now she’s the only one offering me a chance to breathe. It must be true.
My vision blurs with tears, my throat tight. “It means so much to have you on my side, Anna. I-I hope we can spend more time together when I return.”
“I would love that. So you’re good with the conditions?”
“Yes.” It’s my only choice. And she has done more than I could hope for.
“Great. Now where are you?”
“I’m heading for the port in Nantes.”
“You know, I told Gabriel to look for you in Nantes. It’s closest to Villroy, but no-o-o, he insisted that was too obvious and you’d either head up to England or down to Spain. The man was crazed with worry and obviously not thinking clearly. The rest of your brothers were no help at all. They were rooting for you not to marry Abdul and figured you were still on the island, hiding out somewhere. Gabriel and I knew you’d finally snapped and would leave Villroy.”
I allow myself a small smile. My brothers might tease too much, but they do want what’s best for me, and they knew that wasn’t Abdul.
Anna goes on. “Silvia’s upset you didn’t turn to her. She would’ve taken you back with her to the US for a long visit.” My younger sister by two years, Silvia, married an American and lives there now.
I stop smiling. Silvia and I haven’t been close. She’s Adrian’s twin and they were glued at the hip for most of our childhood. She was always jealous of the bond I shared with Mother. “I wouldn’t have wanted to intrude on her and her husband. I will touch base though.”
“The jet’s in Nantes since Phillip just flew in for your wedding. I’ll let them know to expect you. Do you need anything? Clothes? Cash? Passport?”
“I’ve got everything I need.” Not exactly true, but I figure I can buy clothes in Italy. I don’t want her to go to any trouble. “Thank you, Anna. I owe you.”
“And don’t think I won’t collect!” She laughs. “I hope this week is just what you need. Bye.”
I tell her goodbye and sit there for a moment lost in thought. I hope a week away will bring some clarity, though I know nothing will lessen the severity of the consequences I must face when I return. I’m not sure how to fix things with Abdul and his family.
The cabin door opens and Jackson steps inside. “We’re here.” He looks wary, like I’m going to insist on staying on the boat. I suppose I did give him a bit of a fight before.
I stand. “Right. Thank you for the ride. Will you be staying in Nantes or heading south?” I’m guessing he’s heading toward warmer climates since it’s November.
He runs a hand through his hair. “The weather’s not looking promising on the Bay of Biscay. I might have to hold tight for a few days.” That’s by Spain.
“So, you’re going to travel solo around Spain, the South of France, and finally get to Italy? Or was it China?” I smile brightly, letting him know I don’t hold a grudge over his earlier brush-off. “That could take a long time.”
He shrugs one shoulder. “I’ve got nothing but time.”
“It sounds exhausting.”
“I’ll take breaks.”
I step closer. “I’m taking a break too. I’m heading to a friend’s villa on Lake Como in Italy. I’ve been granted a one-week reprieve from my life by the queen. Then I have to deal with the mess I’ve left behind.”
“What’d you do? Run away at the altar?”
I grimace. “It wasn’t quite at the altar, but, yes, I ran away on my wedding day. At least Abdul didn’t have the humiliation of standing at the altar waiting for me. Not that it’s much of a consolation.” I push down the wretched feeling of regret. I should’ve handled this so much better, and now it’s too late. “I will deal with it. The press, the mucked-up alliance, my former fiancé, my family’s damaged reputation.”My mother.
“That’s a long list to deal with,” he says in a surprisingly sympathetic voice. “Sounds like the world is against you. I know a bit about that.”
I nearly hug him. I knew he would understand my situation. I so wish it were him accompanying me on this trip instead of my brother. I don’t even know which brother Anna will send. I just hope it isn’t Lucas. He’s more likely to tease and harass than act as a confidant.
He turns, looks out the cabin window, and then yanks the curtains closed across them. “The press is lined up on the dock. How did they know you were going to be here?”
I worry my lower lip. “Maybe they’re here for you.”
He plants his hands on his hips. “Nope. No one knows I’m on this boat. And I borrowed it from my mate, someone I know from way back before I was famous, so no direct ties to me.”
