Page 32 of The Court of Secrets
He half-shrugged. “I will keep asking—”
“If I give it to you, will you leave me alone?” I asked.
He shoved his hands in his pockets, a sly smirk appearing, showing off his dimple. “Yes.”
“Then I’ll take it under consideration.”
He raised his eyebrows quickly. “I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. Talk soon, Your Majesty,” he said and strutted away.
I turned toward Marissa and Cedric, who’d stayed quiet. “I didn’t realize how much greed rules the nobles and lords here.”
“They were always like that,” Marissa explained. “The only difference is you have the power and wealth, so you see it more. Everyone wants a piece.”
“At least greed is easy to predict,” I said and took Cedric’s arm. “Let’s dance. Excuse us, Marissa.”
She curtseyed and moved out the way. Cedric led me to the center of the room. I gave a curt nod to the string quartet, and they began the waltz. He held me tightly as we moved in sync. “Aren’t you worried what people will think?”
I shook my head. “It’s only a dance.”
“You managed that with dignity,” he said with approval. “He was baiting you. Your personality is quite vibrant. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t be with you.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you.” My joy was short-lived, as our previous conversation floated back into my mind. “Except you’re leaving before the coronation.”
His royal blood was showing as the dance progressed. He knew every step and did them with grace and perfection, unlike when I had danced the same dance with Blaise. It was different—raw, passionate, and messy.
“I need to talk to you about that,” he said, and a lump rose in my throat. “The arrangements for my return to Berovia have begun.”
“Don’t go,” I pleaded. “Please.”
He winced. “Don’t do that.”
“What?”
“Beg.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Why are you acting so strangely?”
He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat moving as he diverted his stare from me. “It’s complicated.”
“When did you stop telling me things?”
He didn’t answer.
“Please, stay an extra week until my coronation. Is it so hard?”
His hand moved toward my cheek, but looking around, he thought better of it. “Us, here, it’s been a beautiful escape. We can talk for hours and laugh at the same things. It’s easy being with you, but I think we both know it has to come to an end.”
Prickles swept through my arms and torso, standing my hairs on end. I stopped dancing. “To an end? We were just talking about leaving early, but you were always supposed to come back.”
He pressed his lips together. “This isn’t easy for me either. I gave up a lot to save you, to go with you to battle, and I knew I was doing the right thing. You were alone, without a friend, and I believe the gods placed me in your path. I’ve grown to care deeply for you, but things have grown complicated, and with Blaise returning, I worry he will be less than forthcoming.”
My heart palpated. “You’re breaking up with me?”
“Where will we live?” he asked, as if my heart wasn’t breaking. “It’s not been easy navigating this court. I’m here, for you, but I am not welcome. When you are not with me, the verbal abuse I’ve gotten, the constant stares and whispering, it can dampen even the sunniest soul. I may not care much for what they think of me, but I want to be back among those I like. My friends, my family. They need me, and I need to do by right by them.”
I understood. For someone like him, why would he stay and give it all up for me? “I know.” But it didn’t hurt any less.
“Winter, I could never be with you here. Not truly. I want a marriage, not a relationship in private, and I know you can’t give me more than that.”
