Page 34 of Defying the Crown
"Only if you keep whining." She held up a blue button-down, then tossed it aside. "Too corporate." A sweater followed. "Too winter." Then a t-shirt. "Too casual."
"You know, some people just put on clothes without turning it into a production."
"Some people aren't trying to impress fucking gorgeous Danish men with accents that could melt butter." She paused, eyeing a pair of slim black jeans. "These might work..."
Despite my complaints, I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. Harald's face floated through my mind - the way his eyes had crinkled when he laughed, how his fingers had threaded through my hair when we kissed. My stomach did a little flip just thinking about seeing him again tomorrow.
"Aha!" Jayda's triumphant cry snapped me back to reality. "I found it!"
"Found what?" I propped myself up on my elbows, watching as she emerged from the depths of my closet clutching a burgundy henley I'd forgotten I owned.
"The perfect shirt. It'll make those arms look amazing, and the color will pop against your skin." She tossed it at my face. "Now we just need the right pants cause those black ones ain't it..."
I caught the shirt, running my fingers over the soft material. Maybe this fashion ordeal would be worth it, if it meant seeing that look in Harald's eyes again.
"Earth to Danny!" Jayda's shrill voice cut through my daydream. She snapped her fingers in front of my face. "You're doing it again."
Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized I'd completely zoned out, lost in replaying that kiss with Harald. The way his stubble had scratched against my chin, how his fingers had gripped my waist...
"Look at that blush!" Jayda dropped the pile of clothes she'd been sorting and plopped down beside me on the bed. "Spill it. What exactly were you thinking about just now?"
"Nothing." I grabbed a pillow and hugged it to my chest, trying to hide my burning face.
"Mmhmm. Nothing." She poked my side. "That's why you're sitting there with that dopey smile, looking like you just won the lottery. Nothing at all to do with tall, blond, and Danish?"
"I hate that you know me so well." I buried my face in the pillow.
"Girl, please. You've got it bad." She yanked the pillow away. "Your eyes glazed over the second I mentioned finding the perfect outfit. I bet you were thinking about that hallway kiss again, weren't you?"
"Maybe." I flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. "Can you blame me though? Did you see him? Those eyes? That accent? The way he-"
"Yes, yes, we all saw Prince Charming." Jayda laughed. "Now help me pick out these clothes before you float away on cloud nine again."
"He's not actually a prince," I said, sitting up. "Just a regular guy from Denmark."
"Could've fooled me with those manners." Jayda held up another shirt. "Now focus. We've got work to do if you're going to look irresistible tomorrow morning."
I tried to concentrate on the clothes, but my mind kept drifting back to Harald's smile, his laugh, the way his eyes had darkened when we'd kissed...
"Danny!" Jayda's voice snapped me back again. "Girl, you are hopeless."
Harald
As I sank back into the plush leather seats of the black sedan, my mind was still swirling with thoughts of Daniel. The vibrancy of New York City passed by making me feel all the more alive for it. I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. The day's excitement still coursed through my veins as visions of our passionate encounter danced in my head - the warmth of Daniel's mouth meeting my own, the weight of his embrace enveloping me.
I glanced at Erik, seated beside me, and noticed the serious expression etched across his face. "You need to be more cautious, Harry," he said, his tone firm but laced with concern. "This isn’t just a casual outing. You’re a public figure, and the paparazzi are always lurking, waiting for a chance to capture a moment. You must keep your identity as Crown Prince under wraps. That woman in the park almost posted those photos on social media - she recognized you."
I frowned, brushing a hand through my hair in frustration. "I know that, Erik. But with Daniel, I just want to be myself... just Harald. Is that too much to ask?"
Erik sighed and turned back to the front as the driver navigated through the busy streets. "I understand how important this is to you. But you need to remember the potential consequences. If word gets out that you’re— well, that you’re seeing someone like him, it could lead to a media frenzy. Not to mention, the strain it would put on your relationship with him."
I leaned forward, my gaze fixed on the passing city lights, feeling trapped between my duties and my desires. "I’m trying to build something real here. Can't you see that? To Daniel, I’m just Harry. Not the Crown Prince, not someone who has to follow every royal decree."
"All the more reason to protect that connection," Erik replied, his voice softening slightly. "Trust me, I’m on your side. I want you to be happy. Just... tread carefully. Discretion is key. We need to ensure your safety and keep Daniel safe too. You don’t want him caught in the storm of your world, not when he doesn’t know what he’s really stepping into. The last thing we need is for your father to find out by reading the newspapers."
I nodded, the weight of Erik’s words sinking in. I understood the truth in them, yet my heart ached with the desire for a love unburdened by royal expectations. "I will, Erik. I promise I’ll be careful. But it’s hard to suppress this part of me that wants to scream it from the rooftops."
The car pulled up to the sleek entrance of our hotel, the bright lights illuminating the façade. I could feel Erik’s gaze on me as he focused on one last piece of advice. "Just remember, you’re not just a man in love; you’re also a prince with responsibilities. Let’s keep those lines separate for now."
