Page 38 of Defying the Crown
Daniel's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. "Well, now you can be part of our next one."
The warmth of his touch spreads through my chest, even as guilt twists in my stomach. How many more memories can we make before the truth of who I am changes everything?
Jayda
I stack the breakfast plates while watching Caleb scrub the frying pan, admiring how his long fingers work methodically at a particularly stubborn bit of egg. My chunky boots squeak against the linoleum as I shift my weight, trying to appear casual despite my burning curiosity. "So... what's your read on Harald?" I ask, fiddling with the silver rings on my fingers while waiting for my boyfriend's inevitably shrewd assessment.
"He's hiding something." Caleb doesn't look up from his scrubbing, his wrist moving in tight, focused circles that make the metal wool pad squeak against the non-stick surface. "Did you notice how he dodged every question about his work or family? Like, he'd give these vague non-answers about 'working in government' and 'having a complicated family situation.' Classic deflection tactics if you ask me." His tone carries that analytical edge I've come to know so well - the same one he uses when he's piecing together the plot twists in those mystery novels he loves so much.
"Mhmm." I methodically wipe down the counter with slow, deliberate strokes, my mind replaying Harald's carefully constructed responses about 'consulting' and 'family business' from earlier. The practiced way he'd redirected questionsreminded me of politicians I'd seen on TV. "But the way he looks at Danny though—that's real." I say it with absolute certainty, because I've seen enough people feign interest in my best friend to know the difference. When Harald gazes at Danny, his eyes soften with a warmth that no amount of social polish could fake, like he's seeing something precious and rare. It's the kind of look that makes my protective instincts war with my romantic heart.
"Yeah, not like Alex's greasy little snake eyes." Caleb's jaw tightens at the mention of Danny's ex, and I can practically feel the tension radiating off him. Neither of us can forget how broken Danny was after that betrayal. Caleb rinses the pan with more force than necessary, the water splashing against the metal like his barely contained anger. "Harald seems... I don't know, genuine? Despite the mystery act. And I know that doesn't make sense." He pauses, scrubbing at a particularly stubborn spot as if it personally offended him. "There's something almost vulnerable about him when he thinks no one's watching, you know what I mean?"
"The sunflowers were a nice touch. I'm not sure if he even realized that those are Danny's favorite flowers," I smile, glancing at the bright yellow blooms now sitting in our best vase. The cheerful petals seem to glow in the late afternoon light streaming through our kitchen window, making the whole room feel warmer somehow. "And he actually listened when Danny talked. Didn't try to make it all about himself. You could see it in his eyes, the way he was completely focused on every word, like Danny's stories about his terrible job were the most fascinating things he'd ever heard."
"True." Caleb dries his hands methodically on our striped kitchen towel and leans his lanky frame against the counter, adjusting his ever-present beanie with still-damp fingers. "Plus, he laughed at my jokes. That's major points right there."
"You mean your terrible puns?" I bump his hip playfully with mine as I pass by. "But seriously, I haven't seen Danny this happy in ages. The way his whole face lit up when Harald walked in..." I trail off, remembering how Daniel's eyes had sparkled with genuine joy, something I hadn't witnessed since well before the Alex disaster. It was like watching a flower bloom after a long winter - subtle but unmistakable, the kind of transformation that makes your heart squeeze with hope.
"I know." Caleb wraps an arm around my waist. "Just hope Harald doesn't break his heart. Danny's been through enough."
"We'll break his legs and drown him in concrete if he does." I rest my head on Caleb's shoulder, feeling the soft fabric of his well-worn cardigan against my cheek. The familiar scent of his sandalwood cologne wraps around me like a comfort blanket. "But I've got a good feeling about this one. Did you see how nervous he was meeting us? Like our approval actually mattered to him." I can't help but smile, remembering how Harald had fidgeted with his watch strap and kept smoothing down his perfectly pressed shirt. It was endearing, really - this polished, clearly wealthy man so concerned about impressing Danny's ramshackle found family. After the nightmare with Alex, seeing someone treat Daniel with such genuine respect feels like a breath of fresh air.
"Yeah, not exactly giving off rich asshole vibes despite the fancy watch and that tailored suit that probably costs more than our monthly rent." Caleb kisses my temple, his lips lingering there for a moment as I lean into his familiar touch. "Though what kind of government consultant needs a security detail? I mean, those two guys hovering near the elevator entrance in the hallway weren't exactly subtle with their earpieces and stern faces. Kind of weird for someone who just helps companies restructure or whatever it is he said he does."
"You noticed that too hey?" I straighten up.
"Hard to miss. But hey, maybe Harald's just important in Denmark or whatever." I shrug, trying to play it casual even though my curiosity is definitely piqued. The whole setup does seem a bit excessive for a regular business consultant, but who am I to judge how they do things in Europe? Still, something about this situation niggles at the back of my mind, like a song lyric I can't quite remember.
"You think Danny even registered them, or was he too busy gazing at Sir Handsome von Panty-Dropper?"
Caleb exhales sharply through his nose. "Danny wouldn't have noticed if I moonwalked butt-ass naked through the living room serving waffles. His eyeballs might as well have been surgically attached to Harald’s jawline."
"Should we loop him in?"
"Let him connect the dots. Anyway, Harald's babysitters mean Dan gets free protection by proxy." He brushes crumbs from his jeans. "Upside: our boy stays safe. Downside: I lose my new evening entertainment."
Chapter 16
Harald
The cacophony of sounds hits me all at once—carnival music, the screams from roller coasters, hawkers calling out to passersby. Coney Island stretches before us in a colourful blur of movement, smells, and noise unlike anything I've experienced.
"This is..." I struggle to find the right words, my eyes wide as I take it all in.
"Too much?" Daniel asks, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
I squeeze his hand. "No, it's incredible. We don't have anything quite like this in Denmark."
"Wait, you've never been to an amusement park?" Daniel's eyebrows shoot up.
Heat rushes to my face. "Not like this. The royal fam—" I catch myself. "I mean, my family doesn't really do things so... public."
Daniel tugs me toward a cotton candy vendor, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Then we're doing everything today. Cotton candy, the Wonder Wheel, hot dogs—the works."
The vendor hands me a massive pink cloud of spun sugar. I stare at it, perplexed.
"Just pull a piece off and eat it," Daniel demonstrates, his fingers coming away sticky.
