Page 41 of Defying the Crown
"Here? Now?" I glance around, years of royal protocol screaming in my head about public appearances and dignity.
Daniel reads my hesitation and squeezes my hand. "No one's watching. No one cares. We're just two guys having fun."
He's right. No palace photographers, no royal observers, no Erik anxiously checking his watch. Just us.
I let him lead me into a ridiculous twirl, and then we're both laughing, dancing terribly to a song I don't know. Daniel's movements are fluid and uninhibited, while I'm stiff and awkward, but it doesn't matter. The freedom of it—the sheer joy of being able to make a fool of myself in public without it becoming a national headline—is intoxicating.
As the afternoon stretches on, we walk along the weathered wooden planks of the boardwalk, our fingers intertwined. Seagulls swoop overhead, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore provides a constant backdrop to our adventure.
"Ice cream?" Daniel suggests as the sun begins its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in dramatic pinks and oranges.
We queue at a small stand advertising "Brooklyn's Best Ice Cream" and order a large cone with two scoops—chocolate for Daniel, vanilla for me.
"Here," Daniel says, handing me the cone first. "You start."
I lick the vanilla side, savoring the rich, creamy sweetness. This isn't the carefully presented desserts of royal banquets or the delicate confections of palace kitchens. It's simple and perfect.
Daniel takes the cone next, his tongue darting out to taste his chocolate scoop. A small bit dabs onto his nose, and I reach up to wipe it away with my thumb.
"Messy," I tease.
"Part of the experience," he replies with a grin.
We find a bench facing the ocean and sit close together, passing the ice cream cone back and forth as the sun sinks lower, casting long shadows across the beach. The day crowds are thinning, leaving just scattered couples and families enjoying the evening.
"This has been the best day," I say softly, watching the golden light play across Daniel's features. "Just... normal. Perfect."
I hold the ice cream cone back out to Daniel, watching the sunset catch in his dark eyes as he takes another small bite.
"I know exactly what you mean," Daniel agrees, leaning into my shoulder. "I haven't felt this relaxed and safe in a long time." His voice trails off for a moment before recovering. "Being with you feels easy. Natural."
This hits me right in the chest—how something so simple for others is extraordinary for me. A day without protocol, without crown or country weighing on my shoulders. Just ice cream and laughter and Daniel.
"Look, they're starting to turn off the lights on some rides," I note, gesturing toward the darkening carnival. "I think the park must be closing soon."
Daniel nods, finishing the last bite of our cone. "Yeah, they close earlier on weekdays." He stands and extends his hand to me. "Shall we?"
I take his hand, our fingers interlacing naturally now. We stroll toward the exit, my thumb absently brushing over his knuckles. The crowds have thinned considerably, leaving the boardwalk peaceful as the first stars appear overhead.
"Next time we should—" Daniel begins, but his words cut off abruptly.
I follow his gaze to see a tall man with blond hair and a smirk heading directly toward us. Daniel's hand tightens in mine, his entire body tensing.
"Well, well," the man calls out, his voice carrying a mocking edge. "If it isn't Daniel. Already found someone new to trick?"
Daniel's face drains of colour. "Alex," he says, barely above a whisper.
So this is Alex. The man who broke Daniel so thoroughly he ended up in hospital. I straighten my posture instinctively, royal training kicking in as I assess this unexpected threat.
"Thought I recognized that laugh," Alex continues, looking me up and down with obvious disdain. "Well would you look at that Danny, how'd you manage to trick this guy who is totally out of your league into a date?"
Alex's smirk widens as he steps closer, his eyes darting between Daniel and me.
"I'm surprised you're even out and about," Alex says, his voice dripping with venom. "Last I heard you were in the loony bin after your little... episode." He makes a slashing motion across his wrist. "How's that working out for you? Still collecting scars?"
Daniel flinches beside me, his hand trembling in mine. I feel a surge of protective rage rise in my chest. This man knows exactly where to strike to cause maximum pain.
"Let's go," Daniel mutters, trying to pull me away.
