Page 9 of Hands Off

I do as she asks, finding a mixture of understanding and pain lingering in her expression.

“I would like you to hear me out, completely before you say something. Daniela and I spoke the moment the rumors reached us because they are slowly spreading across the castle. King William will find out who entertained his daughter’s advances. While it is not wise to have entered into that entanglement, she is not married or betrothed. And as much as I favor nontraditional love, Smunia’s rules are different than Kusovania’s.”

I steel myself for the worst because I already knew as much. So long as the royalty that attends the gala follows Kusovania’s rules, they are simultaneously allowed to follow their home country’s rules as well. Smunia has a soft appearance but the king is ruthless in the way he leads. Many of the old traditions have stayed where Kusovania, Mubraulia, and others have done away with them.

Beheading is the first one that comes to mind.

Dungeons are a close second.

“Your-” I begin.

“Seraphina,” she pleads. “I remember many a nights that you let me in the back entrance to see Daniela. Many of our rendezvous wouldn’t have been possible without you. You might not think it was a grand gesture but it holds a special place in my heart. That so many people were open to our love regardless of hierarchy, riches, or anything else that many kingdoms look at.”

“What are you saying? Did you bring me in here to warn me? Or is something more dire?” I shift uncomfortably in her presence. We might have stood on equal ground at one point but that is no longer the case. With a mere nod of her head, she could dismiss me from my post and have me exiled to the outskirts of Kusovania, never to return to the castle. “Seraphina-”

Her Majesty sighs and moves to one of the lounge seats before plopping into it. I didn’t notice before but I see the light bags beneath her eyes and the weariness in her expression from taking care of a child while Queen Daniela runs the country. “I’m saying that we all have people we’ll fight for. However, without a little push from the people around us, we’d never get there. Nothing is perfect. Ophelia, I can’t stop the rumors. I can protect you, though.”

She looks up at me and I swallow, realizing what she’s asking of me. She wants me to choose which direction I head in. My brothers asked the same question but it’s far different coming from Seraphina. Having Kusovanian royalty stand behind my decision is something else entirely. “She’s not ready for the life that her father is forcing her into.”

“And that’s not what I’m asking you, Ophelia. You spent 24 hours with that woman and you came back with stars in your eyes and a pep in your step. You’re an entirely different person than the one who left. So, I would be a fool to demand that you step out of Smunia’s affairs and stop protecting someone precious to you.” The royal heir coos in Seraphina’s arms and she smiles down at her son, rocking him a little harder until he quiets. “Ophelia, I’m saying that this is your kingdom and that until someone has chosen their mate, they are allowed to be courted.”

I bark out a laugh and then cut it short, a little embarrassed. “Seraphina, King William mentioned that anyone who touched his daughter would be disgraced in front of the entire kingdom. As much as I lov…uh, cherish Juliette, we’re not there yet.”

“And we both know that’s not why you want to fight for her. You cherish someone’s choice. It’s why you let me into the castle all those late nights. You wanted Daniela to have the freedom to choose. You really don’t remember those days, do you?”

So many things happened over the past five years that I can barely remember anything that didn’t involve my brothers or Lola. “I’m not sure.”

“All I’m saying is that you see a problem that needs fixing. It helps that you’re in love with her. No, don’t debate me on that. You might not believe it but love at first sight is a thing. If you choose to step between Juliette and her father, please know that his way of disciplining is different than Kusovania’s. Daniela and I will try to protect you as best we can but there are some traditions we have yet to undo.”

My shoulders fall and I sigh, nodding to show her I understand. She’s given me permission to pursue my interests but weathering King William’s demands will be impossible. Juliette is worth it, though. The fear in her eyes guts me to my core and I need her to know that there are people in her corner.

At least one.

I make my way to the door and then twist around to see Seraphina leaning back in the lounge, mumbling to her baby boy. “Why would you allow this? This could be seen as undermining King William’s power. Kusovania is a peaceful country.”

A wicked smile spreads across her lips. “It’s not about the country. It’s about the woman Juliette might end up with.”

Right. Queen Helvania isn’t Seraphina’s favorite either.

“Protect her, Ophelia. You both deserve a little happiness.”

Chapter 8

JULIETTE

I swallow another whimper threatening to escape my lips as I curl up into a tight ball beneath the covers. Queen Helvania has thoroughly terrified me into picking her during the gala tomorrow, going so far as to walk me back to my father and announce that I loved her best. The lingering touch as she played with my hair haunts me and I stuff my face into my pillow, trying to forget her presence.

My father immediately dismissed me to my room, locking me inside so that I couldn’t escape again. There isn’t anywhere to go, however. The entire kingdom knows that I like to run and all guards have been put on alert for wandering princesses. Merely a walk down the hall and I’m sure someone will ask me where I’m headed. Escaping out my ground-level window won’t work a second time.

I want nothing to do with her or marriage, really. I don’t want my kingdom if this is the life I’ll be forced into. The fact that I still had to act like nothing was wrong and that I was excited for tomorrow hurts. Kusovanian royalty is so free and loving. Even Mubraulia’s royalty whom we caught kissing in the hallway this morning loves so freely that it hurts seeing my father closed off and rigid.

A sigh leaves me as I kick at the covers so that I can tuck the edges underneath my feet to hide away from the world a little longer. My lids start to droop as sleep wraps me in a warm cocoon, promising to keep me safe until a soft whistle makes its way to my ears.

I frown and try to ignore it but it comes again, almost with a sense of urgency. Sitting up, I look around, confused. It’s just after lunch—my stomach grumbling which reminds me that I haven’t eaten—and I’ve never known birds to linger outside my room. When the whistle comes a third time, I climb out of my bed and head to the window. I pull the curtains apart, surprised to see my soldier standing a few inches from the opening with a shy smile on her lips. I hurriedly raise the window, unsure if I want to drag Ophelia inside or climb out to meet her on the small patio just outside my room.

“You left and my father locked me in here and-”

Ophelia shushes me as she steps closer, her hands suspiciously behind her back. She leans across the threshold, her head peeking into my room and I greedily steal a kiss from her. “You are too precious to be locked in a room, sunshine. I also brought you lunch because I’m assuming that was missed.” Her hands unfold from her back, a small plate piled high with fruits and cheeses. “Some of the kitchen staff adore me and decided to help once I explained my quest.”

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