Page 34 of The Wanted Prince

“Are you really this stupid?”

I shut my mouth with a snap. Apparently, yes. I really was. I couldn’t think how to answer her, what she wanted to hear.

“I would have,” I tried. “Father withdrew his blessing. Without that, we couldn’t?—”

“You idiot.” Maria whirled to face me. “I know perfectly well why we couldn’t get married. I’m asking you why you ran out on our friendship.”

I made a dumb sound, something like buh.

Maria tapped her foot. “I don’t have all day.”

I groped for the words that would explain why I’d ghosted, while not making me look like an asshole to Laura. Those words didn’t exist, so I went with the truth.

“I didn’t fight for you, or defend you in the press. You were caught in the scandal, and I did nothing to help. I didn’t think you’d want to hear from me after all that.”

“Fight for me? Fight for me? What was to fight?” Laura slapped her own forehead. “My God, you’re dense. Our marriage would have been one of convenience. It wasn’t convenient, with Father on trial. I understood that, and I thought you did too. And I thought we were friends, and you might, I don’t know. Call me? Or text me? Or be a friend?”

I sat speechless, gaping. This was worse than I’d thought. She’d wanted to talk to me, to salvage our friendship? She’d thought we still were friends, despite my inaction? And what had I done? I’d fled to Morocco. Ridden out the scandal at some sunsoaked resort.

“I— God, I didn’t…”

“You didn’t what?”

“You’re right. I’m a dolt. I had no idea you wanted, you needed?—”

“I’d lost just about every friend I had. Father had stolen from all of their parents. Do you have any idea how lonely I was? How it felt going through all that by myself? I had no one to talk to who understood, but I stupidly thought at least I had you. Were we friends, ever, or was it all in my head?”

“Oh, Maria…” My voice broke. It all came rushing back to me, the months of our courtship, nothing romantic there, but we’d clicked all the same. She’d reminded me of Laura in all the best ways — smart, thoughtful, kind, with a sharp sense of humor. Our friendship had felt natural, and it had run deep. And I’d tossed it all aside for no damn reason.

“You’re right,” I said. “And I’m so sorry. I was ashamed of myself, and afraid to face you. I should have reached out to you so you knew I was there. So you knew if you wanted me, I’d be a friend.”

Maria sat slowly and leaned back in her chair. “Did you even consider it? Reaching out?”

“I did,” I said, and that was the truth. I’d thought about it a hundred times, maybe a thousand. Composed texts and emails I never sent. I’d been so sure I’d be intruding. An unwelcome reminder of everyone who had failed her. I’d failed her too, when it came to it.

“I wish you had,” said Maria. “And I didn’t frame you. You’re not the first man to let me down, and you won’t be the last.”

“How about your family?” Laura’s voice shook. “I’m sorry to ask you this, but it’s important. Could your father or anyone be holding a grudge?”

Maria glanced at Laura, then back at me. “She’s a good friend,” she said. “Still on your side, even when it’s awkward. But, no, my family is not behind this. We’re still rebuilding. Settling with Father’s victims. The last thing we need is a feud with your family.”

“Thank you,” said Laura. “And we’re so sorry. You’ve been far more gracious than we deserve.”

Maria smiled at that, a quirk of her lips. “I have, haven’t I? Maybe I’m hoping some good can still come of this.”

“Of course,” I said. “What can I do?”

“You can remember we’re friends. Text now and then. Maybe invite me to your actual wedding.” She smirked at Laura, who flushed bright pink.

“We’re not?—”

“Sure, you’re not.” Maria chuckled. “In return, I’ll look into this, see what turns up. I can’t promise anything, but I have my resources. If your amulet’s floating about the black market, there’s a good chance I’ll find it, and you’ll get it back.”

I stood and nearly stumbled from a sudden head rush. “Thank you. That’s more than I deserve.”

“It is,” said Maria. “But so’s losing your family. No one deserves that, not even you.”

My heart swelled with gratitude and warm relief. I hadn’t made things right yet with Maria. That would take time and care for our friendship. But maybe, in coming here, I’d made a start. I couldn’t undo the past, but I could do better.

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