Page 30 of Learning to Love

Hinchbootie opens his mouth to argue, but thankfully, shuts it again when I raise an eyebrow of authority at him.

The yacht bumps into the side of the wharf.

“I feel sick,” Elodie states, and I retake her hand. It’s cold to the touch from the fear running through her body.

I turn to her to give her a final few instructions and words of encouragement.

“Whatever you do, keep moving. I’ll go first and will pull you along. Follow my lead. If you get separated from me, just head straight to the car. Security will assist you. People will be asking you lots of questions, don’t answer any. Just walk. You’ll probably be blinded by the flashes of light from the cameras, but it will all pass in a blur. This time will be the worst—the first always is. I remember walking out with my nanny once, and the press chased us down the road. I was so scared I refused to leave the house for a week, but my parents made me, and when I did, I wasn’t as worried the next time. You’ll be fine.”

“I’ll do everything you say.”

“Hinchbootie, I’ll escort Elodie to the far side of the car and then come back around to my side.”

“Of course, sir.” He bows his head.

“Don’t we get in the same side?” Elodie looks between the personal secretary and me.

“No, I always get in the near side. You’ll get in the far side. I promise I won’t get into the car until I know you’re in it. You have my word.”

“Okay.” I can see Elodie working on yoga breathing to keep her calm.

I’m glad she has that to give her peace of mind. I just have sheer determination. All I need is to get her safely off this yacht and into the car.

At that moment, the captain appears. “Ready, Your Highness?”

“Yes.”

I take a deep breath before gripping tightly on to Elodie’s hand and leading the way to the exit of the yacht. The cameras instantly start flashing, and the questions come thick and fast. I try to ignore them all and focus solely on getting to the car and keeping Elodie safe. I feel her behind me, her hand tightly held within mine.

Our movement passes in a blur, and we reach her side of the car with no incident. I help her in before heading around to my side.

“Is she your current whore, Prince Dalton?” The question is offensive, and I immediately stand still when it's shouted out loud. I swallow down my temper at someone using such a derogatory term about Elodie. She’s nothing like that.

“Your Highness, please get in the car.” Hinchbootie opens the door for me.

I shake my head at him.

I’m probably about to do something I’ll regret, but I can’t let them speak about Elodie in that way. They’ll hound her, and I don’t want that. In fact, it scares the life out of me.

“Your Highness,” Hinchbootie repeats, shaking his head.

I ignore him and turn to face the press. I hold my hand up to quieten the crowd. All of the microphones are pointed my way.

“I will make a short statement. Miss Nash, the lady I’ve just left the yacht with, and I are in the early stages of developing a relationship. We would ask to be left in peace while we get to know each other. Thank you.”

“Has she met the King and Queen of Janastria?” one reporter shouts.

“What do they think of you dating a commoner?” another asks.

I know this time I really am going to say something I’ll regret.

“No, Miss Nash has not met my parents. As I said, at this point, we are simply getting to know each other to see if this could be a long term relationship. It has nothing to do with the king and queen at the moment. When it does, I will make sure to let you and them know.”

I don’t say anymore. Turning, I duck my head and get into the car. A bodyguard shuts the door behind me before climbing into the front passenger seat, and the car speeds away.

Elodie and I don’t say anything. The peace has well and truly been broken. Everything will change from now on, but Elodie reaches out and takes my hand in hers. At least, I know we’re in it together.

Seventeen

---