Page 8 of The King's Secret Baby

“This is incredible!” he exclaims through a mouthful.

“I know,” I laugh. “I promised it would be!” A bit of sauce clings to his bottom lip and I have to resist the urge to wipe it off with my thumb.

We chat easily as we devour the pizza, and for a while I let the focus shift off of him and onto me — which seems to be what he needs in order to open up more. Luca asks thoughtful questions about my job, my family, my life in the city. He tells me what it was like growing up as a prince, both the privileges and responsibilities. I feel myself opening up more than I have with anyone in a long time.

Too soon, the last crusts are gone. I glance at the time on my phone.

“We should head to the subway if we want to make the next ferry to Liberty Island,” I say.

Luca’s face lights up. “I can’t wait to see Lady Liberty up close.”

We descend into the crowded subway station, and though Luca doesn’t mention it, it’s pretty obvious he’s never ridden a subway before. He hangs back a beat, watching other people go through the turnstiles before attempting it on his own, and once on the train he grins like a kid on a Disney World ride.

We emerge from the subway and walk to the bustling pier. Luca gazes up in awe at the towering green Statue of Liberty.

“She’s magnificent!” he exclaims.

After getting tickets, we board the ferry, joining the throngs of tourists speaking a cacophony of languages. Luca seems fascinated by everything, from the choppy harbor waters to the seagulls wheeling overhead.

As the ferry nears Liberty Island, his excitement is palpable. Being around him makes my own mood lighter. It feels like we’re on vacation rather than in the same city I’ve spent my entire life.

Disembarking with the others, we head straight for the statue. Inside, we slowly climb the tight spiral staircase, each step taking us closer to the crown.

At the top, we step out onto the narrow observation deck. The expansive view of the harbor and the city skyline is breathtaking.

Luca leans on the railing, the wind ruffling his hair. “I wish I could see sights like this every day,” he says wistfully. “My father keeps me on such a short leash back home.”

“I would have thought the world was your oyster,” I say, “being a prince and all.”

He shrugs. “It’s not that simple. I wish, but… no.”

“What would you choose if you could have anything?” I step a little closer, since it’s hard to hear each other due to the wind.

“I want to do something meaningful. I’m next in line for the throne, yet I have no real power to help my people. All I want is to make a difference.”

My heart aches for him. Impulsively, I squeeze his hand. Fire ignites where we touch, and his gaze drops to our hands.

Quickly, I withdraw the touch. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was an unchecked moment, completely unprofessional.

Turning away, I quickly look for something to focus on. Maybe I can make him forget that I ever crossed a line and touched his hand.

“There’s the Empire State Building.” I point it out.

He seems interested enough in the city’s architecture, and we linger until the sun sinks below the horizon in a blaze of orange and pink. Finally, we descend the winding staircase back down into the statue’s interior.

As we exit, Luca’s phone rings. He glances at the screen and sighs.

“My father,” he explains before answering. “Yes, Father, I’m fine… I’m just out seeing the sights of the city.” Luca’s voice tightens. “No… no, I’ll return when I’m ready. Goodbye.”

He ends the call abruptly, and I bite my lip with concern.

“Won’t the king send security forces to find you?” I ask.

He shakes his head, unconcerned. “Let them look. For the first time in years, I feel free.”

“Good,” I murmur, not wanting the day to end.

We board the ferry and take it back to the city, and once we disembark, my heart sinks with each step. I have enough for my story, but the day feels incomplete.

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