Page 25 of Royal Secret

“Understood, sir,” Stefan replies, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror again. “We’ll keep it quiet. You have my word.”

“Thank you,” I say quietly, staring out the window at the blur of passing shops, restaurants, and bars.

It’s a reassurance, but the weight of responsibility still rests heavy on my chest. I already had a lot to balance before, and Courtney’s presence in my life has brought on even more complications.

The car’s engine hums a steady rhythm as we drive through the cobblestone streets, the soft glow of streetlights casting shadows that play against the tinted windows. My thoughts churn with the same tumultuous energy that had my heart racing back at the castle. Despite my resolve, images of Courtney linger in my mind — her focused gaze behind the camera lens, the way her smile unfolded effortlessly, and that spark of something genuine that seems so rare to find.

I lean back into the leather seat, attempting to compose myself. The shield of privacy has always been my armor against the world, but as I stare into the darkening sky, a rebellious thought takes root.

Would it truly be so terrible? Throwing caution to the wind? Pursuing her despite what my father thinks — what anyone else thinks?

I would be risking the crown. I know it. Despite everything else I have done, the woman I choose to invite into my life could be a determining factor when it comes to whether or not my father elects to pass his mantle on to me.

Yet I’m still thinking about it. About her.

A corner of my mouth quirks upward involuntarily. Pictures of us together, splashed across the glossy pages of magazines… It sends an unexpected thrill through me, one I’m not accustomed to indulging.

Courtney, with her chestnut waves and knowing eyes, standing beside me, her presence commanding even without a title. I wonder if the public would see in her what I do — an unexpected complement to my life of structure and duty. We’d probably make a fine pairing indeed, her vibrancy against my restraint, a balance of shadow and light.

For a moment, I allow the fantasy to bloom, unguarded and lush. It spreads warmth through my chest, a feeling both foreign and intoxicating. But as quickly as the dream arises, reality sets in again, sobering and cold. Dreams are for those who have the luxury of living them, and I am bound by more than my own desires.

As the car slides beneath the archway and into the courtyard, I tuck away the daydream of a different life — one where Courtney and I could be anything more than stolen glances and hushed words.

“Home safe, Your Highness,” Stefan announces, parking with precision.

“Thank you, Stefan.” I nod, stepping out into the night air, crisp and promising. It carries on its breath the faintest scent of possibility, one I dare not chase. Not ever.

CHAPTER 14

COURTNEY

Steam swirls around me, the hot water cascading down my back almost enough to wash away the tension knotted between my shoulder blades.

Almost, but not quite.

Because as I close my eyes, it’s Jakob’s touch that lingers on my skin — a ghost of a caress that stirs something deep within me, something I’m not ready to name.

The droplets mingle with memories, and I lean my forehead against the cool tile. It’s ludicrous, really, how just a single evening has imprinted him so indelibly in my mind. If only he were just Jakob — just a man with a charming smile and an easy laugh. Not Prince Jakob of Bergovia, entangled in a tale of accusation and stolen heirlooms. And definitely not the man who believes my own sweet grandmother is a thief.

A sudden, urgent ringing cuts through my thoughts, and my heart leaps. Jakob told me to be ready for eleven thirty, but maybe he’s early.

The possibility propels me out of the shower with a haste that leaves caution — and a trail of water — behind me.

I grab the towel and wrap it around myself, rushing out into the main room of the hotel suite. Water drips onto the carpet as I snatch up the phone, my pulse thrumming with a blend of hope and trepidation, not even bothering to check the name on the screen.

“Hello?” My voice is breathless, a hum of steam.

“Hey, Court! Have you had any big adventures yet?”

It’s Ginny. Disappointment sours the hope, but it’s quickly tempered by the familiarity of my best friend’s voice. She always had a knack for lightening my spirits, and I hadn’t realized till now just how badly I’ve been missing her.

“Hey, Gin,” I say. “You could say that.”

“Spill it, girl. You sound like you’ve got a story.” Her intuition never fails; she reads my silences as clearly as my words.

I can’t help but smile, despite the conflict that still resides in my heart.

“I’m not sure you’ll believe it, though,” I say, pressing the phone between my shoulder and ear as I use the towel to dry myself off. “I’ve hadmorethan my share of adventures.”

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