Page 75 of His Unforgettable Bride
There was no doubt about it any longer. He loved Juliet wholeheartedly.
But could he bring her back with him to Bascandy? Would she be willing to go? The daily scrutiny at the palace would be magnified compared to Tabitha’s. Could she withstand the pressures? Maybe and possibly not.
Her warm breaths stroked his neck, then she leaned back and placed her hands on his shoulders, studying his face. “Did your memories suddenly slide back into your head or slowly trickle into place?”
Earlier, he had allowed Juliet, Cy, Livy, and Tabitha to assume that the two trespassers had come in hopes of a reward after hearing the rumor about him being a prince. And of course, he and Juliet had no choice but to report the earlier encounter with Ruby at the party and her declaration about him being missing royalty. He had failed to admit his identity at that point. Still, they had been shocked by the possibility, to say the least.
“I recognized the men who broke into the house. Immediately afterward, my recollections surged into place.”
Her quizzical brow rose. “Recognized them from where?”
“They kidnapped me from Victoria last month.”
She blinked, then shook her head as if unable to believe his claim. “I’m not following you. More details, please.”
“Ruby spoke the truth last night. I finally, and fully, understand who I am, and that person is Henry Graighton.”
Emotions flitted across her lovely face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, completely. My amnesia is gone, and I recall my family, my home, and everything else.”
Juliet cupped her cheeks and stared at him unflinchingly. “If you are Henry Graighton, you are also a prince.”
“And in line to the throne of Bascandy, my country. It is north of France, but we have more in common with England.” He was rambling. No doubt, her head twirled like the spindles at the textile mill where she’d previously toiled.
“You kissed me. Twice.”
He softly smiled. “And desired to kiss you two dozen times, or more accurately, two hundred.”
“But…you’re a prince.”
“And still your friend.”
Juliet added space between them. Then she laughed almost recklessly, evidently unconcerned that anyone might hear the disturbance. “I had hoped we might share a future one day. What an absurd notion.”
“I desire the same thing.”
“Because of my past, the palace wouldn’t hire me to change the bed sheets, let alone allow me to be your…friend.” She appeared to shudder. “I’m thrilled your memories have returned for your sake. But for my sake…I am shockingly…shocked.”
“Of course.” How would he respond if Juliet claimed to be a princess? Fall off the sofa, most likely. “My life is abundantly complicated back home, and even more so since my older brother’s recent death. I had received a letter with the information only a short time before my kidnapping.”
Her beautiful eyes brimmed with empathy. “I am terribly sorry.”
“The worst part is that Sutton and I never forgave each other.” He struggled to name the monumental grievance that had caused their wide rift in the first place. Yet he recognized that a mountain of little complaints had expanded the barrier ever since.
She patted his hand before her eyes widened again. Then she yanked her hand to her lap. “Do you have other older brothers?”
“No.”
“So, you’ll be King one day?” Her voice shrieked.
“Yes.”
Juliet jumped to her feet. “I need a moment to myself, Gray.” Anguish strangled her words. “Umm, Henry. Or Your Highness, I guess.” Spinning, she fled the room, and her footsteps soon pounded up the staircase.
Sighing, he leaned against the settee and gazed at the ceiling. “What am I to do?” he whispered. His family expected him to make an advantageous match with Faith in Sutton’s place. Even if he could free himself from his betrothal to Faith, the King would never permit him to marry a servant.
Nobody questioned the ruler’s edicts, especially his only living son.
