Page 73 of Prince Material
Warmth spread through my chest, and beside me, Tia made a quiet “aww” sound. I’d forgotten she could hear his side of the conversation.
“I’m…” I struggled to find the right words. “Sometimes, I feel like I’m betraying Dad by wanting something for myself. By wanting you.”
“Oh,lieverd, your father didn’t die so you could spend your life feeling guilty for surviving. He died so you could live. Really live, not just exist.”
“That’s almost exactly what Tia told me.”
“Smart girl,” Floris said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “She’s right, you know. And from everything you’ve told me about your dad, everything your mom has said, he would want you to be happy.”
“But what if…” I trailed off, the words sticking in my throat.
“What if what?” Floris prompted gently.
“What if I’m not enough?” The fear that had been lurking beneath everything else finally surfaced. “What if Uncle Bill is right and I can’t handle your world? I’m just… me. Some ordinary kid from New Orleans who’s terrified of messing up.”
“Just you?” Floris’s voice was soft but intense. “Orson, you’re brilliant and kind and so much stronger than you know. You survived something terrible and turned it into motivation to help others. You see beauty in old buildings that most peoplewould walk right past. You notice details others miss, you care about things deeply, and you make me want to be better just by being you.”
Tears pricked at my eyes, and Tia squeezed my hand. “But the press…”
“That will be a challenge. I won’t lie about that. But we can face it together, if you want to. And if you don’t…” His voice caught slightly. “If it’s too much, I’ll understand. But please don’t let your uncle’s words make this decision for you.”
I thought about how it felt to be with Floris, the way he made me laugh, how he understood my need for order but gently pushed me to loosen up sometimes, how he looked at me like I was something precious. “I want to. Face it together, I mean. You’re worth it.”
His exhale was shaky.
I smiled, even though he couldn’t see it. “Though I reserve the right to freak out about it later.”
His laugh was warm, familiar. “Deal. And Orson?”
“Hmm?”
“I…” He paused, and I could almost see him running a hand through his hair the way he did when nervous. “I love you.”
My heart stopped, then started racing. Beside me, Tia squeaked and clasped her hands over her mouth.
“You don’t have to say it back,” Floris added quickly. “But after everything that happened today, I needed to say it.”
My heart pounded against my ribs as Floris’s words echoed in my ears.I love you. Three simple words that somehow held the weight of everything I’d been afraid to want. “I love you too,” I said softly, the words feeling both terrifying and absolutely right. “God, Floris, I love you so much, it scares me sometimes.”
His breath caught audibly. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I smiled, ignoring Tia’s flapping hands beside me. “And not because you’re a prince or despite it. I love you because you’re you. Because you drag me away from my books when I need it, and you make terrible jokes to get me to smile, and you understand parts of me I barely comprehend myself.”
“Orson…” His voice was thick with emotion. “You can’t say things like that when I’m an ocean away and can’t kiss you.”
Heat crept up my neck. “Sorry?”
“No, you’re not.” He laughed softly. “God, I wish I was there right now.”
“Me too.” I leaned back against the porch step, looking up at the stars. “Though maybe it’s better you’re not. You might’ve punched my uncle.”
“Don’t tempt me.” His tone was only half-joking. “No one gets to make you feel less than amazing. Not even family.”
Warmth spread through my chest at his protectiveness. “Mom’s handling that part. I could hear her yelling at him when I left.”
“Good. I knew I liked your mom.” There was a pause, then: “My parents want to meet you, by the way. When you’re ready.”
My stomach did a nervous flip. “Your parents? As in, the sister and brother-in-law of King Friso of the Netherlands?”
