Page 37 of Royal Darling
“Which I’m sure is not the case,” I add, though I’m actually not sure. I’ve only met Abdul on two occasions. To be fair, after I left him, he threatened a lawsuit not violence.
I take a deep calming breath and attempt to organize my thoughts, hoping above all to spare his feelings.
Abdul studies me for a moment. “I have only one question. Why did you leave me?”
The words jumble in my mind because it’s hard to explain the situation at the palace, my lost place in it, my knowledge of real passion and love, which was so lacking between us, my panicked state. Finally, I say, “I am deeply sorry for my actions. I never meant to hurt you in any way. It was not about you at all. I was the problem. I wasn’t ready for marriage.”
His voice is low and angry. “So you run off with your lover? The rock star?”
I keep my voice calm and level. “No. Jackson is a friend. He’s been staying here with me, but so is my brother Lucas and my guards. Please know Jackson has nothing to do with my actions. I was an unwanted stowaway on his houseboat docked in Villroy.”
“I want to meet him.”
“No,” I say firmly. “This is between you and me. I’m sorry I didn’t come to you with my concerns in the beginning. And after I ran away, I was in such a panicked state. I wanted a week away to clear my head.”
His dark eyes turn glittering and hard. “While I have been waiting at the palace for your return. We had an agreement for marriage that left me waiting for nine years. You signed a contract.”
I gulp. “I was only sixteen when I signed that. Please release me from our agreement. I know that another woman would be proud to be your wife.”
He leans forward, his elbows on his knees, his voice soft. “My family says I should’ve spent more time with you, a true courtship. Would that fix this?”
I choose my words carefully. “I’m sorry, no. I don’t think more time together will change anything. I want love and passion in my future marriage, and I feel only friendly affection for you. I’m very sorry I waited so long to speak up.”
He jerks upright. “I knew you were with that filthy man! Jackson Walker is low-class rubbish. You sullied yourself with him while pretending to be pure for me.”
My lips part; I’m unsure what to say. I’m not virgin pure. I also haven’t been with Jackson. “Abdul, I swear I haven’t cheated on you with Jackson. He’s a bystander in all this.”
His eyes narrow, his voice low and menacing. “Are you pure, Emma?”
I nearly shudder. I can tell he wouldnothave been happy with my nonvirgin state. I lift one shoulder, pretending not to understand. “Pure what?”
His hand is so quick I don’t see it coming. The crack of a hard slap on my cheek sends my head reeling back. His lip curls. “You cheating cu—”
He’s cut off by Viktor’s powerful right hook that makes Abdul’s head rear back. In an instant, Viktor has Abdul facedown on the floor, his knee in his back, Abdul’s wrists yanked behind him. Viktor calls for backup on his wireless. Next thing I know, Abdul is in cuffs and about to be hauled away.
“Wait! Here’s your ring back!” I yank off my engagement ring and throw it at him. It bounces off his forehead and onto the floor.
“Keep it!” he roars. “It’s a pittance compared to the wealth of my kingdom! Villroy will have no further support from Kainei or any of our allies! Everyone will know you are the cause of Villroy’s downfall!”
Then he’s gone.
I drop to my chair on shaking legs and put a hand to my stinging cheek. He struck me. If I had married him, I would’ve been living on my own in Kainei, and he would’ve had power over me. His guards, staff, and family would have backed him up however he treated me. I would’ve had no recourse. I may even have been cut off from my family.
My gut instinct to flee was right. I’m so glad I listened to it.
Jackson
As soon as the guards let us, we all rush into the living room to check on Emma, everyone talking at once.
“Emma!” Anna yells.
“What happened?” Lucas demands.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“What did he do?” Gabriel roars.
Emma stands, dropping her hand from her cheek. It’s bright pink like she’s been slapped. My fists clench at my sides. If only the bastard were still here to get what he deserves.
