Page 80 of Heart of Snow
Kissing his hand, I rested my cheek against it, turning my face to conceal my anguish. “I beg you will forgive me, Samuel,” I whispered. “For nearly two years your freedom is all I’ve striven for, and now... I should have had you out sooner. If only I were more capable—”
“Th-there is nothing to forgive,” he chattered. “I never meant to put such a burden on you. I’m only grateful I got to see you once more.” He slid his hand down to my chin, turning my face to meet his. “You’ve grown up so much.”
I shook my head. “Don’t talk this way. You’re not beyond saving yet. I will try harder, find some way to free you.”
“There’s nothing more you need do,” Samuel said. “It was never your responsibility to save me. My life is in God’s hands.”
“I can’t lose you.” My eyes filled again. “Don’t give up yet.”
“Never, Retie.” He forced a trembling smile. “I’ll outlive you and d-dance on your grave.”
My laugh made the tears drip down my face. “You’re a buffoon.”
“Comitem de Waldeck, I have tobacco water for you.” Vesalius returned to Samuel’s mattress. “Can you lift your head to drink it?”
Samuel nodded, straining to raise himself while the physician set a cup to his lips. When Samuel lay back down, the doctor began snapping and cleared his throat. “I’ll need to examine his urine.” He avoided my eye as though he were embarrassed, and realization dawned on me.
“Oh, yes. I’ll be with Prince Felipe if you need me.”
I gave Samuel a parting smile, which quickly faded when I was alone on the walk out of the dungeon. I wouldn’t let myself cry again. There was hope to be had, and I was walking toward the very man who could give it.
When I neared the top of the stone steps, Felipe rose to his feet. “How does he fare?”
“Not well. I suspect pneumonia.”
The prince took my hand, and his brows lifted. “You’re shivering.” He pulled me into his arms, letting me lean into his warmth, his security.
“Felipe, what am I to do?” My voice cracked with emotion. But I knew exactly what needed to be done.
We stood in silence for a time, Felipe stroking my back as I gathered my courage. Taking a shaky breath, I asked the question I’d been longing to ask since my arrival in Brussels. “Could you... help him? Could you speak to your father on my behalf and see if Samuel could be released?”
He did not even hesitate, as if he’d already anticipated my request. “Of course.”
“Of course? Do you really mean that?”
He chuckled. “You should know by now, I cannot deny you anything.”
My elation soared. I had finally done it, finding the right man to grant my brother’s freedom. I lifted my head, offering him my brightest smile despite the tear trailing down my cheek. “Felipe, my gratitude would know no bounds. I’d be forever in your debt.”
His thumb brushed away my tears. “Then could I ask that in return you be forever in my arms?”
My veins pulsed with nervous energy. “Is this... a marriage proposal?” I had not expected this. Had never even believed it possible.
“Of a sort.” He ducked his eyes. “Not one bound by laws of man, but a marriage in every other respect.” He raised his gaze to meet mine, watching me as my brows furrowed in confusion. Then, slowly, understanding began to sink in, and I narrowed my eyes to slits. Anger, thick and hot, pulsed through me, and I pushed against the prince’s chest to free myself of his conniving grasp. “So all you’ve said and done has been a lie? Was it only part of a long scheme to seduce me?”
He caught up my hand, keeping me there, forcing me to face him. “Don’t misunderstand me, Margaretha. I do...” Felipe averted his eyes, and his cheeks almost pinkened, “. . . love you. I know what I ask offends you, but you must understand my situation. Things are such with England and my father’s empire that you know I must make an alliance for the good of my family, my people. I cannot think of myself.”
“You think of no onebutyourself, Your Grace.” I tried again to wriggle my wrist free of his grip.
“I know the kind of woman you are, that you would never come to me without persuasion, but you must know the kind of man I am. I won’t give you up. I would that you be my wife in spirit. Live with me, love with me in every kingdom and court I travel. I need you with me, Margaretha. In time I hope you will forgive me my coercion. Your brother will be free and well, and I will show you such love that you’ll not regret having chosen me.”
I stopped struggling against him, knowing I must wait for him to release me if I ever hoped to leave. He took it as a sign of compliance, using the opportunity to pull me closer.
“I know you’re human.” He gave me a teasing smile. “You admitted it yourself.”
He brushed the back of my neck with his fingers until the hairs on my arms rose, then he slowly, carefully moved his lips toward mine. I didn’t move, didn’t close my eyes. I stayed a statue under his soft kiss. He hugged me against him, nuzzling his face in myneck. “Even after the stink of the dungeons, you still smell of flowers.”
His lips traveled over my neck, my jaw, my earlobe, then he whispered, “Be with me, Margaretha. I will make you happy. Let me love you as my heart dictates.” His voice was not commanding, nor seductive, but pleading, and it seemed he truly thought he loved me.
