Page 85 of A Kingdom's Heart
When we reached the next door, Lorenzo pushed it open for me, his hand resting briefly on the frame as he stepped aside.
The moment I crossed the threshold, my mood shifted. The room was softly lit by the glow of lanterns near the balcony, and standing just beyond them was William. His armor gleamed faintly in the light, his helm hiding his face, his posture straight and still.
My breath caught without reason. I forced my gaze away.
Lorenzo paused at the doorway, his eyes tracing the direction of mine. For a moment, he said nothing. The quiet stretched thin between us. Then his voice came lower, softer than before.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said. “I could look at you all day.”
The words settled over me like warmth I didn’t ask for. My throat went dry. “Thank you, my lord.”
I hesitated before nodding, trying to calm the quick flutter in my chest. “Of course, Lorenzo.”
Something in his expression eased at that. The distance between us seemed smaller now, the candlelight touching the sharp lines of his face, softening them.
“May I stay with you for a while?” he asked quietly.
I wasn’t sure how to answer, so I simply nodded.
His smile deepened. He reached into the pocket of his coat and drew out a small white rose. Its petals looked fresh, perfect, as though it had just been plucked from the garden.
“I remember how you said these were your favorite,” he said.
He stepped closer, his movements smooth and sure. My breath caught as he lifted his hand and tucked the flower just behind my ear, his fingers brushing against my skin.
I stood still, not knowing what to say.
Lorenzo smiled again, satisfied. “It suits you,” he said softly.
I managed another small smile, though my heart was pounding too hard for it to feel real.
“Oh I can’t wait for our wedding,” said Lorenzo. “I already know we’ll make the perfect royal couple.”
I forced another small smile, though my chest felt tight. “Yes, of
course we will.”
His dimples deepened, pleased with the answer. “That’s what I
like to hear.”
He sat down on the edge of the bed, then reached for my hand.
Before I could think, he gave a gentle tug, pulling me toward him until I was sitting on his lap. His arm slid around my waist, his breath brushing close to my ear. My stomach did something at that. I wasn’t sure if it knotted or if it were butterflies, but either way, it was enough for me to feel the steady rise of his chest. His arms tightened faintly around my waist, making it a little difficult to breathe.
“You’ll make a fine queen,” he murmured, his tone soft, assured.
I smiled, uncertain how to respond. My fingers tightened in my lap, and I tried to ignore the strange rush of warmth climbing up my throat.
Then—
“Her Highness is to be in slumber before midnight.”
The voice cut through the quiet like a blade. My breath caught before I even turned.
Lorenzo’s hand went still against my waist, the warmth of it replaced by sudden stiffness. We both turned toward the sound.
William stood near the balcony, with his helm now tucked under one arm. His expression was calm, but there was something dangerous beneath it, something that made the air heavier.
