Page 115 of Royal Creed

Until now, I’ve never dreamt of anything different. Knew it was futile, so why even try?

But is it?

Or have I just been conditioned to always do as I’m told and not make waves? Not question centuries of tradition. Not stand up for my needs. My dreams.

For years, I’ve done everything to be a voice for the voiceless, sometimes at the disapproval of the establishment, considering the royal family is supposed to remain apolitical. Regardless, that didn’t stop me from championing these causes.

Still, there’s one cause I’ve never championed.

My own cause.

“Can I ask you something?”

I tear my gaze away from the window, meeting Adam’s eyes as he turns around in the front seat of the SUV, seemingly in no rush to get to the gala.

“What is it?” My words have an icy quality they’ve never had with my chief protection officer.

Then again, things between us have been strained since he forced me to break up with Creed. I debated requesting a new CPO. What would be my reason? That I was having sex with his brother and, when he found out, he made me end things? Not sure that would go over well, especially since Adam is very good at his job. There are no reasonable grounds for his reassignment.

“If you weren’t who you are, and he wasn’t who he is—”

“But he is,” I interject, to which he holds up a hand.

“Just indulge me, ma’am. If neither of you had these duties and obligations, if there was absolutely nothing standing in your way, who would you choose? Jameson Gates?” He pauses before finishing, “Or my brother?”

“Creed,” I answer quickly, not needing time to deliberate. “I’d choose him today and every day for the rest of my life.”

He nods, shoulders falling, then asks, “Do you love him?”

I part my lips, contemplating my response.

When I made Creed promise he wouldn’t fall in love with me, I thought by making it part of our agreement, we’d keep emotions out of it.

Be able to protect our hearts.

I didn’t want to fall in love.

Resisted it at every turn.

But there are some things in life we can’t control. Some forces more powerful than sheer willpower or stubbornness.

“I love your brother in a way I never thought existed in the real world,” I admit finally as a tear slides down my cheek. “If I’m being honest, that makes what we share so remarkable.” I pull my lips between my teeth and swallow hard. “What we shared so remarkable,” I correct before continuing, “I never thought this kind of love was possible.”

With every word, my heart warms in my chest, a fluttering low in my belly at the mere reminder of Creed. Of these intense emotions I never thought I’d experience. But I have. For much longer than I was originally willing to recognize.

Creed was right.

He didn’t break his promise to me. He was already in love with me when we started down this path.

Now I realize I’ve been in love with him for years, too.

“Your brother showed me what love is. True, unconditional love. For that, I will always be grateful, regardless of what my future holds. Regardless of the fact I may never be allowed to love him openly. But that doesn’t matter. Not when I know the truth. And the truth is that Creed Lawson will always own my heart, regardless of some halfhearted vow I may be forced to make in front of God to appease the royal household. They may dictate who I marry. But they can’t dictate who I love. I will always love your brother.”

Adam nods dejectedly, a mumbled curse falling from his lips. Then he faces forward and shifts into drive.

“I’m sorry if that’s not what you wanted to hear, but I’m not going to hide my feelings. Not anymore.”

“It may not be what I wanted to hear,” he sighs as he navigates the SUV toward the gates protecting Gladwell Palace from the outside world. “But it’s what I needed to hear.”

---