“I thought I might never see you again,” James was saying, clasping both of Katherine’s hands in his. “I’m so glad that you are safe. Eleanora will be so relieved.”
Katherine nodded. It hurt her heart to think that James had been under the impression she’d been abducted. She wished there was a way to quickly send word to Eleanora that she was safe, but it would take at least two days for a message to reach her. In the meantime, her sister would no doubt be planning her advancement on Leopold’s forces.
But if he had attempted to take her, then that is what he deserved. The fact that he had failed didn’t change the intent.
Nevertheless, she needed to find a way to let James know what had transpired, to make sure that the relationship between Nadoria and Arteria was not damaged.
“Who is this Rose person?” James asked before shaking his head and trying again, knowing as well as anyone that Katherine could not answer the question as he’d phrased it “Was she a friend of yours?” Katherine hesitated before shaking her head no. At first, she had thought so, but no, clearly, she was not her friend.
“Was she from Clovington?”
Yes.
“Did you know her before you arrived here?”
Again some hesitation but she nodded, yes.
“So, she was an acquaintance, not a friend?”
Correct.
“Was she a noble?”
That was a certain no.
“Yet, when you arrived, she pretended to be you, Princess Katherine?”
Yes.
“How, could she have possibly gotten away with that?” He knew that was not a yes or no question, but she couldn’t blame him for asking it anyway. “It seems ludicrous that some commoner was able to convince a king that she was a princess, and apparently, that the princess was a servant girl.”
Despite the phasing, Katherine was able to reply. She raised her right hand and pointed to the finger where she always wore her ring. He would notice immediately.
Gasping, James clarified, “She took your ring?”
Yes.
“The audacity! She stole your signet ring and was able to convince Caleb and his staff that she was the princess and that you were a servant girl?”
A whore, Katherine thought, but she didn’t feel the need to attempt to express that part to her brother, so she only nodded her head.
James stood, walking a few paces before returning to where Katherine sat on the settee. “And Caleb believed her?”
Katherine shrugged. Yes, apparently. But Rose had been very convincing. In fact, the longer she had pretended to be the princess and Katherine played the role of servant girl, the more Katherine herself had become convinced.
James sat back down. “Well, I suppose the important thing is that you are safe. And we will have you home in Nadoria where you belong in a few days.”
Before she even gave it a second thought, Katherine shook her head vigorously. No, she was not returning to Nadoria.
James’s eyebrows furrowed. “I know you likely don’t feel particularly safe after what has happened to, uh, Rose, but we will travel via the shipping channel. The Nadorian Navy will keep us safe.”
Again, Katherine shook her head, no. As much as the thought of being back at Meadington, away from all that had transpired, was tempting, she knew for a fact she would not go, not unless Caleb made her.
He still didn’t understand. “You don’t want to go to Nadoria?”
No.
James’s eyes widened as his mouth came open. “It’s not Philip, is it? Surely you don’t want us to return you to him. He did say you were his wife.”
Katherine tasted bile rising in the back of her throat and was certain her expression showed the same horror. No! Of course not! She shook her head even harder. Then, she pointed at the floor. Here. She wanted to stay here.
He was beginning to understand. “You want to stay in Arteria?”
Yes, precisely.
“Why? What in the world would make you want to stay here?”
Oh, so many things. So many people. But one in particular. Katherine tipped her head to the side and gave her brother a moment to reach his own conclusion.
It didn’t take him long. After a moment of thought he asked, “Caleb?”
The pink that instantly tinted her cheeks likely would’ve been answer enough, but she nodded her head as well.
James sighed. “This is unexpected,” he muttered, leaning back against the settee.
She knew exactly what he was thinking. As far as they both knew, Eleanora had never considered aligning herself so closely with Arteria. While she hoped her sister wouldn’t dare attempt to marry her off for her kingdom’s gain in the future, she may not be pleased with this alliance either. Katherine hated the fact that it was even a consideration. She deserved to marry whomever she wanted, and since he happened to be a king, that should be enough to make everyone happy.
“I will speak to Eleanora,” James finally said, his expression changing as he turned back to face her. “She will understand. She must. After all, if he’s the one you choose to be with, who is anyone to stand in your way?”
Katherine couldn’t help but smile. James leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her, and she sighed in relief. She was willing to do whatever she had to in order to stay with Caleb, even if it meant defying her sister, but there was still one problem—what if he wouldn’t have her?
James released her and looked in her eyes. “If you wish to stay here with Caleb, so be it. As long as he is treating you with the love and respect you deserve, you will have my blessing. And I will do my best to convince Eleanora.”
Katherine reached for her brother again, and his arms came around her once more. He kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Katherine.” She squeezed him tightly, letting him know she loved him, too.
Philip sat in the chamber Leopold had provided him with, sipping his third goblet of wine for the day, looking over the gloomy terrain in front of the castle, the rainy day mirroring his current mood, and reflecting on what his next move might be when Katherine arrived. It shouldn’t be long now, though that’s what he’d thought the day before. He’d received word that the party had stalled, avoiding the Arterian Army, and he appreciated their caution even if it kept him unsettled. One thing was certain regardless of when she arrived; he was looking forward to completing the consummation of their relationship.
There was a resounding knock at the door. He set his goblet down and went to answer it, thinking it better be the guard he’d instructed to inform him when the princess arrived and no one else who dared to pull him away from his thoughts of Katherine’s writhing body.
Shocked, Philip stared into the face of Leopold himself. Philip’s mouth dropped open as he fought for words.
“May I come in?” Leopold asked, stepping past him before Philip could answer. He moved aside, and Leopold took a quick look around the room. “Dark in here,” he mumbled.
Philip said nothing, closing the door behind him as Leopold crossed over to the small table in front of the window, the one Philip had been sitting at. He poured himself a drink in an empty goblet and downed it before turning back to address Philip, who had only taken a few steps from the door.
“How are you, dear cousin?” Leopold asked, setting his goblet down and approaching his relative slowly.
Philip opened his mouth to answer but didn’t have the opportunity to speak before Leopold’s fist landed squarely on his jaw, the steel tips on his glove ripping into his flesh and leaving him sputtering.
Reeling, Philip’s hand flew to his face as he stumbled backward. He caught himself before he hit the floor, and stared up at his cousin in disbelief.
“Never think that I don’t know what happens in my own kingdom!” Leopold spat, bending down and grabbing Philip’s hair, pulling his face up to look at him. “I know everything!”
Blood poured down the side of Philip’s face as fury mounted inside of him He was a king! Never had he been treated like this in his entire life. And yet, he was a guest in Leopold’s fortress. If he dared cross him, stand up to him, Philip would be thrown in the deepest, darkest dungeon, never to be seen or heard from again.
Leopold released him, and within seconds, his jovial attitude was back. He wore a smile on his face, crossing back to the table to pour another drink. Philip rose, wiping at the blood but not speaking. Leopold topped Philip’s wine off, and sitting down, gestured for Philip to join him at the table.
Hesitantly, Philip crossed the room, wiping the splatters of blood on the back of his hand and then on to his trousers. He sat in the chair as he was told, waiting for Leopold to speak. The pain in his jaw was intense, but he did his best to hide it.
“Now, tell me, what is your plan? What is it about this girl that has you risking war with Nadoria?”
Philip cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. When he had decided to reclaim his bride, he knew there was a possibility that Eleanora might see it as an act of hostility. He hoped that he would have the opportunity to meet with her and let her know that he was simply taking what was rightfully his. There had been no terms set forth in their agreement that Philip must retain his kingship over Clovington in order to maintain Katherine as his wife. If he could not have his castle, at least, he could have her. He was merely retrieving her from the Arterians. No act of aggression against Nadoria was ever intended or implied.
Rather than explaining all of that to Leopold, he responded simply, “She’s my wife.”
His cousin nodded. “And?”
“I simply want what’s mine.”
Leopold let out a long sigh, setting his goblet on the table. “Eleanora seems to disagree with you. Now, I am in a position where I must either engage Nadoria in war or somehow convince her that you have acted on your own. I am sure she thinks this was all my idea, considering what her brother and his men witnessed. Tell me, did you think I wouldn’t know?”
Philip had considered what might happen if Leopold discovered he had borrowed his cavalry uniforms to obtain Katherine, but he’d hoped to keep it secret. In general, he followed a rule of doing what was necessary at the time and dealing with the consequences later, if they came. He’d just assumed he’d find a way to smooth things over with Leopold. Now, looking at his cousin while his jaw throbbed, he wasn’t so sure. “Cousin, you and I are on the same side in this. You know you have my allegiance. You must understand, however, my wife belongs here, with me, by my side.” Then he added, “When you see her, I think you will understand.”
“Philip, my dear cousin, I don’t think any woman could possibly be worth all of this trouble.” He shook his head slightly and exhaled through his nose. “But at this point, it doesn’t matter. You’ve already done the damage.” He cleared his throat, and after a moment, he nodded in acceptance. “Very well then. I hope she arrives safely.”
Without another word, Leopold pushed up from the seat and sauntered toward the door. Philip knew he should stand in respect, but his throbbing jaw kept him seated until the door closed behind him. Then, he pounded his fist against the table, rattling the dishes.
Leopold headed down the hallway, his hand aching slightly from the blow he’d delivered to his cousin’s face but otherwise, he felt better having put the ass in his place. Philip was of little consequence now and only seemed to bring trouble wherever he went. That needed to be stopped, but he wouldn’t worry any more about him at the moment other than to send a message to Eleanora that Philip had acted alone in his devious scheme to reclaim her sister Katherine.
As he strolled down the hall, he heard fast approaching footsteps from behind and turned to see one of his guards running in his direction. “Your Majesty,” he said, “he’s here.”
A devilish grin consumed his face as Leopold took in the news. It seemed his own little package had arrived. Now this was a prisoner of consequence, someone he could barter with. “Take me to him,” he insisted, following the guard at a quick pace, his excitement overwhelming as he thought of all the fun he was about to have.
She was standing on the balcony of his private chambers overlooking the rose garden, the night breeze catching her loose curls, sending them flying like butterfly’s wings around her elegant neck. From his vantage point, the moon illuminated her pale skin so that she appeared to be glowing, and he could plainly see how easily one could compare her to an angel.
Caleb had spent several hours reflecting, speaking to his most trusted advisors, including the council members, and considering their interpretations of the circumstances and what would be his best plan of action. He’d taken all of their thoughts into consideration and then found himself in the back garden, sitting alone, contemplating the situation and considering all that might happen if his next move were not precisely as it should be.
As he approached, she turned, a smile playing at her lips, though he could tell she was hesitant, not sure what to think of the situation. He didn’t say anything at first, only took her in, trying to decide how to say everything he needed to tell her. His hands ached to reach for her, but he didn’t, resting them on the railing next to her instead. When he spoke, his voice was soft, even the greeting came out with a lock of confidence. “Good evening.”
She met his eyes for a moment, her smile growing, a return of the sentiment, and then promptly returned her gaze to the darkened garden below.
The next sentence tumbled out of his mouth easily, though he wasn’t sure it was necessary. “I had no idea.”
She nodded. She knew that, of course.
Caleb pressed on. “I’ve spent the last several hours going back over everything. How I missed this. Why you didn’t let me know.” She exhaled sharply, and he knew there was much she wanted to say, but the more he’d thought about it, the more he’d realized none of that truly mattered now. “Honestly, Katherine, none of that is of consequence at the moment.” When her name slipped through his lips, he said it with an emphasis he hadn’t intended. It was the first time he had ever called her by her real name.
Her gaze was heavy, and he could see in her eyes she was trying to decipher what he was trying to say.
Unable to stare into her eyes and say what he’d resolved himself to tell her, he looked over the railing at the garden below. “This is all so complicated. It’s never easy for us. If… if I had known who you really were, I never would have… I never would have let it come to this.” He took another quick glimpse in her direction and saw the expression of confusion on her face had grown. He couldn’t blame her. He felt the same turmoil inside, but what he was about to say was for the better. Practically everyone he’d spoken to agreed—everyone but Caroline and Dale.
With a sigh, he continued. “We are royals, Katherine. Nothing is simple for us--relationships, decisions, consequences. Acting in our own best interests isn’t always…. It just doesn’t always end up the way we wish it would.”
Her eyes were still wide, but when he looked over at her, he noted a single tear cascading down her cheek. An ache in his heart began to pulsate, nearly ripping the breath from his chest. He knew it would never be easy to tell her what he’d decided, but it had been easier before, when he’d rehearsed it in the garden. Now, looking at her, seeing the pain in her face, he questioned whether or not he’d made the right decision. Perhaps he’d needed to have a conversation with Eleanora before he made a choice, but seeing Katherine’s trembling bottom lip, all he could think about was how he’d hurt her before, how’d promised never to do that again, and yet here he was, trying to explain why he thought she was better off without him.
“You are your sister’s ward.” More tears followed, but he forced himself to continue to look at her. “You must be returned to her care.” She stood perfectly still, her eyes unwavering as she stared into his, tears streaming down her face, not moving to wipe even one away. “If… if Eleanora were to deem it in your best interest to return then, perhaps… perhaps we could negotiate an alliance. But under these circumstances, I don’t know how she will react. And I don’t know how I can keep you without her blessings. I’m sorry, Katherine; I’m so sorry.”
He meant it; he’d never been more sorry for anything in his whole life. He wanted to hold her, to kiss her one last time, to, at the very least, wipe the tears from her eyes. But he didn’t dare. After one last glimpse of her beautiful face, he turned to leave feeling the stinging sensation of tears in his own eyes as the pain in his heart became excruciating. He knew he’d left the door open, that if Eleanora would consider it, perhaps they’d have another chance, but after that speech, why would Katherine even want him?
Knowing he’d made another horrible mistake, one he couldn’t undo, Caleb headed for the door, intending to ride out that very night to the front lines. He was almost to the bedchamber door when he heard something behind him that had him stopping in his tracks.
It wasn’t more than a faint whisper at first, hoarse and almost indistinguishable. But he had heard it, just the same.
And then she said it again.
“Caleb....”
Swallowing hard, Caleb slowly turned to face her. “What was that?” he asked, still unable to believe his own ears. She was still standing by the balcony, far across the room, but her hands were pressed together in front of her mouth, her chin resting on her thumbs, the look on her face letting him know he hadn’t been hearing things at all, and she was just as shocked as he was.
“Caleb, I love you.”
He stood looking at her for a long moment, the tears now streaming down his face as well. A rush of realization hit him at once as he considered how difficult it had to be for her to produce a sound at all. He remembered the extreme pain it had taken to cause her to scream. The feelings she had for him, as he walked away from him, had to be the same.
Caleb rushed across the open space back to her, stopping just short of touching her, his eyes still wide as he looked into hers. No longer concerned with who she was or what anyone else would think—including Eleanora—he took in this magnificent woman, so diminutive in stature but mighty in every other way, and felt like the most fortunate fool in the world that he had somehow managed to win her love despite all of his blunders and missteps.
“You... you said my name,” he finally managed, a smile taking over his face. “You said you love me.”
She nodded as vigorously as he’d ever seen before, and when he opened his arms, she flung herself forward into his, her lips meeting his as he crashed down to devour her. His hands trailed up and down her body, feeling the soft skin of her arms, the warmth of her cheek, the curve in her hip as he simply couldn’t get enough of her.
Out of breath, she finally pulled back, leaving one hand on his chest, the other wrapped around his neck. She stared at him, the tears dried up, waiting for him to take back all of the idiotic words he’d said before. Her teeth worked her bottom lip, enticing him to forget the explanation he owed her and kiss her again.
“I’m sorry.” It wasn’t the first time he’d said it that night, but this time he meant it for an entirely different reason. “I was trying to do what I thought was right—for everyone else.” He shook his head, watching her eyes for a reaction. She continued to stare at him. “I didn’t realize—until just now—you’re in this as deeply as I am.”
Slowly, she nodded. “I love you.” Her voice was still as hoarse as before, but it grew stronger with each word.
Grinning at her, he said, “I love you, too, Princess Katherine. Or whatever your name is.” She laughed, still silently, but there just the same. He looked up at the heavens, a thousand stars winking down at them. “I can’t believe you spoke!” Gazing down at her, seeing the joy he felt in his heart reflected in her smile, he kissed her again, not wanting to ever do anything else.
His lips slipped from her mouth to her ear and then down her neck, but between tastes of her porcelain skin, he whispered, “Say it again. Say my name.”
It was more of a moan this time than a whisper, which set the growing ember inside of him aflame. “Caleb.”
Only pulling away from her when it was completely necessary, he began to move her backward, into the room, toward the bed, already working the laces in the back of her gown as they went, her hands fumbling with his belt. She was wearing far too many layers, and he needed her nude body on his now. He’d just about got the gown undone, when Katherine stopped and pulled away from him, putting her hands on his chest and creating a space between them, too much space for his liking.
Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, and he realized she was asking him something. He imagined it must be important if she were willing to stop him to ask. “You want to know if... if I intend to keep you? If I intend to make you an honest woman?” It had occurred to him earlier, when he was contemplating all of the lies he’d been told why it seemed “Rose” must be a virgin and not a harlot—because Princess Katherine had given herself to him, and only him. Now, with her looking up at him expectantly, a slight nod of her eyes, he irrevocably answered, “Yes, Katherine. I intend to keep you. Forever.”
That was all the answer she needed, and her hands were back at his belt as she leaned up for his lips, and he gladly obliged.