Chapter Three

JUST KATHE

Erich knocked at the front door, wondering if he’d ever felt so nervous in his life. He recalled many such dinner invitations in the past when everyone had dressed like it was a royal occasion, and he’d been embarrassed to show up in an average dinner jacket. He’d endured many uncomfortable situations, but he’d never been so anxious—even knowing he was dressed appropriately.

Theodor answered the door himself, and Erich felt more at ease as they went together to the parlor.

“You remember my father, Karl,” Theodor said as Karl rose to shake his hand.

“Yes, of course.” Erich smiled. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Lokberg.”

“And you, sir.” Karl smiled in return.

“That must get confusing,” Erich said as Theodor motioned him to the sofa, “with your son being named Karl also.”

“We just call him Little Karl,” Theodor said, passing a smile to his father.

“Nice place,” Erich said, glancing around at the simple but tasteful decor.

“Yes, it is,” Theodor replied. “I enjoyed growing up here, though I spend little time here now.”

“How many years has it been since your wife passed away?” Erich inquired.

“About seven.”

“And that is how old your son would be.”

“That’s right.”

“You should bring him to the castle with you more often,” Erich said. “Stefan really enjoys playing with Karl. Poor kid doesn’t get much of a social life. For some reason he doesn’t fit in easily with his siblings or the other children.”

“You make up for that a great deal, I think,” Theodor said thoughtfully.

“I enjoy having Stefan around,” Erich said with warmth in his voice. “He and I seem to have much in common.”

“Little Karl certainly likes him,” Karl said. “He speaks of him quite favorably.”

Theodor glanced at the clock and said, “If you will excuse me a moment, I’ll see how dinner is coming.”

Erich nodded and waved his hand to indicate he was completely at ease, and Theodor left the room.

“Would you like a drink, or something?” Karl asked.

“No, thank you, I’m fine,” Erich said. He wondered for a moment how it might feel to be this man’s son-in-law. The thought provoked a quiver somewhere inside. He had a difficult time believing that a woman could have such an effect on him so quickly. Was he letting his imagination run away with him? Wondering what Kathe was doing, his nerves increased. He began to wonder if he should be trying to make conversation, but Little Karl came in and rescued him.

“Hello there, Erich.” The boy sidled up next to him on the sofa.

“You should show more respect to royalty,” his grandfather scolded gently.

“He’s fine,” Erich insisted. “We’re good friends, and . . .” His sentence drifted off when he looked up to see Kathe standing in the doorway. It only took one glance for him to know these feelings had nothing to do with his imagination.

“Miss Lokberg,” he said, coming quickly to his feet. “It’s been a long time.”

She laughed softly as he took her hand and kissed it quickly. Their eyes met and he felt reluctant to let go.

“A long time, yes,” she said lightly. “Uh . . . dinner is ready.”

At the announcement, Little Karl bounded past them toward the dining room. Erich offered his arm, and Kathe smiled as she put her hand over it. He wondered what right Theodor Lokberg had to have such a stunning sister. Her simplicity was endearing and only enhanced her beauty. No jewels or elaborate gown to impress him. No curtsying before him. But she had a natural dignity and grace that reminded him of his mother.

As the meal commenced, Erich caught a subtle smirk from Theodor. While he tried not to betray what he was feeling, he sensed that Theodor knew: he was head over heels in love.

Dinner was positively the best he’d ever known. The food was great, the conversation better, and the butterflies he felt inside nearly outdid him. Now he knew why he’d waited so long to marry, and he blessed Theodor for his nagging.

Kathe tried not to look directly at the prince throughout the meal. The expression in his eyes overpowered her. She wondered why it had been so easy and comfortable to be with him earlier. But with her father and brother present, she felt certain she did everything wrong. In the hours prior to dinner, she’d tried to convince herself that what she felt was nonsense. But now as she discreetly observed him, chatting casually with the other men but looking often at her, she had to admit that what she felt was real—and it scared her. She couldn’t deny that she was emotionally involved—almost against her will. But what made her believe that a man like Erich du Woernig would ever want to share his life with a woman so simple? It was preposterous and she knew it. Still, how could she not delight in the opportunity to be with him? However long this experience might last, she was determined to enjoy it.

When the meal was finished, Theodor stood and said, “Little Karl and I are going to clean the dishes. Erich, you must have Kathe show you the garden. She does it all herself. It’s lovely on a summer evening.”

“What an excellent idea.” Erich rose and held out his arm for her.

Kathe would have been furious with Theodor had she not been feeling this way. As it was, she felt grateful for an opportunity to be alone with Erich.

Kathe placed her hand over his arm, delighted at what just touching him did to her. She led him down the hall to the side door and out into the summer air. The sky was just turning dusky, but there was enough light for her to show him the roses she was most proud of, and they walked together down the stone path while he held her hand possessively against his arm.

When there was no more to see, she sat on the little bench and he sat close beside her. As she became aware of him watching her intently, her heart beat quickly and she tried to avoid his gaze.

“So,” she said in an effort to ease the tension, “how is ruling a duchy these days?”

Erich laughed.

“Did I say something wrong?” she asked quickly.

“Heavens no,” he replied. “I fear you say everything just right.”

“Why do you fear that, sir?” she asked.

“Erich,” he said. “My name is Erich.”

“Oh, but,” she protested, “I’m certain it’s—”

“Forgive me,” he interrupted, “but I get tired of being called all of the things I’m called. It would be an honor to have you call me just Erich.”

“That would be fine,” she said soberly, meeting his eyes, “Just Erich.”

Again he laughed. Her sense of humor tugged at his heart.

“May I call you Kathe?” he asked. “I don’t want to call you Miss Lokberg, or even Katherine. It is Katherine, isn’t it?” She nodded. “I’d like to call you just Kathe.”

She laughed. “I’ll call you Just Erich and you can call me Just Kathe.”

He laughed with her, then took her hand into his, and the mood turned serious.

“Tell me you feel it,” he said with the confidence of a prince, and Kathe’s heart went mad.

“What?” she asked, trying to sound innocent.

“Tell me I’m not insane to believe I’m in love with a woman I just met earlier today.”

Kathe met his eyes, searching for sincerity, and her whole being filled with an emotion so peaceful that waves of goose bumps enveloped her.

While Kathe’s silence left Erich feeling vulnerable, he was surprised to see tears brim in her dark eyes. She turned away and blinked them back, but she said nothing. Instinctively needing to know where he stood, Erich touched her chin and turned her face toward his.

“Did I say something wrong?” he asked quietly. He hated feeling so exposed and uncertain.

Kathe shook her head and tried to think of something to say. But there were no words to describe what she was feeling, nor this combination of fear and delight. Her breath quickened when he moved a thumb gently over her cheek, then he briefly touched her hair. His face moved slowly toward hers and he closed his eyes.

“Oh, you mustn’t kiss me,” Kathe said abruptly, then she warmed with embarrassment at her outburst.

“Why not?” he asked in astonishment.

“Theodor is probably watching,” she said breathlessly. “He’ll never let me live it down.

Erich laughed and pushed his arm around her waist. “Nonsense. I’ll fire him if he says a word.” He kissed her soft and quick, and then he pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. “Better yet,” he lifted his brows, “I’ll give him a raise; keep it all in the family.”

Kathe’s eyes widened from his implication, but he kissed her again and she became lost in the consuming reality of his affection. She could hardly convince herself this was real as his arms came around her, holding her close. As if she’d lost complete control of her senses, her arms moved by their own will around his shoulders, holding to him as if nothing else existed. He drew back, and she opened her eyes to find him watching her closely. The intensity in his expression was unnerving and she felt suddenly embarrassed.

“Oh, my,” she said and shot to her feet, turning her back to him.

Erich scolded himself for being so bold with her so quickly. But it was difficult to hold back feelings that practically consumed him.

“Forgive me, Kathe.” He stood behind her and spoke softly. “Sometimes I can tend to allow my position to make me a little overbearing. It’s just that . . . what you make me feel is

so . . . well, it’s difficult to explain.”

Although his words warmed Kathe, she doubted she was the first woman to have heard them. Afraid she was only setting herself up for an inevitable fall, she said firmly, “Please don’t say things to patronize me, sir. I’m certain that most of the young ladies in Horstberg are quite in awe of you, and are willing to give anything you ask of them at the drop of a hat. But you cannot expect me to fall into line with the rest of them.”

It took Erich a minute to absorb what he was being accused of. While his immediate response might have been to get angry or defensive, he reminded himself that she must have her reasons for feeling that way. His behavior with her had not been exactly proper when they’d only met just today.

“I can assure you, Miss Lokberg,” he said kindly, “that the opinions or desires of most of the young ladies in Horstberg are of no consequence to me.” She made no response, and he gingerly took her shoulders into his hands, whispering behind her ear, “You misunderstand me, Kathe.”

“Then perhaps you should make your intentions clear, sir,” she said, wishing she could control the eruption of butterflies inside her.

“Erich,” he corrected. “My name is Erich.”

“Forgive me . . . Erich. Perhaps you should make your intentions clear, Erich.”

He chuckled tensely. “How does a man explain such things to a woman he’s only just met without sounding like an utter fool? I only know that I’ve never felt this way before, and I want to spend the rest of eternity feeling this way.”

Erich felt her shoulders rise and fall as her breath quickened. He sensed some kind of emotion, but her voice was steady when she said, “You’re frightening me, Erich.”

“What are you afraid of?” he asked, moving his hands down her arms and up again.

Kathe was amazed at his candor, but she fought to keep her wits and just answer the question. “I see no reason why we shouldn’t be completely honest with each other. It’s hard for me to believe that a man like you would be genuinely interested in a woman like me. There, I said it.”

Erich turned her to face him. “What do you mean . . . a woman like you?”

Kathe was briefly silenced by the genuine alarm in his eyes. “Look at me, Erich,” she said, though it wasn’t so easy to speak firmly when she had to face him. “I’m a common woman.”

“I know.” He smiled. “That’s what I like about you.”

“I don’t understand.”

Erich touched her face with the back of his fingers. “I don’t believe in mixing matters of the heart with social status and politics. It’s like mixing oil and water. Eventually one always settles beneath the other. My mother has no royal blood, Kathe. My sister married a stablehand.”

“She did?” Kathe was genuinely surprised.

He nodded. “Maggie’s husband is a good man, and he’s well suited to our family. What he was before he married her is irrelevant. They love each other.”

Kathe took a step back as the reality of their conversation echoed through her mind. Love. Marriage. Matters of the heart. What was he saying? They stared at each other in agonizing silence while she attempted to understand what was happening. They were both startled when Little Karl came running out the door to announce, “Papa says to tell you they’re having coffee in the parlor and you should come in.”

“We’ll be right there, Karl,” Kathe said. “Thank you.”

Erich smiled and offered his arm. “It would seem we’ve been unchaperoned long enough.”

“Perhaps too long,” she said wryly as they walked toward the door.

Kathe was grateful to be released from the conversation. It seemed the confusion of her feelings had only been getting her deeper into territory she wasn’t ready to tread. Sitting in the parlor, she was glad her father kept Erich busy answering questions about politics and his family. Occasionally Erich caught her eye from across the room, and she couldn’t deny the feelings he spurred in her. Could it be possible he’d been telling her the truth? She could hardly fathom the idea that Prince Erich of Horstberg might feel this same way toward her.

Kathe was lost in thought when she heard Theodor say, “Are you with us, sis?”

“I’m sorry. Were you talking to me?”

“I was just wondering if you’re busy tomorrow,” Erich said.

“Uh . . .” she stammered, wondering if she could tolerate this another day. How could she handle what being in his presence did to her, not to mention his probing questions and bold references? And yet the hours in his absence just today had seemed almost unbearable. “I . . . uh, well . . .” She was so confused she couldn’t even talk.

“Oh, she’s not busy,” her father said, and Kathe glared subtly at him.

“Do you ride?” Erich asked.

“Yes, she does,” Theodor answered for her.

“I can speak for myself, thank you.” She scowled toward her brother. Then to Erich, “I ride adequately enough, you could say.”

“Would you join me in the morning, then?” Erich asked.

“I don’t know,” Theodor teased, “she could get a bad reputation hanging around with the likes of you.”

“No doubt.” Erich smirked. “I’d love to have you join me,” he added to Kathe. “Provided it’s all right with your father, of course.” He glanced toward Karl, then set his eyes on Kathe as he took a casual sip from his cup of coffee.

“It would do her good to get out,” Karl said.

“Well then, I guess that settles it,” Kathe muttered, coming to her feet abruptly. “Come along, Little Karl.” She held out a hand toward him. “It’s time we got you into bed.”

“But I don’t wanna—”

“It’s already late,” she insisted. “Don’t argue with me.”

Kathe returned to the parlor nearly an hour later to find the men still talking and laughing. She listened quietly as they countered ideas back and forth concerning some national dilemma. Again she was startled when Erich directed a question at her. “What do you think, Miss Lokberg?”

“I fear I’m not well informed on political matters, sir. You’ll find me rather ignorant in that respect.” She was hoping to convince him that she was not the kind of woman he should be interested in, despite her hope that he was not just idly toying with her.

Erich countered her theory with his easy reply. “Then you would have much in common with my sister.”

Kathe managed a smile, and the conversation turned elsewhere. She was both relieved and disappointed when Erich finally left for the night, declaring he’d return in the morning to get her. He hadn’t been gone long before she realized that the essence of himself that he’d left behind would make it very difficult for her to get any sleep.

Erich postponed going to bed by every means he could think of. When it couldn’t be put off any further, he finally climbed reluctantly into bed, not feeling at all sleepy—exhausted, yes, but not sleepy. The day had been enormous in his eyes, and draining of his strength, but his mind spun in circles over the implications of his already complex feelings for Kathe. How could this be? Every element of logic told him he needed to be cautious and take his time. Still, an overpowering, unexplainable sensation rumbled inside of him with a sense of urgency and impatience. He had to ask himself if the feelings of urgency stemmed from this nagging sensation that Nik Koenig might erupt back into his life and put threats in place against him. Convinced that such feelings were only the residual effect of Nik’s behavior years ago, he forced any thoughts of the fiend out of his head and was glad to think only of Kathe. If it was indeed possible to come to love a woman so quickly, and she was indeed the right woman for him, then time and caution seemed irrelevant. He’d been raised to use his head, examine logic and reason, and not overlook any important detail. Such tactics were mandatory in managing the affairs of an entire nation. He had also been raised—with equal emphasis—to trust his instincts and act on them, even when they sometimes contradicted all logic. Overall, he’d been taught that the right course was usually the place where his heart and his head could agree and feel at peace. Examining his heart, Erich knew exactly the course to take. Only certain aspects of logic and reason held him back. He wondered if this was one of those times he needed to abandon his tendency to overanalyze a situation and just follow his heart. Or if he was so wrapped up in the natural allure of Kathe Lokberg that he’d lost his mind.

Turning to prayer, he focused on trying to mentally communicate his dilemma to God. He’d also been taught that God would guide his life, and trusting in that guidance was most important of all. His parents had spoken of times in their lives when God’s hand had been undeniably evident. Erich needed such undeniable evidence now, and he prayed that God might be merciful enough to show him the right path for his life at this time. Although he suspected that God would most likely let him know that he needed to be patient and give the matter some time—which would come across as no answer at all.

Erich finally slept and awoke with a sharp gasp and a pounding heart. Abruptly wrenched from a state of dreaming into full consciousness, he took a few minutes to slow his breathing and feel the beat of his heart return to normal. His mind frantically tried to recall the dream he’d been experiencing, until suddenly the image of it was so clear that he gasped again and a put a hand over the center of his chest while he attempted to take it in. His tendency to analyze and ponder kept him awake another hour or two before he drifted to sleep again, only to wake up abruptly following a repetition of the same dream. After it happened a third time, he rolled out of bed and dressed, knowing that dawn wasn’t far off and that he couldn’t possibly go back to sleep now.

Were these dreams the answer to his prayers? Were they the undeniable illumination of the path he should take? He only had to ask himself the question for his heart and head to both immediately agree. In fact, he both felt it and knew it with such certainty that the pounding of his heart returned as if to firmly add an exclamation point to the exactness of what he knew he needed to do. But he also felt the need to talk to someone about it, to share his dreams with a person he trusted. He’d learned long ago that he’d inherited some small degree of his mother’s gift of dreams, but never had he dreamed anything with such force and emotion. Not even his eerie dreams of Nik Koenig had affected him so deeply. He’d heard his mother speak of her dreams and the feelings that accompanied them, feelings that made it clearly evident they were not just ordinary dreams but rather portentous in some way, and they needed to be acted upon. Erich now knew exactly what she meant.

Erich quickly considered the members of his family that he knew he could trust enough to share such private and sacred experiences. He was pleasantly reassured to know that he could talk to any one of them about this and feel understood. But in his heart he most wanted to discuss this with his father. He paced long castle hallways, knowing that his father was usually awake very early, yet he didn’t want to go to his room too early and deny him of much-needed sleep. Erich knew it was common for his father to meet early with Georg and discuss pertinent matters before breakfast, after which the day would typically become very busy and chaotic. Even the servants worked fewer hours than the duke, since the servants worked in shifts, but the Duke of Horstberg was the only man who could make certain decisions, and he also needed to remain informed and aware of every facet of the politics and welfare of his country, and also of his family. And somehow he managed to do it. Erich felt intimidated at the thought of filling this man’s shoes someday. So he didn’t think about it. He just prayed that Cameron lived to be a very old man, and it would be many years before Erich taking over became necessary.

Finally, when Erich knew the duke would likely be awake, he knocked at his parents’ bedroom door. Cameron pulled the door open quickly, already dressed.

“Well, good morning,” Cameron said, clearly surprised to see Erich there so early. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes,” Erich said. “It’s good, actually. I just . . . wondered if we could talk.”

“Of course,” Cameron said immediately.

Abbi appeared at his side, tying a robe around her waist. “Oh, it is you.” She hugged Erich tightly. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mother.” Erich kissed her cheek.

“We are going to take a little walk,” Cameron said to Abbi, “and then I’ll meet Georg in the office.”

“Have a lovely time,” Abbi said with a smile and kissed her husband before the two men left the room and walked together slowly down the stairs. They said nothing beyond comments on the weather until they had passed by the officers standing guard at the door of the duke’s office.

When they were out of hearing range, they slowed their pace and Cameron asked, “So, what’s on your mind, son? I would guess you didn’t sleep well.”

“Off and on.” Erich got right to the point. “I had a dream.” Cameron turned to look at him while they kept walking. “The same dream three times, actually.”

Cameron stopped walking, and Erich turned to face him. “Was this a good dream, or . . .” Cameron didn’t seem to want to know if it was otherwise. And Erich had no desire to tell him of his haunting dream about Nik Koenig.

“Very good, I think,” Erich said, keeping his focus only on Kathe. “But . . . overwhelming.”

Cameron motioned toward a nearby doorway, and they entered one of the many parlors in the castle where they could have some privacy. Once they were both seated with the door closed, Cameron said, “Are you going to tell me about this dream, or—”

“If that’s all right.”

“Of course,” Cameron insisted. “From what your mother tells me, they can be difficult to describe, but I am happy to listen and will do my best to understand.”

“I knew you would,” Erich said.

As if the connection had just occurred to Cameron, he asked, “Is this about the woman you went to see yesterday?”

“It is, actually.” Erich gave his father a brief summary of what had happened the previous day, how he felt, and how he’d been praying prior to falling asleep.

“And then the dream,” Cameron said with anticipation.

“Yes,” Erich said, overcome with a fresh pounding of his heart. “It wasn’t terribly complicated—just . . . powerful.” He took a deep breath. “I saw the two of us together, and we were surrounded by brilliant light—almost blinding light. It was . . . perhaps . . . unearthly. It felt . . . like heaven. Literally . . . like heaven.”

Erich was startled by hearing the sharp breath his father took. Their eyes met and Cameron echoed, “Literally?”

“Well . . . that was the feeling, but I see it to be metaphorical . . . of course.”

“Of course,” Cameron echoed again, but his brow was creased with a concern Erich didn’t understand.

“Is something wrong?” Erich asked. “I just . . . wanted to tell someone about the dream. When I consider how it’s made me feel, I don’t have any doubt that she is the right woman for me, and I don’t feel any need to move slowly just for the sake of propriety or any other reason. Actually, I feel more of an urgency to just . . . move ahead.”

“Urgency?” Cameron echoed.

“Are you going to keep repeating what I say, or—”

“Forgive me,” Cameron said. “I’m just . . . trying to understand. Your mother has always told me that the feelings that come with her dreams are perhaps more important than the actual dreams.”

“Yes, I know.”

“So . . . your interpretation of the dream would be . . .” Cameron motioned with his hand for Erich to summarize.

“She is the one, and there is no need for me to stew over it or waste time. I’ve been waiting for years to find someone to spend the rest of my life with. I’m moving forward. That’s all.”

Cameron took that in for a long moment before he smiled. “Well, then.” He put a hand on Erich’s shoulder. “That is wonderful news.”

“It is, isn’t it.” Erich let out a breathless laugh. “Now, I just need to convince her that this is right.”

“If it’s right, it shouldn’t take too much convincing.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Erich said lightly. “According to my mother, you required a great deal of convincing long after she knew it was right.”

“True.” Cameron laughed, his previous concern completely absent. “But I’m much more stubborn than the average person.”

Erich drew in a deep breath. “Wish me luck, then.”

“All the luck in the world,” Cameron said, his voice expressing the love he felt for his son.

Erich stood up and Cameron did the same. “I suppose I will see you later, then. Sorry I haven’t been much good in an official capacity.”

“Oh, you’ve earned some time off. And don’t wait too long to tell me how it’s coming along.”

“Of course,” Erich said.

They shared a quick embrace, and Erich hurried out of the room, but it only took him a few minutes to realize that it was still very early, and he couldn’t show up at Kathe’s door before breakfast. He returned to his own room, feeling suddenly exhausted from the lack of sleep, but he knew that attempting to rest now would be ridiculous. His mind naturally went to Kathe, wondering how she might be feeling about all of this. He couldn’t simply assume that she would be agreeable just because he knew the direction that felt right to him. Although he had plenty of evidence that she felt something for him, he couldn’t help being disturbed by her evident mistrust of his motives. When his thoughts only confused him, he got cleaned up and left a note for Theodor, telling him to see to the usual and take the rest of the day off.

It was still early when Erich knocked at Han and Maggie’s bedroom door, but he knew his brother-in-law would be awake by now, and Han answered the door dressed for the day.

“Good morning,” Han said and slipped out of the room.

“I hope I didn’t disturb you,” Erich said as they started down the hall.

“Oh, no. I need to meet my father in a while. Maggie sleeps late these days. Pregnancy, you know.”

Erich nodded his understanding.

“What do you need?” Han asked, especially attentive, as if he sensed something unusual.

“I need some advice, I think. It’s about . . . women.”

“Ooh,” Han teased. “Maggie mentioned that you were asking all kinds of questions. You’ve met someone?”

“Yes, I have, actually. It’s about time, don’t you think?”

“I’d say. So, what’s the problem?” Han moved into a windowed alcove with a cushioned seat, and they both sat down.

Erich briefly debated over whether or not to tell Han about his dream, but he decided to use this conversation to test his theories with a more practical approach. “I can’t deny that my feelings for her have blossomed very quickly . . . and it’s difficult to know how to move forward exactly, but . . . I have to be honest with her, don’t I?”

“That’s a good theory, but such things can be sensitive. There was a long period of time when Maggie had no desire to hear my feelings.”

“Yes, but Maggie’s a shrew.” Erich laughed.

“She’s mellowed some,” Han said wryly.

“Thanks to you.”

“I’m already happily married, Erich. We were talking about you.”

“Ah, yes, well . . . it seems that this woman is not necessarily trusting of my motives.”

Han lifted an eyebrow. “What did she say?”

“She told me she couldn’t believe that I would be interested in a woman like her.”

“And what kind of woman is she?”

“She’s just . . . a woman. Does my being a prince make that big of a difference?”

“Oh, you’re hitting sensitive spots there,” Han said, albeit lightly. “Those differences shouldn’t matter, but unfortunately to many people they do. However, as long as the two of you are both the kind of people who can put the issue aside and marry for love, it should be irrelevant.”

“All right. So, why would she not trust my motives? She implied that I was toying with her, and you know more than anyone that I have never toyed with women.”

“She doesn’t know that.”

“She doesn’t know otherwise.”

“If she really likes you, she’s probably afraid that you’re toying with her.”

Erich liked that theory—the liking him part, anyway. But it didn’t solve his problem. “So, what do I do?”

“Well.” Han thought a minute. “I’m certainly no expert.”

“But you went through a great deal to win Maggie’s trust.”

“And yours, as I recall,” Han said impishly.

“And mine,” Erich admitted.

“Well, I’ll tell you what my father told me. I had to find a way to make it clear exactly what my motives were. That’s why I gave your father back the money and refused the job. It would have been impossible for Maggie to blame me of having ulterior motives.”

Han looked at Erich closely and asked, “Is it serious, Erich?”

“Serious?” he echoed. “Good heavens, man, if she turns me away now, I’m doomed. I would rather rot in hell than live a day without her.”

“Wow.” Han chortled. “Well, in that case, I’d say you’d better make your intentions clear. If the woman wants commitment, give her commitment.”

“What if I scare her off? We barely know each other.”

“I’m certain you can find a way to make your intentions clear without making her feel trapped. If it’s right, time is irrelevant. I waited a lot of years for Maggie to come around. She was worth waiting for.”

Erich thought of the urgency he’d felt in his dreams that made waiting feel all wrong. But he recalled his mother’s words just yesterday, and added more to himself, “Worth fighting for.”

“That too,” Han agreed.

Erich’s mind drifted to Kathe, momentarily forgetting that he wasn’t alone, and Han’s voice startled him, “You’ve got it bad, boy.”

“Yeah,” Erich chuckled, “I guess I do.”

“I know just how you feel.”

“Yes, I suppose you do.” He added severely, “Did you feel this way about Maggie when you were seventeen?”

“Well, feelings are impossible to compare, but I know I was obsessed with her. I was certain I would die without her, and time just didn’t make it go away.”

Erich sighed. “Maybe I would have been a lot more understanding about the whole thing if I’d had any comprehension. If you felt like this, it’s a wonder you didn’t go insane.”

“Maybe I did,” Han chuckled. “Maggie seemed to think so at times.”

“Well,” Erich slapped Han’s thigh, “I’m glad it all worked out.”

“Me too. I swear I love her more every day.”

“Even though she’s a shrew.”

“Ah,” Han stood and stretched, “it takes a feisty woman to keep guys like you and me in line. Just think of our mothers.”

“Good point.” Erich laughed.

While Han was talking business with his father and Erich was waiting for breakfast to be served, Erich thought through the things Han had said as well as the advice he’d received from his parents. He also considered what he’d dreamed in the night and how it had made him feel. By the time he’d finished eating, he knew what to do, and the thought filled him with fresh excitement.

“Where are you off to?” Abbi asked when he rose from the breakfast table.

“I’m going riding with a certain young lady,” he said.

Cameron comically pretended to choke on his food. “You’re seeing her two days in a row?” he said once he’d pretended that he’d recovered.

“Yes,” Erich said mischievously, “I am. I’m not certain when I’ll be back, but I know you’ll manage without me. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“Get out of here.” Cameron chuckled, and he exchanged a warm glance with his wife as Erich hurried from the room.

Kathe slept little following her evening with Erich du Woernig as her mind vacillated between fear and delight. She didn’t know if it was possible to be in love with a man she’d just met, but when she put her fears aside and examined her feelings carefully, she couldn’t question what her instincts were telling her. Recalling their conversation in the garden, she was embarrassed by her implication that his intentions were not honorable. On the other hand, a little embarrassment was worth having him know that she would not be trifled with. Still, she couldn’t deny that a part of her just wanted to indulge in whatever delight this man might bring into her life. But she also had to admit to a deep fear that all of this was surely too good to last.

Confused and overwhelmed, she finally slept and awoke before dawn with the vivid memory of a strange dream circling in her mind. The implications of all she’d dreamed—combined with all that she felt—made her realize that Erich du Woernig showing up in her life was not just some kind of accident or coincidence. She felt as if she were on the brink of her own destiny, even if she could never find the words to explain how or why such feelings had come to life inside of her. It all felt irrational and ridiculous—and remarkably right. In spite of the strength of her convictions, she reminded herself that there was no reason to think that anything would transpire between them quickly. Or ever, for that matter. She needed to discipline her thoughts and feelings, although she was determined to enjoy her time with Erich and simply remain alert to her instincts.

At the breakfast table, she was surprised when her father pressed his hand over hers and looked into her eyes, saying with resolve, “He’s a good man, Kathe. Don’t go slamming a door in a man’s face before he even knocks on it.”

Kathe looked down, unnerved at how her father could read her so well. Were her concerns so obvious?

“I understand how difficult it was for you to lose your mother,” he said. “And then to lose Leisl, as well. But you mustn’t close off your heart because of it. I miss your mother dreadfully, Kathe, to this day. But she loved me, and I’d not trade a moment with her, even with the emptiness I feel now. It was worth it, and you and Theodor are living proof of how your mother and I felt about each other. Listen to your heart, girl. Maybe he’s not the one for you. Maybe he is. And whether you marry a prince or a butcher is irrelevant to me. I just want you to be happy.”

“Perhaps I would be more suited to a butcher,” she said with a bite to her voice that she knew was an expression of her own nagging doubts.

“Don’t underestimate yourself, Kathe. Perhaps His Highness sees in you what I’ve always seen.”

“And what is that?” she asked, both curious and surprised.

“You have a natural dignity that many women simply don’t possess. Like your mother before you, I believe you could conquer anything—especially for love.”

“Even the next Duke of Horstberg?” Saying it out loud, the convictions she’d felt earlier seemed utterly ludicrous.

“You may have already done that,” he said slyly. “With the way he was looking at you last night, I wonder if his heart isn’t already lost.”

Kathe glanced down timidly. The very thought turned her insides into mush.

“He reminded me much of Theodor when he first brought Leisl home to meet us.”

Kathe’s expression sobered. “But Theodor lost Leisl. And he swears he’ll never marry again. What if I open my heart to a man, and he breaks it? Or even if he returns that love, what if something were to happen to him, or—”

“Kathe,” Karl leaned a little closer, “there’s no predicting the length of a man’s life—or a woman’s. And while we need to be prepared for the future, we can’t live in fear of it. You must live while you can. Each day that two people spend together is a gift they give to each other. Follow your instincts. Savor the moment. If I had to go back and do it again, there is only one thing I would have changed.”

“And what is that?” she asked. Already these feelings awakening inside gave her a bittersweet empathy for her father’s loss of the woman he loved.

“I would have taken more advantage of the life around us. Instead of worrying so much about what was proper and what others might think, I would have taken every opportunity to experience something new and wondrous with her.”

“But Father,” she protested, “he’s a prince.”

“Yes,” Karl smiled, “and a fine one at that. Matters of the heart are not always convenient, Kathe, but if you truly listen to your heart, there is no room for regret.” He chuckled. “I’m not suggesting you go out and do something foolish, by any means. But you’re a good girl. You know what’s right. And when you commit yourself to one man, I’d bet that everything else will work itself out somehow.”

Kathe thought about the things her father had said as she hurried to put the kitchen in order. She put on her best calico dress, wishing for the first time in her life that she had something finer to wear beyond her Sunday dress, which would likely be inappropriate for riding. Her father had often encouraged her to spend more money and time on herself, and she knew the funds were available. But she’d never seen much point in being so frivolous when all she did was go into town occasionally and work in the garden. But perhaps that was about to change.

With her hair braided down her back, Kathe hurried to answer the knock at the side door, knowing her father was already out in his workshop and Little Karl had gone down the street to play with a friend.

“Good morning,” she said and pulled the door open. Just seeing Erich there left her a little breathless. All of her stewing and analyzing dissipated as her heart quickened at just the sight of him.

“Good morning,” Erich repeated. “Did you miss me?” he added with a teasing smirk.

“Yes, actually,” she said, and his grin broadened. “How’s your hand?” she asked, nodding toward it.

“It’s feeling much better, thank you, although I haven’t actually looked at it today.”

Kathe looked closer and recognized the bandage she’d put on it yesterday by the way she’d tied it. “Come in here and let me fix that for you,” she scolded. “If you’re not careful, it’s going to get infected, and then you’d have to put it on your list with gunshot, coma, and . . . what was it?”

“Paralysis,” he stated with a quick smile as he sat down in his appointed spot at the kitchen table.

“You still haven’t told me about that.” She unwrapped the bandage.

“It’s all very tedious, I can assure you.”

“Surely you’re teasing me,” she said with a little smile while she dabbed disinfectant onto his hand. She glanced up when he made no response. It wasn’t so much the way he shook his head that unnerved her as the look in his eyes when he did. “You can’t be serious,” she insisted.

“As I said,” his voice was toneless, “it’s all very tedious, and not worth talking about.”

“If you—” she began, but he interrupted her, holding up his good hand.

“I’ll tell you about it some other time.” He smiled. “Not today.”

Kathe wanted to argue. The very idea of his having endured such serious ailments was unnerving, and she wondered why she would feel this much concern for someone she’d not yet known twenty-four hours. He smiled again and she didn’t have to wonder. She was falling in love with him—plain and simple. Falling? She nearly laughed out loud at the thought. If she was completely honest with herself, she had to admit she’d fallen hard and fast the minute he’d sat down in that chair yesterday.

Within a few minutes she had his hand bandaged up neatly. They walked out to the stable together where he insisted on saddling her horse.

“She’s a beautiful animal,” Erich commented as he tightened the strap beneath the horse’s belly. “My mother comes from horse-breeding people. We take great pride in our horses.”

“So I see,” she said, admiring his fire-colored stallion.

“Your mount, my lady.” He held out a hand for her.

Kathe’s hand tingled as it slipped into his. She was briefly uncertain as he bent his knee just underneath the stirrup, but he patted the knee with his free hand to indicate that she put her foot there. She hesitated a moment, then did it, and she felt nearly weightless as he hoisted her into the saddle with ease.

“Where did you learn to do that?” she asked as he put the reins into her hand.

“I grew up riding with my mother and sisters. They’re all rather short.” He smiled as he mounted, and she realized it was rare that he didn’t smile.

“Lead the way,” she said, and he trotted up the drive and onto the street, riding toward the foothills.

Erich observed Kathe discreetly as she brought her horse up to ride beside him. She’d claimed not to be an avid rider, but it was apparent she had a natural ability. She sat tall in the saddle, her back straight. Her full calico skirt was pulled up just high enough for her to straddle the horse, showing her lace-up boots. The dark braid hanging down her back nearly touched the saddle, and he wondered what her hair might look like if it were free. Being with her only strengthened his resolve, and in spite of the short time he’d known her, there was no question about his intentions. He knew he was doing the right thing. The problem would be convincing her that he hadn’t lost his mind.

“A lovely view,” he commented as they paused at the crest of a hill and looked back in the direction they’d come.

“Indeed,” she said, then nodded toward the castle sitting against the mountain to the east. “You really live there.”

“I really do.”

“I’ve been there a few times, but not since Leisl died.”

Kathe expected him to talk about the castle. The subject was wide open. Instead he said, “Her death must have been very difficult for you.”

Kathe nodded and repeated his admonition from earlier. “Let’s talk about that some other time.”

Erich looked again across the landscape before them. They could almost see into town from here. “This is a beautiful valley,” he said.

Kathe absorbed the depth beneath his words. She wondered how he might feel to know he would one day be solely responsible for a country. “The most beautiful,” she added with sincerity. “I love Horstberg.”

Erich smiled at her comment. It was the perfect opening for a subject he’d been wondering how to approach. “Enough to bear its name?”

Kathe glanced over at him sharply. His expression told her he wasn’t joking, and her heart immediately raced.

“Allow me to reword the question,” Erich said, decidedly nervous when she made no reply. Had he misunderstood what he’d seen of her feelings? Had he misinterpreted his dreams? Unable to back down now, he forged ahead with courage, his voice quivering slightly. “Will you bear my name?” Not even her eyes flickered. “Will you marry me?” he asked in exasperation.

Kathe felt suddenly so consumed with confusion and emotion, she couldn’t face him another second. Not knowing how to react, she dismounted and walked away, but Erich did the same and followed.

“Are you telling me no?” he asked, trying to keep up with her.

“You can’t expect me to answer such a question—now.”

“When?” he insisted. “If you want me to wait a week—a month—a year—fine. My feelings won’t change.” He wanted to add some explanation of the urgency inside that made him want to move forward, but he thought it best to stick with one issue at a time. He knew his feelings wouldn’t change. He just didn’t know how to convince her.

“How can you be so sure?” she asked, finally stopping to face him.

Foregoing the complicated version, he simply stated, “Instinct.” He tightened his gaze on her and added, “I was raised on it. All my life my parents have told me how it feels to find real love. I’ve been waiting for it. I won’t deny that I’ve found it.”

“Love?” she countered breathlessly, unable to believe this was happening, and stunned to realize how deeply he was validating the conviction and urgency she’d been feeling about Erich that she had no way of articulating. Attempting to assert some practicality, she asked, “And what about my feelings? Do I have no say in this? You can’t command me to marry you, Your Highness.” She regretted that last sentence when she saw a glimpse of hurt in his eyes.

Erich withstood the bite of her words, not letting them deter him. He was not giving up that easily. He would not ever give up. Kathe turned to walk away, but he stopped her, taking her arm firmly. “Look at me, Kathe, and tell me that you don’t love me.” The widening of her eyes threw the words back at him, and he couldn’t deny how crazy he sounded.

“You’re taking a lot for granted,” she said but turned her eyes downward, as if she was unable to do as he’d asked.

“Look at me!” he insisted. “If you don’t feel it, all you have to do is say so and I’ll leave you in peace.” He felt as if he were lying. He knew he could never abandon what he felt, or the hope of a future with her. Still, his pride bolted forward as he added, “I’m not about to force my affections on any woman—especially you.” Needing an answer to the question that was making his heart pound and his palms sweat, Erich lowered his voice to an imperative whisper. “Look at me, Kathe, and tell me you don’t love me.”

Kathe could hear herself breathing and knew that he could hear it too. She looked at him defiantly, wanting to tell him he was being arrogant and presumptuous. But to accuse him of that would be to deny her own relief that he’d been brave enough to give a voice to what she truly felt. Sincerity emanated from his eyes, and she felt herself soften with an undeniable truth that connected somewhere in the space between them. She glanced down again and breathed out the words on a whispered sigh, “I can’t.”

Erich took a breath of relief as his arms came around her. He closed his eyes a moment, just to absorb the reality, and pressed his lips to her brow.

“How can this be happening?” she asked softly, easing further into his embrace. “I don’t understand.”

“I don’t understand it either, Kathe. But it’s right and I know it.” He drew back to look into her eyes. “I love you, Kathe Lokberg. It’s as simple as that.”

Kathe took a sharp breath and reminded her heart to start beating again. She wondered if she was dreaming. Erich du Woernig had just admitted he loved her. Her. Good heavens, he’d asked her to marry him! The reality was unnerving and she took a step back as if putting distance between them might help her see this more realistically.

“I’m not sure I can do it,” she admitted.

“I’m not such a bad guy.” He closed the distance between them and put an arm around her waist.

“It’s not that,” she said and impulsively touched those red curls. She’d wanted to since she’d first laid eyes on him. “Theodor has spoken nothing but praise of you. It’s just that . . .” She hesitated and his eyes narrowed in question. “Erich,” she said, “you will be the Duke of Horstberg. That’s no life for a girl like me. Look at me. I’m . . .”

“Beautiful,” he said when she faltered. “Let me tell you something, Kathe. I believe, because I’ve seen evidence of it, that good rulers are made of honest, hard-working men, and that’s what I try to be. Good marriages come from love and mutual respect. Good marriages make good rulers better. I would require nothing of you as my wife beyond what you have already proven capable of handling. I want to marry you, Kathe, because I love you. This is what I’ve been searching for, but I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t believe that I could make you happy. I’m not saying that life with me would be easy. My father professes almost daily that he would rather have been a blacksmith. But he’s given my mother a good life, and they’re happy. There are certain responsibilities attached to the du Woernig name, I admit. But I swear by all I hold sacred, with you by my side, I believe we could handle anything.”

Kathe was speechless as she stared into his eyes. No matter which direction she forced her mind to go, she couldn’t come up with one reason to tell him no that didn’t sound shallow and impertinent. If he were a farmer, asking her to work side by side with him in the fields, she would do it. If he were a gypsy, asking her to leave her home and travel the earth with him, she would do it. She never would have believed in love at first sight, that feelings could be so undeniable, so consuming. But now, as she looked into his eyes, she could not deny that something beyond mortal comprehension had drawn them together. Instinctively, she believed that what he had said was true. For Erich du Woernig, she could do anything.

Erich began to feel vulnerable from her silence until his own adoration became overtly mirrored in her eyes. He impulsively went down on one knee and smiled shyly, saying again, “Will you marry me, Kathe?”

She laughed with tears in her eyes. “Yes,” she murmured, “yes, I will. I will!”

Erich laughed as he stood and pulled her off the ground, turning around with her until they were both dizzy. He set her feet back on the ground, and they leaned against each other to regain their equilibrium.

“Oh, Kathe,” he murmured and took her face into his hands, looking into her eyes as if he might find there the reasons she had changed his life so abruptly and unexpectedly. “I feel like I’ve waited my entire life for this moment . . . and I don’t know what else to say. It’s as if . . . I’ve always lived under the cover of clouds, and the sun has finally come out, but . . .” He laughed again. “I feel crazy, and yet . . .”

“More sane than ever?” she asked, bringing a hand to his face.

“Yes,” he said firmly, realizing she meant the words to be applied to herself as well.

“This is not like me,” she insisted.

“Nor is it like me,” he countered.

“And yet here we are.”

“Yes, here we are.” His voice softened, and he leaned more toward her, slowly closing his eyes before he pressed his lips to hers. Nothing had ever felt so right and so perfect in his entire life.

Kathe lost her breath as she absorbed their kiss. She opened her eyes to see him gazing at her with the same wonder that she felt. Then he kissed her again, and she marveled at the intensity of his kiss, and more so at her own response. She heard herself moan gently and moved instinctively closer, threading a hand into his hair. He set her lips free only to press his over her face and into her hair.

“I’m not sure I can do it,” she said again.

Erich looked at her and grinned. “I’m not asking you to marry me tomorrow. There will be time to prepare. I can assure you there is nothing to be concerned about.”

He kissed her again, and what could she do but believe him?

“Come home with me,” he whispered. “Right now. I can’t wait to show you off.”

“Erich,” she took a step back, “not now. I’m not dressed to meet royalty.”

He laughed. “Before this day is out, my sweet Katherine, you will realize the du Woernigs are just ordinary people.”

He took her hand and ran back toward the horses, and she almost believed him. Erich du Woernig was so wonderfully normal that she couldn’t question his ability to make her happy.

Kathe caught her breath as they rode up the hill to Castle Horstberg. “It’s been so long,” she said. “I’d forgotten.” She smiled over at him. “I never would have dreamed . . .”

“That you would raise your children here?” he provided.

Kathe nodded subtly, trying not to appear too aghast.

“Well,” he smiled with humble pride, “it is a quaint little place. Been in the family for years.”

Kathe chuckled. “You are a funny man, Erich du Woernig.”

“So I’ve been told,” he said, and they rode beneath the huge arched gate. The horses’ hooves echoed in the courtyard, and Erich helped her dismount when a servant came to take the animals to the stables.

“Are you sure I look all right?” Kathe asked as they came through the door.

“You look perfect,” he said and stopped to kiss her briefly. “I love you. Don’t worry. They will too.”

Kathe became breathless as they stepped into the great hall where two huge staircases rose in different directions, with a balcony in between them. She’d never seen this part of the castle before, and she had an overwhelming desire to hover and move slowly, absorbing every detail as if it were a museum. But with her hand in Erich’s, she was ushered quickly down a long hall.

“Do you ever get lost?” she asked, trying not to gape.

“Occasionally,” he answered quite seriously, and she laughed.

Erich paused before a door where two officers in uniform stood. He greeted them comfortably, and Kathe could hear masculine voices laughing from within the room. He pushed the door open without knocking, and they entered holding hands. Three men came to their feet in unison, all of them as tall as Erich.

Erich savored the lengthy moment of astonished silence as Cameron, Han, and Georg all absorbed the evidence that Erich had brought a woman here. He’d never brought a woman to the castle, and he could well imagine what they all might be thinking. In spite of the conversations he’d had with his father and Han earlier, he doubted they had expected him to show up with this woman today. He wondered with sweet anticipation how his loved ones would respond to the news he had to share.

Kathe tried not to feel nervous as these men of imposing stature were all clearly taking in her appearance, and not at all discreetly. She squeezed Erich’s hand tightly and felt him squeeze back, but her nerves were still on edge.

“This must be serious,” one of the men finally said, and Kathe focused on the man who had spoken. She smiled to see a near replica of Erich, the main difference being hair color and age. He had to be Erich’s father. She reminded herself that this was the Duke of Horstberg, and she discreetly pressed her arm around her middle to suppress a fluttering deep inside.

“Father,” Erich said easily, “I would like you to meet Miss Kathe Lokberg.”

“It’s truly a pleasure, Miss Lokberg.” The duke held out his hand and smiled warmly.

Kathe took it and nodded, and then she whispered to Erich, although they all heard, “Should I curtsy?”

Everyone but Kathe chuckled, and Erich said, “I don’t think he’ll care one way or the other.” He then motioned toward a man near the duke’s age and said, “This is Georg Heinrich, my father’s highest advisor.”

Georg nodded. “Miss Lokberg.”

“And this,” Erich said, slapping the third occupant of the room on the shoulder, who appeared to be closer to Erich’s age but resembled Georg Heinrich a great deal. “This,” he repeated, “is Han Heinrich, my highest advisor, and my brother-in-law. And they’re all my best friends.”

Han, too, greeted Kathe, and she saw him pass Erich a discreet smirk. Once introductions were complete, she glanced around the room and realized she didn’t feel as uncomfortable as she might have expected. They all seemed normal enough, and very accepting of her. But when nothing more was said, Kathe’s nerves began to rise again.

“We were just going to lunch,” Cameron du Woernig finally said to break the silence. “You must join us, Miss Lokberg.”

“Splendid idea,” Erich piped in.

Kathe looked at him dubiously, but he offered an expression of reassurance, and they all went into the hallway. Erich put his arm around Kathe as they moved toward the dining room, and the others fell in step behind. She could almost imagine them speculating with hand signals, but she was too preoccupied with the thought of eating a meal at Castle Horstberg to worry about it. She was scared to death over what she had yet to face.

Kathe walked into the dining room and immediately saw two women and two children—a boy and a girl—just being seated. They all had red hair of varying shades. As they entered, she felt heads turning in her direction, eyes focusing on her. Kathe’s nerves erupted all over again as Erich hurried her across the room toward them.

“Kathe, I would like you to meet my sister, MagdaLena Heinrich, but you should call her Maggie.”

“Maggie,” Kathe said, briefly stunned by his sister’s beauty. She couldn’t recall ever seeing such a conventionally beautiful woman in her life.

“And my mother.” Erich took the duchess’s hand and pressed a kiss to her cheek. The gesture warmed Kathe, and she became briefly distracted by it. She was almost startled when he added, “Abbi du Woernig, the Duchess of Horstberg.” He smiled as he finished the introduction, “But then, you already knew that.”

Kathe nodded, wondering again if she should curtsy. But Erich saved her by putting his arm around her shoulders and adding, “May I introduce Miss Kathe Lokberg.”

“It’s a pleasure, Miss Lokberg,” Maggie said with a smile that reminded her of Erich.

“Oh, please, call me Kathe,” she said.

Kathe was pleasantly surprised when the duchess took both her hands and quickly kissed her cheek. “It is so good to meet you, Kathe.”

“And you,” Kathe said. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“And I’ve not heard nearly enough about you.” Abbi smiled toward Erich, an overt sense of wonder in her eyes. “I trust my son has been treating you well.”

Kathe felt herself blush, but she managed to cover it quickly. “He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

“Imagine that,” Han said with a smirk and kissed Maggie before he helped her with a chair. Kathe noticed then that Maggie was expecting a baby.

Erich introduced the children, Hannah age eight, and Stefan age seven, and he declared there was another child, Gerhard, who was currently down with a cold. He escorted Kathe to a chair and helped her with it before sitting beside her. She thought of him doing the same at her home, just yesterday. It was incredible to believe that life could change so quickly.

The duke kissed his wife before they were seated, and Kathe was beginning to understand what Erich meant about being raised with an instinctive desire to find love. It shone from his parents’ eyes.

The talk was light and the meal delicious, once she got used to the servants. Erich met her eyes often, and if she felt nervous, he dispelled it with an obvious sparkle of love and excitement.

“So,” the duke directed a comment to Kathe, “how long have you been acquainted with Erich?”

Kathe smiled timidly. “About twenty-four hours now.”

Erich chuckled, and Cameron added more to Erich, “It’s no wonder I’ve not gotten any work out of you.” He smiled toward Kathe. “With such pleasant distraction, who’d want to be working?”

“I’d say he’s earned a little time off,” Han said. “I took off several months to be with Maggie.”

“Ah, but that was hard work,” the duke said, and everyone but Kathe chuckled.

“I’ll tell you later,” Erich whispered.

Kathe whispered in return, “Is he the stablehand that—”

“Are you talking about me?” Han asked lightly.

“Actually, we are.” Erich said more to Kathe, “Yes, he used to be a stablehand, but he loves us anyway.”

Han shook his head with a comical glare of disgust that made Kathe smile. “There are some things a person can never live down.”

A minute later the duchess said, “So, your name is Lokberg. Who do I know that’s a Lokberg?”

“You know Kathe,” Erich said.

“Besides that.”

“Theodor,” Erich added. “Kathe is his sister.”

Han erupted in laughter, and Erich glared at him.

“Forgive me,” Han said, before laughing again until he pressed a hand over his mouth.

“Is something funny?” Maggie asked, seeming perturbed.

“Oh,” Han chuckled, “it’s just that . . . who’d have believed that Theodor Lokberg would have such a charming sister?”

“My thoughts exactly,” Erich said.

“Tell us about yourself, my dear,” the duchess said warmly with a sparkle in her eyes.

Kathe wanted to say everything just right, but the only answer she could think of was, “There is little to tell.”

“Nonsense.” Erich laughed, lifting his glass to her in a gesture of admiration. “She’s witty. She’s beautiful, as you can see. She’s not afraid to put me in my place.”

Kathe’s eyes widened at this, but his father said, “Very good!”

“She has a beautiful garden,” Erich continued. “She likes the roses especially; they are incredible roses. She’s also a competent nurse.” He held up his bandaged hand and smiled at her. “She’s a marvelous cook. She can handle a horse rather well. She’s going to be the next Duchess of Horstberg. She’s a marvelous cook. Did I say that already? Oh yes, and she loves me.”

An awed silence fell over the room as everyone—including Kathe—gaped at Erich in astonishment. He gave her one of his winsome smiles, and her heart quickened. She glanced around the table and saw emotion in every expression—even the children—but she couldn’t be certain over the general reaction.

“Abbi,” the duke finally said, “I’d swear I’m losing my hearing. Did he just say what I think he said?”

“What do you think he said, dear?” she asked, and a beaming smile broke across her countenance.

“I’d swear he said this woman loves him.”

“I think that’s what he said, Cameron.”

“Is that true, young lady?” the duke asked Kathe. It was difficult to tell if he was teasing or not, and she wondered for a moment if he might be upset over all of this happening so quickly. She could almost imagine him telling Erich he was a fool to marry some common woman he’d only met yesterday.

Kathe felt Erich squeeze her hand beneath the table. With courage she lifted her chin and gave the only possible answer, “Yes, sir, I love him very much.”

The Duke of Horstberg broke into a boyish grin that reminded her so much of Erich it made her heart flutter.

Following another brief silence while the reality seemed to sink in, Abbi du Woernig got out of her chair and rushed to embrace Kathe as if they’d known each other forever. Then she embraced Erich and said joyfully, “I knew it would happen. I knew it. She’s beautiful, Erich.”

The meal was briefly interrupted as Cameron stood also and walked around the table. He embraced Erich, then turned to Kathe and said, “Come here, young lady.” She wondered how many women in Horstberg had been hugged by the duke as he put his arms around her with a warm chuckle. She turned around to be hugged by Maggie and then Han. And Georg. And then little Hannah. Stefan didn’t seem interested in anything but his meal.

Everyone returned to their seats, and Erich was drilled with questions about their meeting and coming to this decision so quickly. She was surprised when he admitted that Theodor had been teasing him about marrying his sister for years.

“I told you that you should listen to your valet,” Cameron said.

Erich looked momentarily astonished, and then he laughed, saying, “That is unbelievable.” He turned to Kathe and explained briefly that Abbi’s father had worked for a time as Cameron’s valet and had told Cameron that he should marry Abbi. Kathe had to admit it was easier to feel that she fit in, knowing the royal family had many common connections.

After the meal, Erich gave her the “brief” version of a tour of the castle. It still took nearly three hours, and she was amazed by the size and grandeur. Late in the afternoon, they shared coffee in the drawing room with Maggie and his mother. Kathe couldn’t help feeling in awe of these women, especially the duchess, who was quite literally considered a legend in her own time. She had to consciously remind herself not to stare at them. Both the duchess and her daughter were very beautiful women, but they had an essence about them that was difficult to define. Kathe felt especially affected by Erich’s mother and longed to know her better. She tried to remain engaged in the conversation without letting on that this entire situation was completely beyond her ability to comprehend as being real. Then something eerily strange happened. At a moment when Kathe realized she was staring at the duchess and was about to turn away, she realized the duchess was staring back at her. Kathe couldn’t force herself to look away.

At first she felt sure this woman was assessing all of the reasons that Kathe was not good enough for her son, and certainly not worthy of following in her footsteps as the Duchess of Horstberg. But Kathe looked deeper at Abbi du Woernig’s expression and saw her own awe mirrored there. Kathe was almost moved to tears to feel a silent connection, an immediate bond, with this great woman. It seemed more that the duchess was attempting to figure out what it was about Kathe that had captured Erich’s heart. And Kathe could never answer that question. She imagined herself decades into the future and doubted she would even then be able to understand what qualities she possessed that would make her fortunate enough to have won the heart of Erich du Woernig.

Kathe was wondering if they would stare at each other for the rest of the day when the duchess stood abruptly and said, “I think Kathe and I should take a little walk.” She offered a smile that put Kathe at ease, and said to Maggie and Erich, “I’m certain the two of you can keep each other company and keep out of trouble for a few minutes.”

“I suppose,” Erich said, imitating a child who didn’t want to be left with his baby sister.

Kathe felt the duchess’s hand on her arm, and she was guided out of the room. As soon as they were in the huge empty hallway, with the door closed behind them, they moved at a slow pace, making it evident there was no destination in mind.

“My dear,” Abbi du Woernig said, “we have all waited a very long time for this day.”

Kathe almost feared that she might suggest she and Erich were moving too quickly, or that perhaps Erich needed to reconsider, especially when so much was at stake. But Abbi pressed her hand over Kathe’s where it still rested on the duchess’s arm. She looked directly into Kathe’s eyes and smiled with perfect serenity. “It warms my heart more than I can say to see that he has finally found the right woman. His instincts are strong and true. I have no doubt that you must be a remarkable woman.”

Kathe glanced down, not knowing what to say, and they continued to walk on very slowly.

“I hope that we can become good friends, my dear,” Abbi went on. “With this betrothal you are as good as my own daughter now, and nothing could make me happier.” Kathe looked up again, once more overcome with that feeling of awe and wonder. “Han was like a son to me from the cradle, so when he married Maggie, he already seemed like my own. Sonia’s husband is a good man, but truthfully we barely know him, and they live so far away. I’ve looked forward to the day when Erich would find the love of his life, knowing that he would bring another daughter into our family.” Abbi stopped walking and turned to face Kathe, putting her hands on Kathe’s arms. “And here you are!” She smiled, and Kathe felt tears gather in her eyes. “May God bless you in this journey.”

When it became evident that Abbi had nothing more to say, but they were still standing there, Kathe spoke with only a subtle tremor in her voice. “You’re so kind. I never imagined . . . any of this . . . could happen to me. It’s like . . . a dream.”

Abbi laughed softly, and they walked on. “Dreams have a way of coming to pass,” she said. “Enjoy every good moment of this one. There are many challenges in the life we lead, but it is also very rewarding. And remember that there was a time when I felt very much like you must be feeling. I certainly never would have imagined falling in love with a king, but being the mother of his children has brought me my greatest joy.” She laughed again. “It’s brought many adventures, as parenting does, but the best times of my life are when matters of state and politics fall to the background and I see that we are a family. Nothing means more than that. And now we are one step closer to being complete.”

Kathe could only say, “Again . . . you are so kind.”

“I am so glad to have you here,” Abbi said, “but I don’t think Erich will tolerate my dominating you for long. We should go back.”

Walking the other direction down the hall, Kathe hurried to say, “You’ve raised a fine son, Your Grace. I haven’t known him long, but I feel that I know him well. I never imagined that a man could be so . . . humble, and kind, and . . .” she laughed softly, “. . . and funny. He’s very funny.”

“Yes.” Abbi chuckled. “He is, isn’t he.” She squeezed Kathe’s hand. “And you must call me Abbi when we are not in public. Or call me Mother if you like; either is fine. But we prefer to save the formality for other times and places.”

“Of course,” Kathe said, and they reentered the room to find Maggie laughing over something Erich had just said, a scene that seemed to punctuate what Kathe had just said about him. Maggie smiled at Kathe as if they had always been friends, and Kathe felt that a true friendship with her was only beginning. As Kathe and Abbi were seated again and Erich took hold of Kathe’s hand, she marveled at the reality. She had not only found a good man to share her life with, she had been given something she had lost a long time ago: a mother and a sister.

They all continued to visit, and Kathe found herself more relaxed and at ease. How quickly she had come to feel at home in a place and situation where she never could have imagined fitting in at all. Every trivial topic they discussed made her feel all the more drawn to Erich and his mother and sister. She loved to see the way Erich teased them, and she became increasingly comfortable as the women regaled her with funny stories from Erich’s childhood. It was evident that he’d grown up much like any other boy, excepting certain requirements of royalty.

“So, where are you off to now?” Abbi asked when Erich rose and took Kathe’s hand.

“The dungeon,” he said, lifting his brows comically.

Abbi and Maggie both grimaced, but Erich rushed Kathe out of the room before anyone could comment. After traversing a small maze of hallways, they came to a significant-looking door. She watched as Erich looked carefully in both directions, as if to be assured that no one was in sight, before he lifted a vase off of a nearby table and reached beneath the doily on which the vase had been sitting to pull out a key. He carefully replaced the vase and made certain it all appeared as it had before, and she wondered over the precaution. From the same table he took up a lamp which he lit with a match that was also left there. With the lamp in one hand, he used the key to open the door, and he motioned Kathe to pass through. He followed and locked the door behind him with the same key. Kathe wondered again over the apparent security but chose not to bring it up now.

“It’s not really a dungeon anymore,” he told Kathe as she followed him down a winding stone staircase while he held the lamp high for her to see. She kept her hand on his arm to maintain her balance and wondered what on earth could be worth going down here for. At the bottom of the ancient staircase that seemed to go on forever, Erich opened a squeaky-hinged iron door with a great deal of aplomb, and she could see that inside was a laboratory. She watched with fascination as he proceeded to demonstrate the hobby he’d already told her much about at lunch the previous day.

“So, what’s the greatest experiment you’ve ever done here?” she asked.

He smiled wryly and declared, “I make love potions.”

Kathe touched his face and said, “I don’t see any need for one.”

Erich laughed and kissed her. Kathe relished the moment, enjoying his kiss that was quickly becoming so familiar, while she mentally tallied all that had happened since Erich had stepped into her boring and ordinary life. He looked into her eyes, and she could both see and feel the evidence that he was truly a prince, simply by the way he made her feel like a princess. But perhaps that was how all women felt when a good man made them feel so loved. Prince or beggar, it was love she could see when he looked at her. She had never imagined that she could be so happy.

Erich was thoroughly enjoying Kathe’s company and not thinking of anything else when a sudden memory rushed unwanted into his mind. It had been years since he’d been in this room and the door had been slammed shut and locked. His surroundings had filled with smoke, and he’d awakened from a coma weeks later. It hadn’t been the only time that his life had been threatened, but in that moment, the memory was so clear that he felt a sudden fear that he was putting Kathe’s life in danger simply by having her in this room, even though the room had been kept safe for years. Recalling his dream of wandering empty castle halls and being shot by Nik Koenig, Erich wondered if he was putting Kathe in danger simply by bringing her into his life. The very idea made him sick to his stomach, and he had to force all such thoughts from his mind.

“Is something wrong?” Kathe asked, proving that she was sensitive to his mood even when he was trying very hard to conceal it.

“No.” He forced a smile. “But let’s go back upstairs. I can assure you there are many rooms in the castle much more appropriate for entertaining the future Duchess of Horstberg.”

Erich led her carefully up the stairs where he relocked the door and returned the key to its hiding place. He was glad to take Kathe to a lovely parlor with sun streaming through the windows to illuminate a vase of fresh flowers on the table near one of the sofas. He watched Kathe inhale their sweet aroma and smile. In his heart he prayed that he could give her the life she deserved, and that loving her would not bring upon her anything but happiness and peace. But something deep inside lured him to believe that Kathe’s life would be made much more difficult for knowing him and loving him. He reminded himself of his convictions in taking this step to move forward in making her a part of his life. It was right and he knew it. He needed to focus on that and try not to worry over things he could not control. But he wondered if she would be so pleased about becoming his wife if she knew even a portion of what he knew.