The Princess Has Amnesia! (Crown & Glory Book 5)

by Patricia Thayer

  Her mother nodded as if she understood. “Are you saying you’re in love with Jake Sanderstone?”

  Just mention of Jake’s name brought Ana pain. But she couldn’t hold her feelings in any longer. “Yes, mother that’s what I’m saying. But a great lot of good it’s doing me. The man couldn’t wait to get rid of me.” Tears flooded her eyes, then spilled down her face.

  Marissa drew her daughter into her arms. She knew how hard it was for Anastasia to admit any weakness. A trait she had definitely inherited from her father.

  As for Mr. Sanderstone wanting to get rid of Anastasia, the queen knew differently. The man had risked his life for her daughter. That alone made him special in her eyes. Pierce himself had witnessed a kiss exchanged between them, and the possessive look in the man’s eyes when he had to let Anastasia go.

  “Maybe the reason Mr. Sanderstone let you go is because he cares so much. And you are a princess. That in itself can be a little overwhelming.”

  “But that shouldn’t stop a person if he truly loves someone.”

  “Darling, you are talking about a man here. A prideful man.”

  Marissa’s first concern had always been her children and their happiness. She’d been lucky enough to have made a love match in her marriage to the king. And she wanted the same for each of her sons and daughters.

  Maybe it was time to test her theory she had on Mr. Sanderstone. To see for herself just how much he cared for Anastasia.

  After all it was her right as queen…and mother.

  A week later, two military escorts arrived and drove Jake down the mountain to a waiting helicopter and flew him to the island. From overhead, he saw the incredible beauty of Penwyck with the green mountain range and the long white sandy beaches.

  It looked like paradise.

  Jake didn’t want to come to Penwyck. It had been Colonel Prescott who had strongly persuaded him that the Royal Elite Team needed to confer with him again about the plane crash, and what took place with the Black Knights.

  He wanted to help as much as possible to stop these rebels but they’d questioned him thoroughly that day. During the past week, a team of men had been sent to the crash site to gather information. They’d carefully exhumed the two bodies he’d buried and took them back to Penwyck.

  Truth was, he liked the distraction, but it only helped for the days, the nights, the long lonely nights, he only had his own company and all he could think about was Ana. How much he missed her and that was why he couldn’t stay in the cabin any longer. So, just as soon as he finished another round of answering questions, he was headed back to the States.

  Jake needed to move on with his life, he just hadn’t figured out how. What were his options? He could go into the private sector as an investigator, or he could go back to the bureau. His superior had always said he’d had a job there. One thing Jake knew, he didn’t want that solitary life again.

  After four hours with the Royal Elite Team, Jake was impressed with the thoroughness of the interrogation. He wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d asked him to strip down and show any birthmarks he had. Finally they called a halt to the proceedings and thanked him for his cooperation.

  Glad it was over, Jake just wanted to head home. The last thing he needed was to run into Ana, although, he was somewhat surprised that he hadn’t seen her. Why should she hang around even if she knew he was going to be here? He’d told her to get on with her life, just like he planned to do.

  A uniformed guard dressed in black trousers and a red double-breasted jacket adorned with a white sash led him into the great hall. The country’s flag, red with a white border and crossed gold sabers in the center, hung on one wall.

  Jake looked around at the rich tapestries on the walls, the imported marble flooring and the high, hand-painted ceilings. On another wall he spotted a portrait of the royal family. The king and queen and their five children. His chest tightened as he examined the beautiful woman who had stolen two weeks of his life, along with his heart. Hell, he had to get out of here. Now.

  He checked his watch. If he left now, he could get back to the cabin by nightfall.

  “Do you need to be somewhere, Jake?”

  Jake turned around to find Colonel Prescott. “Just have to get back before dark. I have animals who depend on me.”

  “Not to worry, there are two men watching the cabin and tending to Max and the horses.”

  “Your people are thorough.”

  “We just wanted to show our appreciation for all you’ve done for Ana.”

  “I told you I don’t want any medals.”

  Pierce grinned. “I assure you, Jake, the queen isn’t going to give you one. Just her thanks.” The colonel raised an eyebrow. “She requested to see you for a few minutes in the rose garden.” He led Jake down a long hallway that displayed beautiful antiques, the walls adorned with several paintings. Jake knew enough about art to recognize the work of famous artists.

  “As an ex-FBI agent,” the colonel began, “what would you think about working with RET?”

  “It’s not exactly my style.”

  “You might be surprised how well you could adapt.”

  “I doubt I would fit in.”

  “I didn’t think I would either.”

  Jake raised an eyebrow. “Since you hold the title of duke, that’s a little hard to believe.”

  Pierce grew serious. “I was awarded the title for my military service. I’m a commoner like you. My father was a minister, my mother a schoolteacher. Not all of us are born into royalty, but that isn’t stopping me from marrying a princess.” He grinned. “I’m engaged to Ana’s sister, Meredith.”

  Prescott’s announcement caught Jake off guard. Suddenly he found himself thinking about a possible chance for him and Ana. He looked around, unable to imagine he could ever fit in here. He’d never fit in anywhere before, but with Ana, it had been different. Damn, he missed her so much. He couldn’t resist asking, “How is Ana…I mean the princess, doing?”

  The colonel gave him a sideways glance. “I’d say she’s doing about as well as you are.”

  Without any more explanation, he led Jake through the large plate glass doors into the garden. Flashes of brilliant colors struck him first, then an intoxicating fragrance. Elegant statues of maidens stood regally among the rows of perfect roses. Fountains spouted water out of cherubs’ mouths and splashed into a pond below where colorful Koi swam. All was surrounded by ten-foot high walls, protecting this private place.

  A beautiful woman appeared under a vine-covered lattice gazebo. She had nearly black hair and sparkling blue eyes. She was dressed in a flowing black skirt and ivory silk blouse. She smiled sweetly and Jake knew instantly she was Ana’s mother.

  He bowed awkwardly. “Your Majesty.”

  “Mr. Sanderstone. So nice to finally meet you.” She held out her hand.

  He took it. “It’s my pleasure.”

  “No, it’s mine to be able to thank the man who was instrumental in returning my daughter to me. I know you jeopardized your own life to keep Anastasia from harm.”

  “I just took a few hits, the bruises are nearly gone.”

  “And then you had to be subjected to more. I hope the RET weren’t too brutal in their interview. I’m sure you understand it’s for national security.”

  “I understand completely,” Jake said. “Besides, my skin is pretty thick. I only hope my cooperation will help bring these men to justice.”

  “We seem to have a problem with that,” the colonel stepped closer. “That’s why we brought you here, Jake. Your credentials are impeccable and your experience with the FBI would be vital to help with our cause. We were hoping we could persuade you to take on the challenge and join our team.”

  Jake had no idea that he would be offered anything. But how could he think about a job that would keep him close to Ana. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think it’s such a good idea.”

  “If it’s a question of money, you will be compensate
d well,” the queen said.

  “No, it’s not about money, Your Majesty.”

  She raised an eyebrow obviously, expecting an explanation for his refusal.

  “I doubt your daughter would be too happy to have me around.”

  The queen looked him in the eye. “I haven’t discussed this with Anastasia. In fact, she has no idea you are here. In all honesty, I wanted to meet you myself and find out what intrigued my daughter so.” She smiled, but didn’t say any more, only checked her watch. “If you’ll excuse me, I have pressing matters to attend to.”

  She turned to the colonel. “Pierce, I’ve decided to send Amira to New York to meet with Marcus Cordello. Now, don’t argue, I’ve already made the arrangements. I feel this is going to take a woman’s touch to get this job done. And I need to put an end to any doubt about my sons.”

  She sighed, then turned back to Jake.

  “So there are no misunderstandings, the Royal Elite Team does not offer positions as a gesture of thanks.” She studied him for a moment. “Your reluctance surprises me, Jake. May I call you Jake?”

  He nodded. “Please.”

  “I took you as a man who is open to new challenges. I could be wrong, of course. Maybe you and Ana should talk before you leave.”

  Jake blinked. “Ana and I said our goodbyes on the mountain.”

  “Maybe that is just as well. Anastasia is going to be angry knowing we were discussing her.” She looked at the colonel. “Pierce, I will talk with you later.”

  The men bowed, waited until the queen disappeared, then Prescott turned to Jake.

  “So you’re just going to walk away from Ana, knowing she’s in love with you.”

  Jake didn’t want to but it was for the best. “You don’t understand. I wouldn’t fit in here.”

  The colonel looked unconvinced. “You could if you truly wanted to.”

  Oh, he wanted to, so bad he could taste it. They were dangling everything he’d ever wanted in his face. “I’ve never fit in many places.”

  “Stop feeling sorry for yourself, Sanderstone. I already know about your past, the good and the bad. You managed to get out of the slums and leave your horrendous childhood behind. You put yourself through school and worked your way up through the ranks of the FBI.”

  Jake tried to hide his surprise, but failed.

  “Do you have any idea what an honor it is to be asked to join the RET? And by the queen herself? Just in case you didn’t read between the lines, she was giving you her permission to pursue Anastasia.”

  A huge ache settled in Jake’s chest. “I didn’t ask her to.”

  “Enough with the bloody attitude. The princess will arrive here shortly. If you’re fool enough to walk out of her life, please let her down gently. But if you’re as smart as I think you are, you won’t walk away.” Prescott turned and marched off.

  The colonel was right, Jake wanted it all. The new start, a place to call home and the love of a woman. All he had to do to get it was risk his heart.

  Jake heard a sound and turned to see Ana walk through the garden. She was as incredibly beautiful as he remembered. Her hair was all soft and flowing. She’d had it trimmed to her shoulders and pulled away from her face. Only a touch of makeup was needed to enhance her already striking features, especially those incredible eyes.

  Ana had on a light gauzy dress with small blue flowers. Heat surged through him as his gaze moved over the fitted bodice, then along the flowing skirt that ended just below her knees. Next came his favorite part, her gorgeous legs. Long, shapely calves and trim ankles that ended with her slender feet encased in a pair of strappy high heels. He was dying.

  She looked up and saw him. “Jake…”

  “Hello, AnP—rincess.”

  “I had no idea you would be here.”

  Ana should have been furious with her mother for doing this, but after seeing Jake she was so grateful.

  “I just finished talking with Queen Marissa and Colonel Prescott. I was about to leave.”

  She couldn’t seem to stop looking at him. His hair was short, but still covered his ears. He wore khaki pants and brown loafers. A suit jacket hung open revealing a light blue shirt with the collar, open. He’d had on a tie earlier, but it was gone now. His face was clean shaven and she noticed another nick on his chin. His eyes were still mesmerizing, and as dark and deep as onyx. She was so angry with the man, and so in love.

  “Don’t let me keep you.” She pointed to the back wall. “There’s a gate that leads out of here. Ask a guard for directions to Pierce’s office. I’m sure he’ll make arrangements for you to return to Wales.”

  One, two…three heart beats passed and Jake hadn’t moved. “I’ve missed you,” he said.

  Ana shook her head, not wanting to hear he’d missed her, but didn’t have room for her in his life. “Please, Jake. Don’t. You said everything you wanted when I left the mountain. Just go back to your cabin and have a happy life.” She turned away, hoping he’d leave, praying he’d stay.

  He walked up behind her. “I was thinking about selling it.”

  Shocked, she swung around. “No! You can’t. You love it there.”

  Jake glanced away. “It’s not the same.”

  Ana saw something in his eyes and she tentatively moved closer. “Why isn’t it the same, Jake?”

  He drew a breath. “Dammit, you’re not there. That’s why.”

  A thrill raced through her. “Was that so hard to say?”

  “Oh, Ana…” He shook his head and reached for her hand. She gasped as if it were her lifeline. And it had once been exactly that.

  “I have no idea why I’m here. Ana, you deserve better than someone used up by life. Someone who’s seen what I’ve seen and been where I’ve been.”

  “Then why did you stay to see me, Jake?” A tear escaped down her cheek as she waited for him to say the words she needed to hear.

  His eyes held hers. “I thought I could leave, but I can’t. For the first time in my life, I’m afraid—afraid I can’t give you what you want, what you need.” He swallowed. “Dammit! I’ve never been good at relationships.”

  She wanted to rush into his arms, but held her ground. “There’s only one thing I need from you, Jake.” They both knew what that was. “Nothing else matters.”

  “How can you say that?” He glanced around. “You live in a palace.”

  “The two weeks I spent with you were the happiest in my life.” She raised her hand to his face and he immediately turned into the palm and kissed it. “I think you were happy, too. I think you’ve missed me.”

  “Like crazy.”

  “Then ask me to come back.”

  Jake closed his eyes as raw emotion clogged his throat. She was offering him everything. All he had to do was reach out and take it. “Do you think you could be happy with a guy like me?”

  “That all depends. What do you have in mind?”

  She wanted him to say the words.

  “Forever. I have forever in mind, Ana. I love you. I love you so much,” he murmured and drew her against him. Brushing his fingers through her hair, he cupped her face. “I wanted you from the moment I first saw you. Even bruised and soaked to the skin, you were so beautiful. And you were right, Ana. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. I can’t live without you.”

  “Oh, Jake, I love you, too.”

  He wanted it all with her. “I’ve never had a home, Ana. A family. My own father never claimed me.”

  She tightened her hold on him. “You have a family now. Me.”

  Unable to express his gratitude in words, he lowered his head to hers and placed a tender kiss on her lips, then pulled back and was humbled by the love he saw in her eyes.

  “Ana, I swear, I’ll try to be the man you need.”

  “You already are that man. I love you, Jake. We can make a life here, or I’ll go live with you at the cabin.”

  Overwhelmed by her faith, he bent down and kissed her. This time he wasted no time and
teased her tempting mouth as his tongue delved inside for a taste. She moaned as her hands went into his hair and pulled him closer. When he broke away, they were both breathless.

  “Since I have a job offer here, I think it would be wise to stay in Penwyck. That is if you’ll do me the honor of marrying me.” His voice was rough with desire and emotion.

  Ana’s smile lit up her entire face. “I was wondering if you were ever going to get around to asking. Oh, yes, Jake. I’ll marry you.”

  He kissed her again, and again. Finally he tore his mouth away and trailed kisses down her neck. “I expect you want the big church wedding.”

  “No, not with my father’s illness. Besides, I don’t want to wait too long.” She smiled. “I was hoping we could be married a little sooner. Maybe in a few weeks with just family and some friends and maybe the children from the Marlestone House. I’d like to continue my work at the orphanage.”

  Smiling, he held her tight against him and placed a quick kiss on her mouth. “Anything my princess desires.”

  Epilogue

  A month later, Jake drove the old truck up the road and over the rise to the cabin. He parked next to the shed and jumped out, raced around to the other side and opened the passenger door for his new bride.

  When Ana had said she wanted to honeymoon at the cabin, he thought it was a crazy idea. He wanted to take her somewhere spectacular in the world, but in the end he realized she’d been right. This was the place where they met and fell in love. It was only fitting they start their new life here…together.

  Dressed in a pair of slate-gray wool slacks and a burgundy sweater, Ana started to climb out of the truck when Jake scooped her up into his arms. She laughed at his romantic gesture and placed her arms around his neck.

  “Oh, this is nice. But don’t hurt yourself, husband, I have plans for you tonight.”

  He kissed her. “I wonder if they’re the same as mine.” He enjoyed her provocative smile as he carried her across the yard to the porch and they were greeted by Max.

  “Hello, boy,” Ana called. The dog wagged his tail.

  “Sorry, fella,” Jake began, “You’ll have to wait for some attention. She’s mine today.”