Tempting the Crown

by Violet Paige

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Damon has told me a short version of the situation I’m sure, but I don’t want to be one more reason she stays away from Freychon.”

  “Believe me, you are not the reason. I’m the only one willing to visit her anymore.”

  “I’m sure you were excited about the olive grove vote. Damon told me you spent time there before our trip.”

  “That was his victory, not mine. I go where I’m requested. Which is actually why I’m here.” She flipped her long hair over her shoulder. Her high cheek bones were dusted with a light pink.

  “What do you mean?”

  She grinned. “As the king’s advisor I was hoping you’d be able to put in a request for me.”

  I laughed. “You can’t be serious. You’re his sister. You have more pull than I do.”

  “True, but with a little nudge from his favorite consort I think my idea would be more successful.”

  “I don’t have that kind of influence. Really. Damon makes his own decisions.”

  “Then think of it as a favor.”

  “Ok. I’m happy to help with a favor. But please, not as Consort. I wouldn’t feel right.”

  She sighed lightly. “You have so much to learn about royal politics. Anyway, I’ve been trying to convince my brother to send me to Spain.”

  “Spain?”

  “Yes. I need to get away from Galona for a while. I’m tired of these rural trips. I need a vacation. And not a fake vacation where I have to make appearances. An actual, honest to God break from being princess.”

  I didn’t feel like I could ask her what was behind the request. Besides, she should be able to travel where she wanted. But I was learning that everyone in the family had issues with the crown. It was like a ghost that haunted them.

  “Sure. I’ll say something,” I offered.

  “That’s it? You’re not going to squeeze answers out of me?”

  I shook my head. “No. I’m sure you have a reason for wanting to go. My parents didn’t try to talk me out of studying in Freychon. I’m twenty-seven. I’m past the point of asking permission.”

  “Ahh. And you aren’t royal.”

  “No, I’m not.” It seemed as if someone was always trying to remind me what my position was in the palace. Instructing me to adhere to all the rules. Explaining that because I’m such an outsider, I couldn’t possibly understand.

  “That’s a good thing, Molly.” She smiled. “Damon needs that. We all do. A touch of reality in these walls is what we’re all looking for. It will keep him grounded and make him a better king. I think it’s already happening.”

  “Favor granted.” I used my best royal voice. We both laughed.

  “You’re the best.” She stood to leave. “I’m glad you’re here. You have no idea what it’s like living with four brothers.”

  The palace was so huge I never ran into any of them. Everyone kept to their private apartments.

  “No, I only have one.” I couldn’t relate to her life for many reasons.

  “Lucky you.”

  “I’ll let you know how it goes with Damon.”

  She pulled me into a hug. “Thank you.”

  I sighed. If only the rest of my day was going to be that easy.

  37

  Damon

  Georgan waited for me behind The Titan. The door closed as I left and I knew I’d never be back. I had paid Lesage in full. All traces of my name in the club had been destroyed. The House of Sauvage would be represented by my brothers now.

  “Sir.” Georgan held the car door. He stared straight.

  “Thank you. I need to make one more stop before we return to the palace.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  I ducked into the backseat. “I’d like to stop by Vitania’s.”

  “Of course, Your Majesty.”

  We sped away from the club. That chapter of my life was closed. No more nights feuding with Sebastian over women. No more drunken parties that ended in one night of fucking. One tender had changed that. It had changed me.

  Georgan communicated with the security vehicle behind us. We arrived at the rear entrance of Vitania’s. It was unconventional, but I was steering our path as far from royal tradition as I could. Something about the unsavory exchange with my mother had pushed me further. There was value in the history and the tradition of our family, but there was also an ugly side. A side that had made my mother a bitter woman. She was controlled by the confines of the past. Those shackles wouldn’t hold me down any longer.

  I waited in the car while the officers did a quick sweep of the patrons.

  “It’s clear. There is no one shopping.”

  “Thank you.”

  The officer pulled the door open for me. A small bell jingled as I entered. I hadn’t been in this store since I was a child. It was the official jeweler of the royal family, but they usually made house calls. It was one more way I was bucking the system. I could shop for myself.

  The woman inside the store nodded. “Your Majesty, this is an honor.” She seemed flustered, immediately straightening her apron.

  “Thank you. I could use your help today.”

  Her glasses were attached to a chain around her neck. She had thick spongy hair like a curly helmet.

  “Anything you need. What are you shopping for today?” she asked. “I-I really am honored you have chosen today to shop.”

  I walked toward the first glass case. I didn’t see anything I liked.

  “An engagement ring,” I stated.

  The woman gasped. “Your Majesty!”

  I put my finger to my lips. “Shh. It’s a secret. My family has shopped at Vitania’s for years because of the discretion here. I’m sure that hasn’t changed.”

  Her curls shook. “It has not. I will not tell a soul.”

  “Good. Then I’m looking for something with sapphires.”

  “We have a beautiful selection. I have some pieces in the back. Let me gather a few. I’ll be right back.”

  “Thank you.” I smiled at her.

  The guards stood like statues at the doors. I wouldn’t be able to maintain the secrecy for long, but after tonight I wouldn’t have to.

  A few minutes later the shop keeper returned with a black velvet tray. She pulled back the cloth covering the surface to reveal three stunning pieces of jewelry.

  “Your Majesty, we can also custom make any design you like if these don’t suit you.”

  I plucked the middle one from the tray. I held it toward the light. It was flawless. The sapphire was the perfect shade.

  “I assume these are perfect quality.”

  “Oh yes. These are the highest quality diamonds and sapphires. If you would like to exchange a stone for one of your family stones, we can do that as well.”

  “That’s not necessary.” I didn’t like the suggestion. I wanted a new beginning. I was tired of the same rings being handed down for two hundred years. That wasn’t Molly.

  She was a breath of fresh air. She was light and beauty. She was my sapphire, and I was going to buy her the most expensive pure gem in this city.

  “This is the one.”

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to look at some others?” She seemed surprised I had made my decision so quickly.

  “That’s the one.” I handed it to her.

  She had a toothy smile. “Of course. It’s a beautiful ring. You have wonderful taste, Your Majesty.” She scurried to the back for the ring box.

  This woman didn’t need to say it. I knew I had excellent taste. I had chosen Molly.

  ***

  The wooden case was nestled inside my suit jacket. Georgan stood by the car door as I walked through the private palace entrance.

  Security was behind me.

  I was on a mission. I had one goal. Take the elevator to the top floor and put this ring on Molly’s finger.

  Enough with the family dissent. Enough with politics and worrying about the sanctity of the crown. I was in love with this woman. I couldn’t t
hink of a single reason to wait.

  After all, I wasn’t a patient man.

  “Your Majesty.” Kenley rushed me as soon as I crossed the threshold. She was out of breath.

  “Kenley.” I turned for the elevators. I wasn’t interested in being pulled into a royal matter.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your afternoon.”

  “What is it?”

  “Dominic, sir,” she whispered. “Can we step into the sitting room?”

  I walked into the closest open room, shutting the doors behind us.

  “What has he done this time?” I quizzed her. I could only begin to guess what kind of episode one of his binges had caused.

  “He showed up drunk to this morning’s library dedication for the children’s wing.”

  “He did what?” I roared. It was worse than I thought. Getting drunk on a golf course or at a cocktail party was one thing. Around children was completely unacceptable.

  Kenley closed her eyes. “He stumbled into one of the librarians.”

  “Good God. Did you get him out of there?”

  She nodded, wincing. “But not before two flasks fell from his pockets. The children saw, sir. There were cameras and phones everywhere. I can’t contain it. It’s already on social media.”

  “Fuck,” I whispered, not caring if I swore in front of her anymore. “Where is he now?”

  “Sleeping it off,” she answered. “I left him in his apartment. There is a guard outside the door. He can’t leave his suite. Although, I don’t think he’ll awaken anytime soon.”

  I ran my hands through my hair. “Why was he drinking so early? I thought the morning events were the safe bet.”

  “He never stopped after the ball. I put him to bed, but he didn’t stay there.” Her eyes hit the floor. “He left the palace with a woman. I don’t know who.”

  I clenched my jaw. “Kenley, it’s your job to know everything. How did he leave the palace?”

  “He passed out,” she fired back. “Or at least he pretended to pass out. He was asleep when I left him. He made the library engagement on time. By the time I realized he was drunk it was too late.”

  “Damn it.” The fallout from showing up drunk to a children’s event was going to be catastrophic. We had managed his vices so far, but at some point he was going to crack the shield we tried to protect him with. It had finally happened.

  “I’m sorry.”

  I inhaled deeply. “It was going to happen, Kenley. We all knew it was only a matter of time.” I sat in a nearby chair.

  What kind of brother had I been? I dealt with my demons while Dominic dealt with his. As if we were on islands separated by a vast ocean instead of under the same roof, of the same blood. He was my family. My responsibility.

  “I need to see him.”

  “Would you like me to go with you?” she offered.

  “No. I appreciate everything you’ve done, but this is a conversation between brothers.”

  “I understand.” She spoke softly. It wasn’t Kenley’s usual demeanor. I could tell what happened this morning had rattled her.

  “Kenley, what I said earlier.” I paused. “Dominic’s drinking isn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

  “I could have stopped him,” she argued. “I shouldn’t have left him last night.” Regret was written in her eyes.

  “You carry no blame in this. He’s not Dominic right now. And I need to face that. So does he.”

  I rose from the antique chair and squeezed her shoulder gently as I walked past. “Thank you for taking care of him all this time. I’ll take it from here.”

  “I am sorry, Your Majesty.”

  As I turned for the door, the ring box struck over my heart with a thud. My ribs closed in around my lungs, seizing the air. I straightened my shoulders and steeled my resolve. Today wasn’t going to be the day. My brother needed me.

  38

  Molly

  I couldn’t take it anymore. Brooklyn hadn’t returned any of my calls. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door. I hoped Georgan was downstairs. He was my favorite driver. I didn’t know the others as well. I was out of options. I had to check on her in person. I still had a key to the apartment.

  As soon as I opened the door I ran into Damon. His wide frame filled the door.

  My eyes locked on his dark stare. Chills ran along my spine.

  There was something sad in his gaze. It was as if the smolder in his eyes was clouded.

  I took a step backward.

  His arms encircled me. He held me, breathing into my neck. Holding me tighter with each exhale.

  “What’s wrong?” I wrapped my hands around his waist. “Did something happen?” I asked.

  He kicked the door closed behind us as he lifted me. I drifted over the hardwoods as he kept me in his embrace, carrying me back into the room.

  My toes touched the floor again. I looked at Damon. I traced the lines of his sculpted jaw with the pad of my thumb. I could feel his somber mood washing off him.

  “What is it?”

  He still hadn’t spoken a word.

  “I need you. I need this.” His voice was low and certain.

  He brushed his lips over mine, drinking in the kiss as if I was the last breath he would ever take. His tongue slid along mine, twisting and curling in my mouth. I had no idea what had happened. I only knew he needed my lips.

  He lowered me to the couch. His hands roaming. Pulling the clothes from my body. He sat up, shirking off his jacket and shirt. I reached for his zipper, freeing him from his pants.

  He found my lips again, searing them with another heated kiss.

  All the other times, Damon had been commanding and powerful with my body. But as he moved between my legs, I felt how different this was. I wrapped my heels around him, digging them into his backside.

  He groaned as he pushed inside me. His thrusts were slow and deliberate. He kissed my throat and behind my ear.

  “Ohh,” I whimpered as he drew back and stroked my inner walls with his thickness.

  If I could take away the hurt in his eyes, I would. I would love him whole again. I would heal him with my body. Give him pleasure. Take away the pain.

  I arched into him, giving him my body. He surged inside me with a vibrating growl. The wave began to build, my need matching his.

  “I’m yours,” I whispered. My eyes locked on his. “Yours, You Majesty.”

  “Oh God.” He pumped faster. And within seconds I could feel his body tighten.

  I gripped his shoulders as we shattered together. Our bodies fighting the pleasure and giving in to the release until we were covered in the glow of making love.

  Holy hell, that was entirely different. Damon kissed the side of my neck and gently rested on my breast. I ran my nails over his back. He twitched inside me, but neither of us was anxious to move.

  He needed to be anchored within me. It was where I wanted him. We were bound together on so many levels.

  “Do you want to tell me what happened now?” I ventured.

  He sighed. “Do you know how much I need you, Molly?”

  He leaned forward on his arms, hovering over me.

  “We need each other,” I answered. The email was lurking in the back of my head. This wasn’t the moment to tell him about it. The guilt started to erode the haze of my afterglow.

  He pressed up. The couch wasn’t the most comfortable piece of furniture. It was meant for décor impact, not to binge watch shows all weekend. I doubted anyone in the palace did that.

  He looked up, noticing the surroundings. “Nice apartment.” He grinned.

  “Thanks. Haven’t you been in here before?”

  He shook his head. “Not since it was redecorated.”

  I felt a twinge of jealousy. Who had occupied the rooms next to his before I did?

  “This is redecorated?”

  He laughed. “You should have seen it before. Burgundy and gold everything.”

  I stuck out my tongue. “Ok, t
hen this is better.”

  He moved to the end of the couch, repositioning me so I lay against his chest. I reached for a cashmere throw at the end of the armrest. It was the softest blanket I’d ever felt. Damon layered it over the side of my body.

  “I was at Dominic’s before I came here.” His statement surprised me. I waited for him to continue. Whatever had happened, it wasn’t good new.

  “I signed an order.” He sighed.

  “What kind of order?”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and finger as if he were trying to soothe a headache. “He’s going to rehab.”

  I sat forward, the cashmere falling from my hip. “Oh, Damon. I’m so sorry.”

  He shook his head. “I should have done it a long time ago.” He pressed his hands to his face, running his palms to his forehead. “I let it get out of control. I let him crash.”

  I pulled his heavy hands into mine. “Hey, you’re not responsible for your brother’s choices. You know that, right?”

  “But I should have helped him sooner. I’m his older brother, damn it. I let it go too long. I put it on Kenley. I pawned his problems off to her. What kind of man does that to his own family?”

  I tried to ease some of his burden. “What’s important is that you’re getting help for him now. Focus on that. When does he leave? Where is this place?”

  “Kenley is going with him. It’s in Spain. It’s best if he’s away from Galona press. He leaves tonight.”

  “Spain?”

  He nodded. “He doesn’t want to go. He’s fighting the entire thing. But he’s still drunk. Of course he’s going to fucking fight.”

  I twisted my lips together. “Isabel stopped by today.”

  “She did? Was it about Dominic?”

  “No. Actually, she really wants to take a trip to Spain. That’s why I was reminded.”

  His eyebrows arched. “And she came to you.”

  “Yes. She needs a break from Galona. And even though it’s not exactly what she wanted, why don’t you send her with Dominic?”

  “Fuck. My family is falling apart. A princess who doesn’t want to be in her own country. A prince in rehab.”