by Blue Saffire
I look down into her sleeping face. She looks like a work of art in her sleep. So peaceful and serene.
My men felt it would be better to allow some of the reporters to tire and leave before we make our move. Frustrated and feeling like a caged lion, I agreed. Cinder’s safety comes first.
After drawing her a bath and feeding her, I ravished her body for a few hours to keep her distracted. At first, she was hesitant to open to me after I confirmed our plans with my team, but I was able to soften her up. Cinder is much like a little kitten.
Once I stroked her a few times and whispered sweetly in her ear she melted into me. It was easy to get her to talk to me and pull that witty banter from her cheeky lips.
I think my anger is growing because she’s so perfect. If she were foul and self-centered, I’d count her parent’s actions a blessing. However, she’s anything but and that causes me to feel robbed.
So much time has passed and so much has been lost. I look down her body and marvel at the pleasure it has brought me in the last twenty-four hours. She’s a siren even in her sleep.
“You’re staring at me,” she murmurs but doesn’t open her eyes.
“Yes, we will need to get up soon.”
She stretches, causing the sheet to slip from her breasts. I can’t help growing hard. However, we do need to go. Those pictures will be in every paper in London. I need to get Cinder back to Verlez before she sees the headlines.
I’m not a fool to think that someone won’t put two and two together. London will know that the princess has returned. The Heathworth crown has been surrounded by generations of controversy. It didn’t start with Cinder.
Having something new to talk about concerning the royal family is like catnip. I won’t allow them to place that pressure on her. Her life has been hard enough as it is.
“Hey, where did you go?” she asks pulling me from my thoughts. She reaches to touch my jaw.
The simple gesture tugs at something within. I look into her eyes and more questions surface. Whether I found Cinder or another bride, I never once thought that I would have love in my marriage.
Yet as I look at her, I wonder if I could have more. A marriage of more than duty. I wrap an arm around her and drag her closer to me.
“I want to show you more of Verlez when we get back. I think you will be surprised by what you find there. It’s not all hills and valleys. I’ve done my best to push my parents to modernize,” I reply.
Her eyes light up with a glow that’s so alluring. “I think I would like that.”
“Good.”
“But first, I would like it if you would answer my question from earlier. I get the feeling you’ve been hurt before. What happened?”
I search her face as the question chafes as much as it did the first time. Yes, I want her to get to know me, but it seems she keeps going for the jugular. I don’t want to lie to her. To tell the truth is to tell her story.
I brush a lock of hair from her face. “The ball to find me a bride is sort of my mother and father’s last resort. I was once engaged.” I pause and rub the back of my neck.
“What happened? Did you run off to New York to be an entitled playboy?” she teases.
I scoff. Someone ran off, but it wasn’t me. I push back those angry thoughts.
“In my world, you don’t have to be born to be promised to wed. My fiancée was chosen when I was five and she was still in the womb.”
“Oh,” Cinder says and furrows her brows.
“Story has it that her mother decided to take her and run off to America.”
“Really? I’m so sorry.”
“As a boy I didn’t understand what was going on. I remember there being a stir in the castle and upset voices. One minute I was at my betrothed’s christening, and the next, she, her mother and father were nowhere to be found.”
“It wasn’t until I was older and I started to hear the whispers and understood the trips to the States that I grasped what had happened and the shame that came with it—”
“But you were a boy. She was a baby. Why should you be ashamed?”
I look into her searching eyes. What she says is logical. I know it is, but I’ve never been able to accept that reasoning.
“I’m a prince, next in line for the throne. Why would a mother not want her daughter to marry me? What was so wrong with me?”
The words come out angrier than I mean for them to. Cinder leans in to kiss my lips. When her eyes meet mine again there’s an understanding in her gaze.
“I think I get it. I was upset with my dad when he first remarried. I felt like I wasn’t enough. As I got older I realized he did it for me. So I’d have a mother. Maybe this family had a reason. Something that had nothing to do with you,” she says softly.
As I get lost in her gaze I allow her words to sink in. For as long I can remember I’ve blamed Princess Beverly. I’ve always felt robbed by the princess and whatever scandal she had going on.
“I guess I am a bit entitled when you put it that way,” I murmur. “I always thought it was about me. I never thought the real reason could’ve been about something or someone else.”
I sound like a chastised child to my own ears. Honestly, it’s my father that has held the most resentment of this. I only follow in his ire. This union meant a lot to him.
“I’ve found that people always have reasons for their actions. We make assumptions according our feelings. However, it’s not always about us, or sometimes it is and the other party is only trying to protect us,” Cinder says.
I crush my lips to hers and kiss her deeply. Shifting our bodies, I settle between her legs. Sliding into her warmth slowly, I relish in the feel of her around me.
I break the kiss and look into her eyes. “I don’t know if any of that matters to me anymore. I’ve found what I’ve been searching most of my life for.”
With that I kiss her again and for the first time I truly make love to her. Slowly and gently as my princess deserves.
Chapter 11
Simplicity
Princeton
Her laughter rings out and my heart swells. I want to make her laugh like this for the rest of my life. The sparkle in her eyes warms my heart.
“You are such a sore loser,” she giggles musically.
I wrap an arm around her and tug her close to me. Mini golf. She has me playing miniature golf. It’s been a month and I have done more things on this island than I’ve done in my thirty years of life.
Cinder has made Verlez feel like home again. I’ve tried to make it feel like home for her as well. Whenever she mentions something she loves or something from home that she misses, I make it happen or find places like it here in Verlez to make her wishes come true.
“I wouldn’t be a sore loser if you didn’t insist on rubbing it in my face every time you win,” I mumble.
“What fun would it be if I couldn’t rub it in your face?” she purrs.
I squeeze her ass then slap it. I’ve grown fonder of this woman in so many ways. Her teasing has become something I look forward to.
Pecking her lips, I relish in her presence. I search her eyes, not for the first time, in a quest to find what it is about her that makes me so crazy about her. I release a sigh and kiss her again.
“What’s wrong? You’ve been moody all day?”
I release her and rub my forehead. I’ve been avoiding this for a few days now. I have so much I need to tell her. I finally have most of the answers to many of my questions.
I won’t be able to keep her in this bubble I’ve created for much longer. She’s been asking to take a trip back to London. I’ve distracted her every time. Cinder is too smart for me to continue this.
At this point, I think she may be angry with me when she finds out all I’ve been keeping from her. I’ve fallen in love with the woman before me. I can’t bear the thought of losing her.
“I’d like you to accompany me somewhere this afternoon,” I say.
“Okay, but what’s u
p with the mood?”
I chuckle. “I don’t know. I might be nervous.”
She gives me that little teasing smile. Moving closer, she looks at me through her lashes. She places her arms around my neck and lifts onto her toes.
“Is my prince turning shy on me?”
“Your prince, ay?”
Her smile faults a little. I want to kick myself. I drop the club I’ve been holding to wrap my arms around her.
“I didn’t mean to—”
I kiss her before she can finish her words. I am hers. I’ve been hers from the moment I saw her in that office. She captured me in one glance.
“Come, I’ve waited long enough. I want you to see this,” I say against her lips.
I kiss her forehead and a ghost of a smile returns to her lips. If I could wrap her in my arms and steal her away from the world, I would. I’m starting to understand her parents more.
“Now I’m excited,” she says.
Cinder
He keeps peeking at me out the corners of his eyes. He’s starting to make me nervous. I already feel like I completely embarrassed myself earlier.
I didn’t mean to call him my prince. Over the last month I’ve been planning every detail of his ball by day and sleeping in his bed at night. I’ve told myself that I can enjoy him until the time comes for me to leave.
However, I’ve forgotten to tell my stupid heart not to fall for him. Boy, have I fallen for this man. He doesn’t make it easy for me not to. The dates and time he spends with me have only made it that much harder not to fall.
“This is it,” he breathes as we pull up to a stunning castle.
And this is what I’m talking about. First, mini golf on the most beautiful course ever. The grounds were so peaceful and charming. Such a romantic setting for a miniature golf course. Now this.
The castle is simply breathtaking. I can’t stop my mouth from dropping open. I thought his family’s castle was a stunner. This place is so gorgeous, I start to imagine my wedding being somewhere like this. No, scratch that. I can totally see planning my wedding here.
“Where are we?”
“Château Heathworth. The Heathworth Manor,” he says.
I turn to find him staring at me intently. I crease my brows in confusion. I shake my head not understanding.
“But… that’s the name of my Château. It’s in Fru Fru Palms.”
“Verlez and Fru Fru Palms are connected by the bridge we crossed. They are neighboring islands. The two kingdoms have been on friendly terms to keep each other from invading them for centuries.”
“So you knew where this place was all this time?”
“Yes, I had Williams ensure they got it ready for your arrival. There were a few repairs I didn’t want you to have to deal with. She’s ready for you now,” he says.
His pink cheeks still my frustration, along with the boyish smile. I can’t get angry when I know he’s only looking out for me. I lower my lashes and nod.
“Thank you.”
He leans in to kiss my forehead. “Anything for you.”
When I look up into his eyes I see something I’ve only gotten glimpses of a few time over the last few days. I thought I was tripping the first few times. There’s no way he has feelings for me, but that look in his eyes say differently.
I clear my throat. Yup, I know I have a way of projecting so I shake the stupid thought away and turn to get out of the car. The driver opens my door and I climb out.
Looking up at the castle before me, I stuck in a breath. It’s larger from outside of the car. I still can’t believe this is the Château I inherited. In my head this place was going to be some little house with a quaint kitchen and living room with a fireplace.
“It is a beauty, isn’t it?” Princeton says from beside me.
“Yes, I’m almost afraid to move. This has to be a dream.”
“No, it’s not. Come, let me show you around.”
I turn to look up at him. “Have you been here before?” I palm my forehead. “You said you handled the repairs.”
“I didn’t have to come here for that.” He chuckles. “Remember? Entitled prince at your service. Williams has been making the trips to ensure all is well. I received reports on the progress.”
“But to answer your question. I’ve only been here once as a young boy.”
“Oh, okay. Right. You have staff that takes care of things. I will need one of those for this place,” I say absently. “We had house staff, but I’ve never had to hire my own.”
I’m totally overwhelmed. This, the offices in London and Milan, the money from the business. My life has done a three sixty in the last month.
“Actually, you have a staff already. They have been keeping the place up. The repairs were something they didn’t have the resources to fix,” he says.
“Are they not being paid?” I say in concern.
“It’s a bit more complicated than that. Yes, they are paid. That’s taken care of by Beasley. However, the grounds are a different source of funding.”
I’m even more confused. I rub my forehead and frown. I feel like I’m missing so much.
“Listen, we’ll get to all of those details. Allow me to walk you through.”
I nod and take his hand. He laces our fingers together and it feels so natural. Like we’ve been together for years.
When we enter the castle there’s an entire staff lined up. I feel so out of my depth. A tall thin man steps forward.
“Ms. Trueman is the manager of the estate. However, she has been away on business. My name is Arthur Darcy. I’m your butler and I’ll be at your service when you need, your highness.”
“Thank you,” Princeton says tightly. “You can call me, Princeton and Ms. Ellis is fine with Cinder.”
Arthur turns beet red. He clears his throat. “Yes, sir. Cinder, it’s very nice to meet you.”
It feels like forever since I’ve had staff working in my home and never this many. I’m at a loss for what to say. I chew my lip nervously until I find my voice.
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you all,” I say shyly. I turn to lean into Princeton. “Um, is there something I should say or do? Like dismiss them?”
Princeton bursts into laughter. I pout and glare at him. He pulls me into his chest and kisses my forehead.
“You’re fine, darling,” he says looking down at me adoringly. “Thank you everyone. We’re going to take the tour of the grounds on our own. You’re welcome to go about your day.”
When I turn back to the staff a few of the women have amused and admiring looks on their faces. Princeton can do that to you. I figure they’re crushing on him and shake it off.
When they start to file out of the foyer, they begin to whisper and giggle. Yeah, they must be fans of Princeton’s. I don’t get as jealous as I was in London. These women truly look innocent.
One of the younger ones turns to look over her shoulder and waves at me. I wave back and she beams from ear to ear. See, they’re totally sweet.
“Shall we,” Princeton says, kissing my temples and placing a hand on my back.
We proceed through the castle in a leisurely stroll. If I thought I was impressed with the outside I’m completely floored by the inside. This place is nothing short of true opulence.
The more we walk through, the more I question returning to the States. I don’t even know if I can call New York my home. Without my father, I have nothing keeping me there.
“Well, that’s it. What do you think?” Princeton asks as we return to the veranda in the backyard.
“It’s gorgeous. I may never leave,” I gush like a school girl.
“Really? I was sort of hoping you would say that.”
My heart sinks. I can’t help wondering if he fixed this place up for me so that he could have his side-piece close. I’m not that woman. When the ball happens, we end. I’m not taking this any further than that.
“It’s a beautiful place. It tugs something inside. Like I’ve been here before,�
� I whisper, glossing over his words.
“Perhaps you were.” He looks at me silently for a moment. Several thoughts and emotions cross his face. I can’t nail any of them down, but I can tell his feelings are at war. “Cinder, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Okay,” I say and inhale a sharp breath.
If he wants to end things here that’s for the best. I’ll call for my things at his palace and move in here until I figure things out.
“As you know I’ve been—”
His phone rings cutting him off. I release the breath I’ve been holding as he reaches for it. Wiping my sweaty hands on my thighs, I turn away from him so he can’t see the expression on my face.
I don’t know if I’m relieved or terrified. I know I’ve said I’ll end this, but my heart isn’t ready. It will never be. When this is over, I’m going to be completely heartbroken.
And living in this huge castle. I wonder how many cats I should get? Maybe Ms. Randell will come live with me.
“I’m on my way,” Princeton says curtly into the phone.
I guess I’ll have to wait for whatever he was going to say. Again, I’m not sure that’s such a good thing.
Chapter 12
The Whole Truth
Princeton
I had been on the verge of telling Cinder the truth about who she is and what it means for her to take over Heathworth Manor. However, the call from Williams requires my attention. It’s what I’ve been waiting for.
“So this is the reason?” I say with my brows drawn.
I fall into my seat in my study. I can’t believe this. I’m in too much shock to sort my feelings. I flip through the docs once again. Hoping something will change on the second pass.
It all remains the same. Every detail outlining why my life was changed twenty-five years ago. Cinder was right. Princess Beverly had a reason. A reason that didn’t have anything to do with me.
Well, at least not in the way I thought it did. Rage consumes me. They say it’s the ones that claim to love you that will hurt you most.
