The Accidental Prince

by Michelle Willingham

  Serena took off her earrings and set them upon the table, reaching behind for the clasp of her pearl necklace. It had an intricate fastener, and she had no idea how to get it off.

  ‘Will you let me help you?’ the fürst asked.

  She wanted to refuse, even though she knew it was foolish. Instead, she conceded, ‘You may.’

  When his hands rested upon her shoulders, her skin prickled with an unfamiliar sensation. He reached for the pearls, and the strand rolled across her neck like a caress as he worked with the clasp.

  His fingers moved over the pearls, and the heat of his hands permeated her throat while she breathed in the scent of his skin. Serena tensed as he freed the clasp, but all he did was set the necklace down upon the table. If he saw the bruises around her neck, he made no comment.

  ‘There are three buttons unfastened,’ he murmured against her ear. Heated tremors raced through her at the feeling of his warm breath upon her skin. ‘Would you like me to fix them or leave them alone?’

  She kept her gaze staring straight ahead. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. ‘Please help me with them.’

  Once again, his hands touched her nape, adjusting each button slowly. Before the prince pulled his hands away, he lifted a fallen lock of hair and twisted it, pinning it away from her face. The intimate gesture made her cheeks flood with colour.

  ‘Th-thank you,’ she stammered, rising up from the table. She reached for the earrings and necklace, searching for a place to hide them.

  Karl nodded toward the sideboard, and she stored the jewels in a drawer. Then he handed her the cloak she’d worn yesterday. ‘Are you ready?’

  Not at all.

  But Serena donned the cloak and raised her hood. If she ever wanted a glimpse of the outside world, now was her chance.

  Karl led the princess outside the manor house, though he made no move to touch her hand. She reminded him of a skittish bird, ready to take flight at the least provocation.

  ‘Are you certain we should walk?’ she asked. ‘Isn’t there a curricle or a carriage here?’

  ‘There is, but it would take time to ready the horses. Bernard has gone to hire staff from the village,’ he reminded her. ‘And if we are to remain unnoticed, it’s better this way.’

  ‘What about an escort, or someone to guard us?’ She looked around as if she weren’t at all certain he was capable of protecting them.

  ‘Samuel will follow in a few moments.’ Karl started to walk and after a sigh, the princess squared her shoulders and continued beside him. In her bearing, he could see her exhaustion. Her face was pale, her eyes weary from lack of sleep.

  Although he told himself that it was only temporary, it made him aware that he’d done a poor job of taking care of her. She needed servants of her own and new clothing. Of the women he’d known in the past, most had been enamoured of baubles and beautiful gowns. Money and wealth were all that mattered to them, and his mistresses had given themselves freely, so long as he was generous.

  Princess Serena was different. She seemed more eager to escape the palace than to surround herself with luxury. And if he wanted to wed her within days, he had to learn what she wanted most and fulfil that desire.

  The path from the manor house led downhill to a small village. Out upon the sea, several fishing boats had gone out for the day’s catch.

  ‘When we reach the village, I’m going to hold your hand,’ Karl warned. He didn’t want her to overreact when he touched her. ‘We’ll pretend to be a married couple.’

  She stopped walking and studied him. ‘Why would I need to hold your hand?’

  ‘Because it will let the others know that you’re under my protection.’

  The closer they walked to the capital city, the more nervous Serena became. Her face was pale, her hands clenched together. He was beginning to wonder precisely how sheltered she’d been. Was she so afraid of visiting the city, or did he frighten her that much?

  When he took her palm at last, she looked petrified. ‘Breathe, Princess.’

  ‘I am breathing!’ But her steps slowed when they reached the main cobbled street. There were rows of houses higher upon the hillside, while several shops lined the streets. The air held a stale, salty aroma, and he saw only a few people walking, most of them elderly.

  ‘It’s too quiet,’ she offered, keeping her voice in a low whisper. ‘I don’t like this.’

  ‘It’s practically abandoned.’ In the past, he remembered market stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish and bread. Even flowers in the springtime. When they passed a baker’s shop, there were only a few loaves of bread for sale.

  Something wasn’t right about this place. It was as if most of the people had deserted the island. But why?

  Karl led Serena deeper into the town, drawing her to one side as a cart rolled past. The princess gripped his hand, and when a few villagers walked past, eyeing them with curiosity, she leaned closer.

  He caught the scent of her hair, and the unexpected warmth of her body as it brushed against his. A flare of interest caught him, and he resisted the urge to pull her closer, knowing it would frighten her. The princess was so cautious, it was like coaxing a butterfly to land on his palm.

  ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he murmured. ‘They don’t know who you are.’

  She stopped walking and turned to him, her expression filled with worry. ‘It’s not easy for me. I keep thinking someone will come down the street and attack us.’

  ‘If any man tries, I’ll shoot him,’ Karl promised. He took her hand and brought it to his coat where the revolver rested. She studied him as if she didn’t quite believe he knew how to handle the weapon.

  ‘Shall I demonstrate?’

  Her eyes widened a moment, before she realised he was teasing. Her shoulders lowered, though she didn’t quite relax. ‘That won’t be necessary.’

  ‘You’re under my protection, Princess. No man will harm you.’

  She eyed him with suspicion. ‘You might.’ Her troubled gaze lacked any faith in him, as if she expected him to invade her bedchamber late at night.

  ‘If that were my intent, I could have done so last night.’ He studied her, not letting go of her hand. ‘And why would I want to harm the woman I’m going to marry?’

  She sobered, her gaze lowering to the ground. Karl tilted her chin up to face him. Worry filled up her green eyes, but he held her steady gaze. ‘You’re safe with me.’

  ‘I hope so,’ she whispered. She stood with perfect posture, in spite of her tangled hair and the exhaustion lining her face. Though she’d tried to cover her throat with a fichu, the reddened skin had darkened into bruises. It reminded him that some men were worse bastards than himself.

  With her hand in his, Karl led her farther down the street, where a small stone church stood with a single steeple. It looked a hundred years old, and in his mind, he could almost envision a bride with flowers in her hair, smiling up at her bridegroom on their wedding day.

  He doubted if Serena would smile at him, not after the way he’d abducted her. And while he couldn’t give her the wedding day of her dreams, he hoped she could accept a marriage between them, despite his lost birthright. Though it was an inauspicious beginning, she would eventually have everything she wanted—he’d make sure of it.

  When they reached the end of the cobbled street, Serena turned to him. ‘Why are we here?’

  Karl started to answer, but the words caught in his mouth. Her demeanour was hesitant, and he suspected that bringing up the wedding again would only add to her fears. ‘No reason,’ he lied, bringing her back up the other side of the street.

  He searched the row of shops until at last he saw a linen draper’s. When she frowned a moment, he ordered, ‘Go inside. I’ll buy you more clothes.’

  The confusion on her face was replaced by gratitude. Serena’s lips nearly curved in a smile, and she took a tentative step forward, staring at the interior of the shop. It smelled pleasant, like freshly brewed tea. Upon a
table lay rows of handkerchiefs and shawls, as well as a third row of aprons. She stared at the merchandise as if she’d never seen such articles before.

  The female shopkeeper sent Serena a guarded smile. In Lohenisch, she greeted her, asking, ‘May I help you, madam?’

  Before the princess could answer, Karl interrupted. ‘My wife’s belongings were lost overboard when we made the crossing to the island. She’ll need a new wardrobe. If you can find seamstresses who can work quickly and deliver the first gown tonight, I will double your price.’

  The woman gaped at him, ‘Forgive me, my lord, but it’s clear to me that this is your first time upon our island. There are few of us left on Vertraumen. I am the only seamstress here.’

  Karl exchanged a look with Serena. Correcting the woman, he said, ‘No, I visited the island years ago. It wasn’t always like this.’

  ‘We’re losing more of the islanders each day,’ the matron admitted. ‘Soon, there won’t be anyone left.’

  ‘Why would they go?’ He couldn’t understand how the island province would suffer in such a way.

  The woman’s face turned solemn. ‘The crops have failed us over the past few years. We’ve no grain for bread or to feed our livestock. We rely upon the fishermen to sell their catch on the mainland. Most have gone to Germany or Prussia to find work and homes for their families.’

  ‘What caused the crop failures?’ Karl asked. In the past, he remembered fields of barley and even a few vineyards lining the hills. Although this island wasn’t as large as some, it had been self-reliant.

  ‘Flooding, mostly. We’ve had terrible rains these past two years.’

  ‘Have you appealed to the king of Lohenberg for help?’ he asked. Though he’d served on his father’s council, never had any problems been reported from the island. He wondered if the governor was to blame.

  ‘Our island isn’t the king’s concern, so it seems,’ she responded. ‘He did nothing.’

  Karl remained silent at the woman’s assertion. If he were responsible for the island, he’d order relief supplies and grain. He’d try to bring in new equipment to mechanise their farming and—

  You’re not their prince any more. Your only hope for a kingdom lies with Serena.

  His jaw tightened at the thought. He didn’t like the idea of relying on anyone else’s whims to make his future.

  With her hair pinned up in a messy arrangement, Serena looked vulnerable. Tentatively, she examined yards of fabric and trim, and Karl nodded to the shopkeeper. ‘Let her purchase whatever she wishes. And one of the dresses must be ready by this evening.’

  The woman eyed him for a moment, her face furrowed as if she didn’t believe she could accomplish the task. ‘I have pieces of a gown partially sewn, but I must ask that you pay a portion of the cost beforehand. And I’ll need to take her measurements to adjust the fit.’

  From her embarrassed expression, it seemed that others must have cheated her in the past. Karl withdrew a stack of gold coins and set them in the woman’s palm. ‘This should cover the cost of two gowns. One for tonight, and another within the week.’ Then he turned back to Serena. ‘Do you want me to stay while she measures you?’

  The princess’s face reddened. ‘No, I’ll be all right on my own. But please … wait outside.’ She looked uneasy about being alone, and he wondered if he ought to stay, regardless of her wishes.

  In the end, he decided that his presence would only worsen the awkwardness between them. ‘Send the dress to the governor’s manor tonight,’ Karl ordered. ‘And I need you to acquire a suitable ladies’ maid for my wife. Perhaps if you’ve a daughter or an acquaintance …?’

  The woman’s face paled. ‘My lord, the governor’s house is locked up. Are you certain you’re speaking of the right place?’

  Karl gave a single nod. ‘I am.’ He offered nothing further, letting her draw whatever conclusions she would.

  Over the next hour, Serena inspected the fabric pieces that the dressmaker had begun stitching. It was a cream-coloured taffeta gown, trimmed with a cranberry ribbon. Although it would need to be taken in at the waist, Frau Bauherzen believed she could make it fit. There was also a matching cloak in the same shade of deep red.

  It was strange, ordering a gown without jewels or lace, one that would never be worn to greet ambassadors. The simple design had a vee waist and box pleats that fell to the floor. A lady might wear this gown to pay calls, but it was entirely too plain for a princess.

  Serena rather liked it.

  ‘Do … all the island women purchase clothing this way?’ she asked, feeling foolish at the question. Everything she’d ever worn had been created only for her. She’d never been inside a shop before, and she had to resist the urge to touch everything.

  Frau Bauherzen sent her a curious look. ‘I’m sorry, madam, but I don’t understand.’

  ‘Nothing.’ She shook her hand, realising that she would only give away her identity if she asked more questions.

  ‘May I take your measurements now?’ Frau Bauherzen enquired.

  Serena followed her behind a curtain, and the woman offered to help her remove her outer gown. ‘I’d rather remain dressed,’ she murmured, afraid that the dressmaker would discover her bruises, ‘if you don’t mind.’

  Though the matron respected her wishes, Serena had to fight against her embarrassment at being touched. Her ladies in the palace already knew her measurements, and whenever she needed a new gown, it was simply delivered the day before the event. She had multiple wardrobes filled with day dresses, riding habits, ceremonial ballgowns, hats, gloves and stockings.

  ‘Your husband is a generous man,’ the woman offered, measuring the distance from Serena’s waist to the floor.

  Serena didn’t know how to answer. Generous with coins, certainly. But how would he react when she informed him that she would not be marrying him? Already Karl had proved to be strong-willed and dominant. She suspected he wouldn’t accept her refusal well at all.

  ‘Forgive me,’ Frau Bauherzen apologised, ‘but I did wonder how you managed to go inside the governor’s house. It’s been locked up for several weeks now.’

  Though the woman’s tone was unassuming, Serena wasn’t about to reveal their identities. She gave the only truth she could. ‘My husband has connections with the Royal House of Lohenberg. But we were surprised to learn that the staff had gone.’

  ‘They fled a few months after the famine,’ the matron admitted. Her face coloured, and she added, ‘Were I you, I’d go back to Lohenberg. There’s nothing here any more.’ She folded her hands, busying herself with writing more measurements.

  ‘What about the rest of the islanders?’ Serena asked. ‘How are they surviving?’

  Frau Bauherzen set down her pencil and shrugged. ‘The rest of us have no choice but to stay. We can’t afford to leave.’ She lifted the taffeta gown and began pinning the waistline. ‘I don’t know what brought you here, but Vertraumen has no future any more. Not for any of us.’

  Serena didn’t like hearing the resignation in the woman’s voice. ‘I’ll ask my husband to speak with the king of Lohenberg. It may be that he can get help for you.’

  ‘I wish it could be so,’ Frau Bauherzen responded, ‘but it’s been two years now. And … nothing.’

  Though she knew it was none of her business, Serena couldn’t stand back idle when people were suffering. Surely they could bring in more food and workers to help restore the island. ‘We’ll see what can be done,’ she offered.

  ‘About what?’ came the voice of the fürst. He entered the shop, taking Serena’s gloved hand in his.

  The matron cleared her throat, her face bright with embarrassment. ‘I was only explaining to your wife about the troubles that have been going on in Vertraumen.’

  ‘So I’ve heard.’ The fürst guided Serena to stand behind him. ‘I will send word to the king on your behalf.’

  The woman sent him a sudden look, as if she were wondering who he was. A moment later, she see
med to dismiss it. ‘Thank you, my lord. In the meantime, I should … get started on the gown. I will bring it to the manor house as soon as it’s finished.’

  Before Serena could say another word, the fürst guided her outside, leading her away from the village. ‘Bernard and Samuel have purchased supplies, and they will bring them to the house. We’re going back now.’

  ‘But I thought you wanted to explore the village?’ She was confused at his sudden decision. ‘Has something happened?’

  He nodded. ‘I’ll tell you more when we reach the manor.’

  ‘I want her found.’ Freiherr Albert von Meinhardt swept his fist across the desk, sending a brass candlestick flying. It struck the ground, but Captain Gerlach Feldmann didn’t flinch. He’d been prepared for the freiherr’s outrage. As the king’s closest advisor and a distant cousin, Albert had secretly held a fascination with the princess. Had she not outranked him, Gerlach suspected the man might have offered himself as a potential bridegroom.

  ‘Why did you let her leave?’

  ‘She was travelling with the fürst of Lohenberg and went willingly.’

  ‘Against her father’s orders!’ the freiherr shot back. ‘You defied the king by letting her go.’

  ‘And was I supposed to offend the prince?’ Gerlach held up his hands, feigning ignorance.

  ‘Your loyalty is to His Majesty. Not to the fürst of Lohenberg.’

  ‘She’s only been gone one day,’ Gerlach said. ‘She must have gone to one of her father’s estates.’

  ‘Send two dozen men to each of the estates,’ the freiherr ordered. ‘Betrothed or not, if word of this reaches the people, the princess will be ruined. I don’t have to remind you what will happen when the king learns of this.’

  ‘Or what will happen to Princess Serena,’ Gerlach said beneath his breath. He’d seen the effects of the brutal beatings first hand, and it sickened him to see her bruises.

  ‘What His Majesty chooses to do with his disobedient daughter is his own affair.’

  Gerlach didn’t answer, for he knew the freiherr would do nothing to offend the king. The man was blind to the princess’s suffering, and he was glad Serena was far away from the palace. Thankfully, by obeying the freiherr and sending men to each of the estates, it would grant the princess more time, for Gerlach knew she wasn’t there. Though he feared her escape could only be temporary, he hoped she would succeed.