The Accidental Prince

by Michelle Willingham

  Anna drew back. ‘Are you angry with me? I was afraid that you’d be ruined if you went alone.’

  ‘I was angry at the time.’

  But I fell in love with him. I spent yesterday in his arms, and I miss him already.

  ‘I heard the news,’ Anna said, taking Serena’s hands in hers. ‘That he was illegitimate. I’m so sorry for putting you in such a position. Father sent word to the king of Lohenberg and severed your betrothal.’

  She nodded, her throat growing constricted. ‘He told me.’

  Anna squeezed her hands. ‘Was he … very angry?’ The fearful tone in her voice made her suspect that her sister knew more about Serena’s beatings than she’d let on.

  ‘He was. But it wasn’t too bad,’ she admitted.

  Anna’s shoulders lowered in relief. She embraced Serena and said, ‘I’m so glad you’re all right.’ Her sister sat down in another chair and admitted, ‘I sent the prince to you, because I thought he could protect you.’

  At the mention of Karl, Serena tensed, praying that he had gone back with his brother. Although she’d seen Fürst Michael there with his men, there was no guarantee that Karl had obeyed.

  I’m not the obedient sort, he’d told her.

  But she needed him to live. She would fight her way free of Badenstein and do everything within her power to go back to him. They could live quietly together, in a house overlooking the sea.

  ‘Did you hear what I said?’ Anna repeated.

  Serena frowned and shook her head. ‘I’m sorry. I was woolgathering.’

  ‘You’re to marry Freiherr von Meinhardt in three days,’ Anna told her. ‘Father has already arranged it.’

  ‘So soon?’ was all she could say. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t about to wed the freiherr, and nothing could convince her to say yes.

  ‘It’s late,’ she told her sister. ‘We should get some sleep.’

  Anna smiled and embraced her again. ‘I’m so glad you’re home, Serena. I’ve missed you.’

  After her sister left, Serena climbed into bed, her thoughts in turmoil. Had Captain Feldmann released Karl? Was he safe on Vertraumen? She closed her eyes tightly, trying hard not to think of the days ahead.

  Humility had never transformed her father’s mood, nor had it protected her from his violent moods. There was little point in trying to be the good daughter, for it had brought her nothing but bruises and heartache.

  She refused to think about the morning ahead, focusing her mind upon the time she’d spent in Karl’s arms. Never would she forget a moment of it. Her tears dampened her pillow, and it hurt so badly to know that she could never be with him.

  In the darkness, she heard her door open. ‘Who’s there?’ she asked, expecting to hear Katarina’s voice.

  ‘Who do you think?’ came Karl’s answer.

  Chapter Seventeen

  He moved across the room and found her sitting up in bed. Though her face was shadowed, he could hear her hushed breathing.

  ‘What are you doing here? You were supposed to stay on the island,’ she whispered fiercely.

  ‘Then who would protect you?’ He moved in and rested both hands on either side of her body. The clean scent of her skin held a hint of crushed grass, reminding him of the afternoon they’d spent together. He wanted to lie in her arms this night, no matter what the danger was.

  Captain Feldmann had led him to Serena’s room, but all else was up to him. If he were caught, Karl knew that there was no escaping the retribution. He didn’t care.

  Serena had given herself to him, allowing him to love her. No woman had ever wanted him, save this one. He’d walk through a storm of bullets if it meant being with her.

  ‘Did you think I would give up on you that easily?’

  ‘Someone could come in at any time. It’s not safe for you here.’

  He knew it. But the rush of danger only made him more intent upon seeing her. ‘I locked the door when I came in.’

  She tried to protest again, but he covered her mouth with his, cutting off her arguments with a kiss. ‘I know you don’t want me here. But I won’t allow him to hurt you again. I’ll be damned if I stand by and let it happen.’

  ‘Instead, you’ll risk being caught?’ Dismay and worry mingled in her voice, even as she pulled him into an embrace.

  ‘You’re worth any risk, Serena.’ She let out a soft gasp when he lowered his mouth to the soft place between her nape and shoulder. Goose-flesh broke over her, and he grew aware that she was only wearing a thin nightdress. He tasted the pulse of her heartbeat, and promised, ‘I’ll take you away and no one will see us.’

  ‘And we’ll be caught before we even get to the end of the hall,’ she said. ‘They’ll take you below and lock you away. My father will condemn you to death, no matter what your family might do to interfere.’ Her voice quavered, and she insisted, ‘You have to go. Let me make my own escape.’

  He leaned in and pressed her back against the pillow. ‘Don’t ask me to abandon you.’

  ‘The way your family did?’ she whispered. ‘Is that what this is about?’

  For a moment, he rested with his face against her hair. She held him close, winding both arms around his neck, and he gripped her hard.

  A tightness rose up within him, for how could she ever understand? When she’d admitted that she loved him, it was as if the earth had cracked beneath his feet. If something happened to her, he might as well be dead.

  ‘You’re all I have left to fight for, Serena. I don’t belong anywhere anymore. Not in Lohenberg. Not here.’

  ‘You belong with me,’ she said. ‘Just as I belong with you.’

  Before he could speak, her hands were moving over him, loosening his shirt. When her palms touched his bare chest, he couldn’t stop the crashing wave of desire that started to push away common sense.

  ‘There isn’t time for this, Serena,’ he protested.

  They needed to get away now, while most of the castle was abed. But when she took his hands and moved them beneath her nightgown, to her bare breasts, his mind went blank. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him so close, he lost himself to her.

  ‘Touch me,’ she pleaded. ‘Let me remember what it was like.’

  His brain reminded him that this was foolish, that she ought to be getting dressed and fleeing with him while they could. But he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

  He kissed her, their mouths mingling with heat and the forbidden fear of discovery. His hands moved over her skin, caressing her. Against his better judgement, he raised the hem of her nightgown and exposed her to the waist. Between her legs, he found her wet and swollen.

  ‘Please, Karl,’ she begged.

  He shut his eyes tightly, trying to gather the control he didn’t have. But she moved her hands to his trousers, unfastening the buttons. When her hand moved over his erection, he reached in to touch her womanhood, finding the place of her own arousal.

  Knowing that anyone could walk in on them at any time seemed to drive his arousal even harder. But he wanted to make this moment good for her. With his thumb, he pressed against the area of her pleasure, slowly circling as he coaxed her to welcome his intrusion. He kissed her hard, and against her mouth, he demanded, ‘I’m not letting you go, Serena. You belong to me, and our kingdoms can go up in flames for all I care.’

  Serena took him in her palm, guiding him to her slick entrance. Her breath caught when he settled at her entrance, gently probing.

  He bit hard against his lip, tasting blood as he fought to keep from plunging deep inside.

  He entered her slowly, feeling her wetness sheathe every inch of his shaft. Lowering his mouth to the curve of her breast, he penetrated until he could go no farther. He held steady, not moving as he raised himself up above her.

  ‘I want every night with you. Every morning.’ He began to move, punctuating his words with the rhythm of his thrusts. She arched her back, pressing deeply against him. He could feel her body squeezing his manhood
as he entered her. When he increased the tempo, she lost every inhibition, her body trembling as she climbed closer to her release.

  Serena was achingly close to her climax, and her nails dug into his back. ‘I won’t let you die, Karl. I promise I’ll come to you. But you have to leave.’ She was half sobbing, when he covered her nipple with his mouth, sucking hard while his hand stroked the other breast. ‘I love you.’

  Karl closed his eyes, never ceasing his rhythmic penetrations. It didn’t seem possible that anyone could love him, but he needed her. More than anything else.

  He held her close as he continued pumping into her, until she shuddered in her climax. As she came apart, he groaned, releasing his seed inside her.

  He lay atop her, still mostly clothed, his body damp with perspiration. She lay motionless, not looking at him. Karl adjusted his clothing, fastening his trousers and turning her over. ‘We need to leave, Serena.’

  She stood and took him by the hand. With slow steps, she walked with him to the door.

  ‘Do you need help getting dressed?’ he asked.

  She shook her head. ‘I can’t go with you at this moment. It would attract too much attention. Let me meet you just before dawn. Wait for me beyond the gates where you first kidnapped me.’

  Her voice held an emptiness, as if she were trying to make him leave her behind. He drew her into his arms, holding her close. ‘Don’t surrender, Serena. Fight for what you want.’ His hands threaded through her hair, and he felt the dampness of her tears against his shoulder.

  She gripped him hard and whispered, ‘I’ll come … as soon as I can.’

  He didn’t believe her. The bleakness in her face held the shadow of tears. ‘If you don’t, I’ll come after you. I swear it on my life.’

  At first light, Serena went to visit her mother. Queen Clara looked slightly better than the last time she’d seen her. There was colour in her face, and she was seated in a chair instead of resting in bed. The silvery gown she wore accentuated Clara’s light brown hair, and a light filled up her smile when she laid eyes on Serena.

  ‘I’ve missed you, liebe Mutter,’ Serena said, kneeling at her mother’s feet and embracing her.

  Frail arms came around her shoulders, and Clara touched her cheek. ‘I understand you were kidnapped by a prince.’

  Serena nodded. ‘Anna sent him to protect me, believing that it would save my reputation if anyone learned I was travelling alone. But things … turned out differently.’

  Her mother reached out and took her hand. ‘You have feelings for this man, don’t you?’

  Though Serena lowered her head in a yes, there were no words she could express. She loved Karl enough that she had to protect him from her father’s wrath.

  Last night, when he’d come to her room, she’d been both elated and terrified that he was here. Though she’d wanted nothing more than to flee, she knew that Freiherr Albert von Meinhardt had positioned two dozen guards all around the palace—men loyal to her father. She didn’t know how Karl had managed to get inside her room without being seen, but she knew it was impossible for her to escape a second time. Not without leading him into danger.

  Better to love him while he was still alive than to bring about his death from her own selfish wishes.

  Clara patted her shoulder. ‘I am sorry that you cannot marry him any longer.’ Her mouth drew into a taut line. ‘But I understand you are to wed Freiherr Meinhardt in two days.’

  ‘I won’t wed him,’ Serena said. She told her mother of the freiherr’s decision to imprison Captain Feldmann’s wife and child. ‘Not a man who would stoop so low.’

  Her mother looked aghast. ‘What will you do?’

  ‘I’m going to abdicate my throne to Anna.’ A quiet resignation filled her up inside, and she felt at peace with the decision. Running away would not solve anything. If she was to live her life as a commoner, she didn’t want to be constantly looking over her shoulder for soldiers. She wanted to be free.

  And that meant facing the king’s fury.

  ‘Serena,’ her mother continued, ‘your father has ordered you to meet with him, once we’ve finished talking. Shall I come with you?’

  ‘It would be better if you remained here,’ she answered, knowing that her mother was not strong enough to defend her. ‘I will face him alone.’

  And I won’t cower before him, she promised herself. Though she didn’t believe that the king would let her go, she was ready to face the worst of his temper. She had her own reason to fight, a reason that was waiting for her beyond the gates.

  She rose from her mother’s side and nodded to her ladies. ‘I will see my father now.’

  As they walked down the hallway, Katarina came to her side and offered her hand. Serena took it, and though she wore gloves, her fingers were icy cold.

  When they reached the door to her father’s study, Serena tried to reach inside for the courage she lacked. She needed to be brave. No matter what happened now, she’d done everything she could to protect Karl.

  Her lady-in-waiting curtsied and went to announce her presence to the king.

  ‘Enter,’ came her father’s voice. Standing to the left of the king was Albert von Meinhardt. The smug look on the freiherr’s face left her cold, but she kept her expression neutral.

  For a long moment, the king said nothing. He settled a stack of papers upon his desk and stood. Serena held her ground, but her eyes swept over the room. There was a tea tray resting upon a table, with a single cup and saucer waiting. A small chaise longue with a square pillow was nearby, and a low fire burned on the hearth.

  ‘I have made arrangements for your wedding to the freiherr,’ her father began. ‘Though it may not silence the gossip, it is—’

  ‘No,’ Serena interrupted. ‘I won’t marry him.’ She sent a pointed look toward the Baron, letting him see her disapproval of what he’d done to bring her back.

  The look of rage on her father’s face made him rise from his seat. Serena seized the pillow from the chaise longue and held it with both arms, in readiness to shield herself.

  ‘I’m giving up my throne,’ Serena continued, her hands digging into the pillow. ‘And I will leave the palace this day. You will not send any men after me. You are going to let me go.’

  ‘How do you dare to give me orders?’ The king advanced upon her, ordering the freiherr to leave the room. Von Meinhardt didn’t bother trying to defend her, but abandoned her to the king’s anger.

  Serena backed away, trying to move closer to the door. ‘It’s clear to me that you hate the very ground I walk upon. I was never the daughter you wanted, and yet, you punished me at every turn. I won’t be your victim any longer.’

  Though his fists were clenched in readiness to strike her, he didn’t. Instead, his voice thickened with venom. ‘You aren’t worthy to hold a throne. But I won’t allow you to cast a scandal over my rule.’

  ‘I’ll go quietly,’ she said. ‘Make Anna your heir.’

  ‘Anna was always going to be my heir,’ he countered. ‘Not you. Why would I want a bastard daughter to rule over Badenstein?’

  The pillow dropped from her hands as his revelation sank in. Was that why he hated her so? Because she wasn’t his daughter?

  ‘A bastard?’ she repeated, hardly daring to hope it was true. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I learned of your mother’s affair several years ago.’ He continued speaking of Clara’s indiscretion, but Serena could only feel a widening sense of joy. If the king was not her father, then it made sense why he hated her so. And why he hadn’t begun beating her until a few years ago.

  ‘I am glad to hear it,’ Serena heard herself saying. ‘I would rather have any other father in the world than you.’

  His hand raised out to strike her, and the motion blurred. She reached for the tea tray to shield herself from his blow. China shattered, and she was dimly aware of the door slamming against the wall as it flew open.

  Karl tore into the room, his hands encircling
the king’s throat. He sent a look toward Serena. ‘You didn’t arrive when you were supposed to.’

  To King Ruwald he ordered, ‘You’re going to let her go. She won’t endure your abuse any longer.’

  But Ruwald suddenly broke free of Karl’s grasp and lunged forward. The two men fought, and Serena searched for some way to help him. Before she could do anything, the freiherr returned with seven guards. Although Karl struggled hard, the men overpowered him.

  ‘Take him below,’ the king ordered. ‘I want him in chains.’ His reddened face turned murderous as he stared at Serena. ‘And as for you … you’ll wed von Meinhardt without argument or question. Or I’ll have your lover hanged before your eyes.’

  She couldn’t breathe. As the men dragged Karl away, she sank to the floor, unable to fill her lungs. Darkness clouded at her consciousness, and when her father left the room, a searing pain ripped her heart in half.

  Even though the king hadn’t laid a hand upon her.

  That night, Serena was resting when the door opened. Queen Clara appeared, surrounded by her own ladies.

  ‘My sweet girl, what has he done?’ Clara struggled to walk closer and sat upon the bed, touching Serena’s face.

  ‘Is it true?’ Her voice cracked as she struggled with the words. ‘He said I’m not his daughter. That I am … a bastard.’

  Her mother let out a slow breath. ‘It’s true that I took a lover when he was away, many years ago. I suppose it’s no secret that our arranged marriage was not a happy one.’

  Her hand stilled upon Serena’s shoulder. ‘But your blood is royal. Make no mistake of it.’

  ‘Then who is my father?’

  The queen’s eyes closed. ‘Ruwald is still your father. I was already carrying you inside of me when I took a lover.’

  The brutal knowledge cracked apart her feelings, and she wept with her head in her mother’s lap. ‘I wanted to believe that there was someone else. That I had another father somewhere.’

  The queen shook her head. ‘Whatever he believes, you are his eldest child. Both of you are legitimate.’