Just once, I wanted to be that precious to him that he’d make such a promise.
And that thought terrified me more than I could put into words.
“Maybe,” I said.
“Then…” He laid his hands on my cheeks and kissed me. “I.”Kiss. “Promise.”Kiss.“Never.”Kiss. “To—”
“I get it, I get it.” I laughed, pushing at his chest.
“I didn’t finish.” He pulled me even closer and held our lips together. “I promise to never, ever leave you again, my Allie.”
Kiss.
“Cheater,” I murmured, sliding my hands up and wrapping my arms around his neck.
Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.
Screw it.
We could take another minute here.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
A Lot Of Fuss For A Handkerchief
“Bellaaaaaaa,” I whined, holding my arms out the moment she walked into my room. “Help me!”
Panic flashed across her face. “What is it, my lady? What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Are you ill?”
“It’s worse.”
She froze. “I’ll get the Grand Duke!”
“You can’t! No, wait!” I scrambled up from where I was sitting on the bed, grabbing my embroidery hoop. “Shut the door!”
Bella shoved it shut behind her. “Did you prick your finger, my lady? If so, this is a lot of fuss—”
“I ruined it!” I waved the hoop through the air. “It’s all knotted at the end, but we’re leaving in an hour! I can’t give him a ruined handkerchief!”
She looked at the hoop, then back up at me. “I’m sure His Highness would be thrilled with whatever you give him.”
“Nooooo!” I dropped onto the bed, screaming into my pillow. “All this work! All this time! I can’t!”
The door burst open, and the distinctshingof a sword being unsheathed cut through the air as Rina appeared, holding the blade in front of her. “I heard a scream. Lady Alicia, are you all right? What’s going on?”
Bella gasped. “Dame Rina! Please put that away!”
“Rinaaaaaa!” I wailed, dragging myself across the bed. “Bella’s being mean to me.”
Rina looked between us both. “Well, I don’t think I need this for that.” She sheathed her sword and closed the door once more. “What’s wrong, my lady?”
“I messed it up.” I held out the hoop again, and my eyes stung as my frustration got the better of me. “I don’t have time to get ready and fix it. I can’t give this to the Grand Duke!”
“My lady, don’t cry!” Bella shuffled from one foot to the other, holding her hands up in a panic. “Your eyes will be all puffy!”
“Help meeee,” I sniffled, burying my face in my bedcovers.
“Goodness me. This job comes with more drama than I was led to believe. Let me have a look,” Rina said, walking over.
