Page 67 of The Girl Beneath the Sea

He doesn’t introduce them and I only realize what they are for when he takes the leather folder from the beta, produces a thick stack of paper and passes it over to me to sign.

It is the marriage contract. Maybe some kind of prenup. I want to read it. I really, really want to read it, but I can’t.

He’s brought them as witnesses. Technically, it’s their job to confirm that we both signed in their presence and that neither of us did so under duress. In reality, they are his people. If I kick up a fuss, they will either lie about it or he will simply get different witnesses.

“Initial each page, then sign at the end,” he says.

I sit down at the little desk and reach for my fountain pen, scanning the document only long enough to find the line at the bottom waiting for my signature.

Reinhardt does not sit while I do it. He walks the length of the sitting room and back with his hands behind him and talks.

“It has been received well,” he says. “The Americans are—” he looks for the word, “—charmed. Their State Department has offered every assistance. I have said that we will need very little.”

“Yes,” I say as I initial and turn the page.

“We are making the arrangements now. I have arranged for a church in Washington. I will make sure you have your vows by the end of the day. Make sure they are memorized.”

That confirms it. These witnesses are definitely his people. He would never dare be so open without it.

But this is also my chance.

“A church, Prime Minister?”

He stops walking. I never ask questions.

I am in unfamiliar territory. I realize that while I am used to hiding my emotions, I have never attempted to show them.

I summon everything I am feeling. All the fear, all the worry, every moment of terror that I had while I thought that Roan was dead, and let it flood my body.

Unbidden, my hands begin to shake.

“Prime Minister, will there be a lot of people? I know a royal wedding is important. I know. I understand. But can we keep it small please? I am fearful of the Americans after what has happened. How will I know that he will not be out there waiting for me?”

He. It is the first time that I have voluntarily referenced Roan.

Reinhardt’s face hardens. “You do not need to worry about that. He has been dealt with.”

Dare I argue further? Will it work? Will he see me as argumentative or simply the scared omega that I want him to see?

“Please, Prime Minister. If it is like my parents’ wedding, everyone will know where I am to be. The news said they haven’t found his body. If it is such a big wedding, he could be there. He could make his way in. If there are so many people, he could hide.”

“I told you that he has been dealt with,” Reinhardt says again. “The man is dead. No one can survive that long in a winter river.”

“Are you sure, Prime Minister? Are you sure?” Now I let the emotion show in my voice. It’s not hard. I can imagine Roan dead in a river. I have not let myself cry since I was taken back here, but now the tears want to come out.

Dial it back, Aurelio. You’re overdoing it.

“He is not a threat, Highness. You can be assured of that.”

I take a deep staggering breath, trying to control my breathing, but then I let the tears come.

Everything pours out. The fear when I first was taken. The fear when I heard the shots. The weeks and weeks of not knowing if Roan was living or dead. The fears for my child when I did not know if they would force me to take the tablets.

And even now, I am still scared.

Reinhardt sighs. He crosses the room and gently pats me on the shoulder.

No touching, asshole. That’s treason.