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She showered quickly and then dressed in her uniform, and came out to find Rafe lying on the bed with his hands behind his head, looking grim.
‘I don’t blameyou,’ Antonietta said, ‘I should have set the alarm...’
‘Why does blame have to be apportioned?’ Rafe asked.
‘Because we are in Silibri,’ Antonietta said. ‘Finding someone to blame is our national sport.’
‘Antonietta,’ Rafe said. ‘I won’t let you lose your job because of me...’
Damn, he hadn’t even told her he was leaving today.
‘I’ve lost more than my job to you, Rafe.’
‘You speak as if you were an unwilling participant.’ His voice came out defensive and derisive, as it tended to when he was feeling caught out.
‘I’m talking about my virginity,’ Antonietta replied, loathing her own tone, but she felt caught out too.
He didn’t know what to do as she flounced off. His immediate thought was to call Nico and put in a word, but he knew she would hate that. Or he could head down and apologise to Francesca...
Rafe felt as if he was back at school.
And then the weight of his own problems arrived at his door.
Antonietta would have barely made it through the cloister when there came a heavy knock.
It was his RPO, looking grim. ‘You are to call the palace.’
‘I have already spoken with the King,’ Rafe responded tartly. He did not need to be told again that it was time for him to leave.
But he had not understood the message.
‘It is the Queen who wishes to speak with you.’
Rafe could not remember a time when his mother had requested to speak with him, and for a moment he felt ice run down his spine. It must be bad news. His mother never called. Not during his schooling, nor when he was injured.
So rare was this request that by the time he had been put through to the palace Rafe had almost convinced himself that his father must be on his deathbed and he was about to become King.
Not now, Rafe thought.Not like this.
‘Rafael.’
His mother’s tone gave him no clue—it was brusque and efficient as always.
‘I spoke with your father at length last night.’
‘He is well?’ Rafe checked.
‘Of course he is.’ Marcelle sounded irritated. ‘Rafe, I understand you are involved with someone?’
‘Yes.’
‘I have heard your father’s poor advice to you.’
For a second he thought he had an ally. That possibly his mother was on his side. But this was not a gentle lead-in. There was no preamble with the Ice Queen.
‘End things with her and do it immediately.’
‘That’s your advice?’
