AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Even if it’s now just one-sided.
Anderson and I stop in front of the flag-covered casket and bow our heads, taking a moment to mourn the man lying beneath the pristine mahogany. Then Anderson squeezes my hand, leading me toward Adam’s family. They bow or curtsey, addressing us with a round of “Your Highnesses.”
We go down the line, offering our condolences to Adam’s parents and Rory. I do my best to maintain the same composure as my brother, despite the fact I know he’s torn up about this. Adam may have been my chief protection officer, but he always felt more like family.
When I reach Creed, I slowly lift my eyes to his. His hair is cut short, the unshaven jawline now smooth and free of even a hint of stubble. He wears the official dress uniform of the royal guard, the pins on his chest now denoting the rank of captain. Just like Adam.
But what’s worse than how different and stoic he appears is the lack of heat in his gaze as he stares at me.
Now he peers at me with indifference.
And sorrow.
Despite knowing this goes against all protocol, I don’t care. I fling my arms around his shoulders and hug him.
“I’m so sorry,” I say, squeezing him with every ounce of strength I possess.
But he never hugs me back.
Instead, he remains as unmoving as a statue, his tone clipped as he says, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Esme
Voices talk around me, but I barely hear a word they say. I simply stare ahead at the same familiar portrait I’ve stared at all summer whenever summoned to the conference room in my father’s office to attend yet another meeting to discuss my relationship with Jameson Gates.
I’ve been lucky enough to avoid having to endure these meetings for the past three weeks.
Then again, I shouldn’t say that, either, considering the reason for my absence.
Despite the passing of weeks, it’s as if nothing’s changed. I’m still in the same place, in the same chair, listening to the same people plan my future.
When I feel a squeeze on my hand, I look to my right, meeting Jameson’s eyes.
“Are you okay?” Concern furrows his brow as he leans close. “Say the word, and I’ll whisk us away to the land of pajama pants and serial killer documentaries.”
A smile pulls on my lips at the reminder of how we’ve spent nearly every day since my release from the hospital.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten to know him better than I have all summer. I can now say with absolute certainty that I like him.
But I don’t love him.
And he doesn’t love me.
“It’s okay,” I assure him. “I’m fine.”
His face is heavy with disbelief. “Are you sure? Even with what they’re discussing?”
I haven’t exactly been paying attention. I don’t need to in order to know they’re planning our future without giving us a say.
“We did a recent poll,” Gianna announces, pointing her clicker at the screen on the far wall. A graph appears. “We asked a representative sample how long after the death of a loved one they believe you should wait before announcing an engagement when you’d planned to do so before you learned of the death. As you can see, we’re well within acceptable parameters. In fact, some of the written comments indicate the sooner the better, as it would give people a reason to celebrate instead of mourn.
“Based on all of this data, not to mention the fact that Her Highness and Mr. Gates haven’t been seen together since the funeral, I’d like to schedule a press conference for tomorrow so His Majesty can officially announce the engagement.”
She clicks the button again, a sample press release appearing.
“This will go out immediately afterwards, and we’ll rework it to be the official announcement posted at the palace gates, as per tradition. The gist is that Captain Adam Lawson’s death made the couple realize how short life is, and they decided to get engaged in order to start their lives together.”
