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“Don’t worry. I’ll teach you,” he says, holding my hand in his. “I know a lot of stuff that the history books conveniently omit.” I gaze into his eyes and feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
“I'd like that a lot,” I say as I sip my glass of wine.
But then, Eric takes a swig from his own glass before staring out at the river. Something's on his mind, but what could it be? I study him discreetly, trying to figure out what could be going through his brain right now. I gently caress his back, snapping him back into reality.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah. I was just thinking about the days when my dad used to bring me and my sister Ella here as kids. That was so long ago,” he muses somberly. “Now, all we ever do is fight about how I'm not fit to be the king.” He sighs heavily.
“Do you want to be king someday?” I ask. The handsome man is quiet for a bit.
“No,” he finally says. “But I don't have a choice.” I rub his back.
“It's a terrible thing when you're forced to do something that you don't really want to,” I say gently. “And I thought it was bad when my parents used to force me to eat vegetables as a kid,” I joke. He laughs and the mood lightens infinitesimally. But then Eric grows somber again.
“I just wish my dad and I had a better relationship,” he states.
“Have you tried talking with him? Be honest with your father, and tell him what you really want,” I urge. “He loves you, so I’m sure he wants to see you happy.”
Eric’s shoulders slump a bit.
“Yeah, maybe,” he says as he wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer to him. “But honestly, I think my sister Ella is a better fit for the throne. She’d make a great queen and it’s just so stupid that I have to do it. She wants it, in fact.”
“Well, the people of Chromia definitely adore her,” I say.
“Yeah, so do my mom and dad,” he chuckles. Then he squeezes me tight again. “Do you have any siblings?”
“Nope,” I reply, staring at the ground. “I’m an only child.”
“Lucky you. There’s no one for your parents to compare you to,” he says.
I think for a moment.
“Yeah, I guess that’s true. I always wanted a little brother or sister, though. Someone around my age because it’s just been me and my parents my whole life. It’d be nice to have someone else around.”
“Do you get along with your parents at least?” he asks.
“Oh yeah, don’t get me wrong. Things are great between us. Doria and Herbert just a little overprotective at times,” I say in a wry tone.
“I’d love to meet them one day,” Eric says, making my heart contract.
“Really?” I ask, my eyes wide.
“Yeah,” he replies. “It would be an honor.” Of course, my parents would flip if Eric walked through our front door. My mother would probably faint, and my father would drop to his knees and bow without ceasing.
Yet, the idea makes my heart warm because meeting my parents would be a major step in our relationship. It would mean that our love would no longer be a secret, and the possibility makes me breathless. After all, I'm ready to move forward in my relationship with Eric, but I'm scared to tell my parents that I've been seeing him for months behind their backs. Knowing Doria and Herbert, they'll probably die of shock. They’d want me to quit my job at the palace right away and would never approve of me dating a prince. They’re big fans of “knowing your place” and “staying in your own lane.” Plus, my parents don't live under a rock – they’ve seen what the tabloids have to say about Eric. They would probably think he’s just out for my body, but I know better because but what he and I share with each other is real.
Putting aside my doubts, I shoot my lover a dazzling smile.
“I’ll introduce you to them when the time is right,” I promise.
“I can’t wait,” he smiles without missing a beat. “I want to know everything about you, Kitty.” He gazes into my eyes, and it feels like we’re the only two people in the world. I feel like I’m staring directly into his soul, and the feeling is indescribable. I know that what I have with Eric is real, and it’s not just something that I’ve dreamed up.
“Thank you for bringing me here. You’ve made this day perfect,” I murmur emotionally. His big hand strokes my back.
“I just wanted to show you how much I care about you. You mean a lot to me, Kitty,” he says. It feels good to hear him say that because it only emphasizes what he already said in his letter. Despite our different stations in life, we care about one another, and nothing can change it.
My handsome man tips my chin up to look into my eyes.
