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The perfumed scent that wafted out of the bathroom when she peeked out to glare at me almost had me lunging for her.
Not interested in anything on the TV, I click it off and roll to my side, staring at the door to the bathroom that separates our bedrooms.
I feel like a fool for not making my intentions clear from the beginning. I feel like a bigger fool for taking offense at her questions about my kissing.
She can tell certain things about me, which is not something to be offended about. I can trust her with my truth.
Back home in Gravenland, people clamor to get my attention. They bow and defer to me. They question nothing I say. They don’t debate me. They never challenge. No one but my siblings.
Hailey reminds me of the good things about home.
She makes me laugh. Every dating prospect the palace has foisted upon me has had the spark, fire, and joy crushed out of them by endless classes in royal etiquette and customs.
People are told to address me a certain way, even shake my hand a certain way. The curtsies, the limited eye contact.
Everyone is utterly wooden around me except for my siblings.
And suddenly, incomprehensibly, I’m missing them. It’s been less than two days.
I know why. It’s because my search for a bride is over, as far as I’m concerned, and I’m ready to take her home.
Rolling over to the night table, I grab my phone and frown at the dozen text messages from my mother’s assistant and the half-dozen voicemails.
I should at least let Mother know so she doesn’t worry, even if it chaps me that she didn’t contact me personally.
Me: Call off the hounds, Mother. I’m fine. I’m in America.
Mother: Torben! Just tell me where you are, in general, before your father blows a gasket.
Me: He hasn’t already?
Mother: Yes, but his temper tantrums come in waves, you know that.
A knot of guilt forms in my stomach.
Me: I’m in the Southern U.S. It’s a gorgeous place. And I met someone. That should be enough to keep the king out of your hair.
Mother: That’s wonderful, dear! Who is her family?
Who her family is shouldn’t matter, but I know why she’s asking. Well, it won’t be a problem once she meets Hailey. Everyone will fall in love with her the second they meet her, like I did.
Me: I’ll keep that to myself until you meet her.
Mother: There are protocols and procedures. The palace has to release a statement.
Me: Hold everyone off until I return.
Mother: When?
Me: Soon. Promise.
Mother: Oh, Torben. Your father will not be happy with this update. He’ll say I’ve indulged you too much and am to blame for your stunt.
Me: Can anyone blame you? I am easy to love.
A long pause follows, and Mother ends our conversation with six words that give me hope.
Mother: I look forward to meeting her.
