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“Doubt is an uncomfortable condition,
but certainty is a ridiculous one.”
~ Voltaire
ChapterOne
Esme
I tapmy fingernails against the armrest in the back seat of the SUV, staring out of the window, the city alive with tourists and locals enjoying one of the first nice spring days.People sit at sidewalk cafés.Or pose for photos.Or hop on a boat for a tour of the canals.It’s the type of day I’d typically spend outdoors, basking in the sun on my face as I celebrate the end of winter.
Not today, though.
Sadly, my father has other plans.
What those plans are, I have no idea.
Which is why there’s currently a heavy knot of dread weighing down my stomach.
It’s taking every ounce of resolve I possess not to fidget with the hem of my skirt or chew my nails down to the quick.Every few seconds, I steal a glance at Archie in the front seat.As always, his expression gives nothing away, including why my father ordered me to the palace for an unscheduled meeting.
On a Saturday.
Whatever he needs to speak to me about must be important.
Which only makes my unease grow.
My mind goes through all the possible reasons my father might want to see me.
One stands out amongst them all.
My surprise visitor last night.
I bite back the infectious smile threatening to form on my mouth from the memory of Creed practically barging into my apartment.I’ve pinched myself countless times since he left early this morning, wondering if I imagined it all.
But my sore muscles and the ache between my legs is evidence I didn’t.That Creed and I have finally found our way back to each other.I didn’t think this would ever happen.Thought he’d carry the guilt of Adam’s death for the rest of his life.
It was because of that guilt I kept the truth from him.
But last night, I realized by doing so, I’d added to his burden.If Creed knew Adam’s final act on earth was one of selfless love for his brother, maybe he’d realize he deserved the happiness Adam was willing to sacrifice everything for him to experience.
And that’s exactly what happened.
The second I revealed what happened that night all those years ago, every single wall Creed had erected around his heart came crashing down, the chains shackling him to a life of regret and shame freeing him.
Freeing us.
But now I worry we weren’t as discreet as I thought.
Creed had assured me he was careful, using the back service entrance to the grounds of Gladwell Palace so the guard stationed at the front gates wouldn’t see him.He even parked in the staff lot and walked to my apartment.
Did someone see him anyway?
Did we already screw ourselves before we’ve had a chance to be together?
God, I hope not.
After what seems like an eternity, Archie finally pulls the SUV through the imposing gates of Lamberside Palace and continues toward the private entrance leading to my father’s personal residence.
