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They both laughed.
His phone buzzed.
“Pardon me.” He pulled it out and grimaced. “Late for another meeting.”
She met his gaze, wondering if he could see she wanted to be invited back. When he only studied her, but didn’t say anything, she said, “I’ll see you at dinner.”
Nolan nodded, gave her one more searching look, and then strode down the hallway. She watched him go. His confident walk appealed to her on every level. He was strong, yet she’d seen him humble himself for her, his family, and for the kingdom.
Incredible was the only word that could describe that man. Why couldn’t she be like a fanciful girl, swoon in the king’s arms after his enticing kiss, and when he said in that beautiful, lyrical, husky voice, ‘Marry me … Soon,’ she could scream, “Yes!”
Madeline eased into her suite, found a historical suspense novel she probably wouldn’t be able to focus on, and plodded up the many stairs to the solarium. The gorgeous views, delicious scents of roses, alyssum, and gardenia, and the soothing sound of water fountains calmed her. She read for a few minutes but then found she couldn’t sit still, which was odd as she sat through hours of meetings with parliament and recently with Nolan and Tristan.
Madeline set her book on an outdoor couch and wandered over to a balcony, staring out at the picturesque valley below, dotted with lakes, and the towering green mountains beyond. She wanted to get caught up in the mystical and magical feel of the castle, the valley, the royal family, and especially the enticing King Nolan.
Glancing over at the picturesque village of Greenville and the lake beyond, fear rushed through her. She’d been attacked on that lake trail. Queen Anne had drowned in that lake. Apprehension pressed at the back of her mind, and then all the horror of this morning rushed over her. That huge man, restraining her, no escape, the awful things he had said and intoned.
Tears ran down to her chin and then dropped onto the balcony railing. Her shoulders shook with sobs. She rarely cried and here she was crying for the second time in one day. If only Nolan was here to hold and comfort and strengthen her.
Yet she had been attacked because of her relationship with Nolan. Maybe she wasn’t cut out to be queen. She’d have to agree to dump her independence and freedom, have guards trailing her at all times while she literally did nothing, sat sweetly around the castle and quietly supported her kingly husband. That wasn’t her path, her life.
Yet Nolan …
A tremble of sweetness trickled down her spine. To be with Nolan. To love him. Be loved by him. Nurture and love all their children together. The morning hikes, meals together, and time spent with their children might be worth the hours of empty unfulfillment and the constant guards. Especially time spent with Kiera. She adored that impetuous girl trapped in a tween body.
She thought through what days and nights might look like as queen, but more importantly as Nolan’s wife. Could she ask to be a full participant in his and Tristan’s responsibilities? They did so much, so many meetings. She’d love to be by his side or even take over some responsibilities so they all had more time to enjoy together.
There would be another huge bonus if she married him. Something that she hadn’t experienced yet. Late evenings and nighttime … alone with Nolan. Warmth filled her.
Voices and footsteps approached the solarium. Madeline wasn’t one to hide, but she was certain her face was splotchy and her eyes red. She needed a moment to compose herself. Sliding to the side, she was quickly hidden by thick trees, bushes, and flowers.
The voices came closer, and she could tell instantly—Macey and Kiera. What was Kiera doing out of school early? Since the Rindlesbachers had died or gone into hiding, Kiera had returned to the public school. Of course two guards shadowed her, but Nolan had explained how they attempted to let her have a normal school experience as his boys had done. Kiera loved school and had a myriad of friends she talked about.
Today, her voice was choked with tears. Madeline could hear the tremor and the sniffles. Her heart lurched. Kiera. The fun-loving teenager was her favorite.
Madeline almost hurried out of her hiding spot to comfort Kiera. She could admit she’d been crying as well and commiserate. Kiera would love that. They related to each other so well, and Kiera was the daughter she’d always dreamed of having.
“It’s not that I don’t love Chad’s mum. I do,” Kiera said, sniffling again. “I love Chad’s mum with my whole heart.”
Madeline froze. Kiera and Macey were talking about her?
“And I know those girls are only jealous because I’m a princess,” she said fiercely. “But I’m tired of always being the one they have to talk about and make fun of. Why must I always be the kind one and not tell them off?”
“Where much is given, much is required,” Macey’s voice responded. “You’ve got a loving family and you are the princess. I bet those girls are lacking something that makes them lash out.” She paused and then said more quietly, “I didn’t have a loving family, but I withdrew instead of lashing out. My brother Gage picked fights. I’m sure other boys thought he was a jerk when truly he was hurting. He needed someone to understand and give him a chance.”
There was a pause.
“I know,” Kiera said. “You’re right. It’s just hard.”
“I understand, love. It is hard, and they shouldn’t pick on you, no matter their reasons. I am very proud of you for not lashing out and for choosing to be kind.”
“Thank you.”
Madeline’s heart ached as she silently listened. Macey was counseling Kiera, helping her to see another view and commending her on her kindness. Madeline wanted to hug her and be there for her as well.
“I don’t know how they even found out that I’m getting a new mum. Do you know how they knew, Macey?”
A new mum? Nolan had only proposed last night. She hadn’t said yes, and they hadn’t made it official. There hadn’t been any publicity about their ‘dating’ arrangement, either.
