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Theodore hesitated at the threshold of the palace’s sprawling gardens, the brown withered plants of autumn a reflection of the turmoil that had only recently subsided. Nicole, her hand still resting lightly in his, followed him.
“I thought about suggesting a walk,” Theodore said, his voice low, almost wistful. “But I fear the garden’s serenity may be lost on us for a time.”
Nicole looked up at him, her eyes reflecting an understanding that went beyond words, a shared memory of danger that had marred even the most innocent of places. “Let’s wait until the flowers can just be flowers again,” she replied. The corners of her lips curved upward in a small, brave smile.
“Agreed,” he returned the smile, feeling the weight of recent events momentarily lift at her quiet smile.
Instead, they turned, knowing they had to share what they knew with the king. With each step they took toward King Albert’s study, Theodore felt the mantle of his royal duties settle upon his shoulders once more. His father’s study was where so many laws had come into being.
Pushing open the heavy oak door, Theodore led Nicole into the warm embrace of the room where his father, King Albert, and Prince James awaited. The walls were lined with shelves of leather-bound books and the scent of aged wood and ink spoke of decisions made and the weight of the crown.
“Father, James,” Theodore greeted, aware of Nicole curtseying beside him. King Albert rose, his expression one of relief and stern affection, while James’s features softened considerably at the sight of them safe.
“Is everything...” James started, but the question hung unfinished in the air.
“She’s all right,” Theodore said, offering a reassuring nod. He could see the tension ebb from James’s posture, silent gratitude for the respite from further discourse on the day’s harrowing events.
Nicole stood by Theodore’s side, willing to do anything to make certain all of the people involved in her kidnapping were caught and brought to justice.
“Your Majesty,” she addressed the king with a respectful nod, her composure flawless despite the ordeal she had endured.
“Nicole.” King Albert acknowledged her with a gracious nod, the lines around his eyes softening. “Your courage is as commendable as it is unsurprising.”
“Thank you, sir,” she replied, her voice steady, betraying none of the tumultuous emotions Theodore knew churned beneath her poised exterior.
“I don’t know what all you’ve been told, Father, but Marquis Christopher was at the heart of the rebellion the whole time. He was promising political favors to people who supported him. He’d made some allies in Allenia, promising them trade agreements. It seems at the bottom of it all is the fact that his family’s money was drying up. So he thought staging a coup was the answer.”
James shook his head. “To think, I once called him friend. This means Amanda and I are—”
“You’re safe to do what you want again,” Theodore said softly. He was almost as thankful that James and Amanda were safe as he was that Nicole was. Almost.
A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of James’s lips. He stood, extending a hand across the table which Theodore grasped firmly—a gesture that spoke volumes.
“Thank you, brother,” James said simply.
“I am so thankful that all of my family is out of danger. And you of course, Nicole.”
“Then let us proceed with cautious optimism,” Theodore suggested, addressing both his father and brother with a renewed sense of purpose. “We will rebuild trust with those who seek amends and reforge our alliances.”
“Yes,” King Albert agreed, his voice resonant with the wisdom of his years. “For in unity, we find our greatest strength, and in loyalty, the foundation of our legacy.”
As they left his father’s office, Theodore walked with Nicole toward the back of the palace. “I’m sure you’d like to go home and clean up, though I wish you’d stay here at least for a few days.”
He watched her, attentive to the slightest change in her composure, ready to brace against a tempest of reproach or a silent retreat.
Nicole turned to face him fully, her expression inscrutable for a moment before a measured smile graced her lips. “I’m fine. It was a frightening situation, but it’s over now.”
“Thank heavens,” Theodore said with a smile. “I fear I’ve already failed to protect you once It cannot happen again.”
“Your sense of duty is both your armor and your prison,” she observed thoughtfully, stepping closer. The air between them seemed to thrum with the tension of their proximity—a dance of intimacy and decorum. “But do not mistake my willingness to stand with you as a lack of awareness of the risks involved.”
A silence fell, charged with unsaid promises and unacknowledged yearnings. He found himself searching her features for clues to her innermost thoughts.
“Then, Nicole, will you still see me?” His question hung in the balance. “Despite all that’s happened?”
“Theron Independence Day,” she said. “November 1st. Come to lunch with my family. If you can sit at our humble table, share our bread, and laugh at my father’s jests, then yes—I will continue to see you.”
There it was—an ultimatum lined with affection. To break bread with her kin was to step beyond the boundaries of their relationship as it had been and to acknowledge their bond.
