AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Secrets are dangerous, Theo,” she whispered back, her gaze locked on his. “They have a way of growing, festering...”
“Then let it fester out of sight, away from those who would harm you because of me.” His eyes burned with an intensity that made her shiver. “For now, at least. Please.”
Nicole felt the gravity of his plea pulling at her resolve. Her skin prickled as his fingertips brushed hers, an electric charge of connection that spoke louder than words. “Can I trust you, Theodore?”
“Trust me when I say I’ve never wanted anything—or anyone—as much as I want you.” His voice cracked with the raw edge of truth.
The air stilled as they stood inches apart, the space between them charged with unsaid promises and unshed tears. Then, as if drawn by a force greater than themselves, their bodies moved together.
Their lips met softly at first, a tentative exploration that bloomed into a kiss steeped in longing and laced with passion. Nicole closed her eyes, allowing herself to sink into the moment, into the sweet pressure of Theodore’s mouth against hers. She could taste the salt of his skin, feel the heat of his breath, and the gentle caress of his hands as they found their way to her waist.
As they parted, breathless, the echo of their union lingered in the air—a silent testament to the depth of their connection. Nicole rested her forehead against Theodore’s, her mind a whirlwind of emotion. Her voice was barely audible as she confided in him, “I’m scared, Theodore.”
“Me too,” he admitted. “But I’d rather face that fear with you than without you.”
In the quiet aftermath of their kiss, the shadows of doubt still lurked at the edges of Nicole’s thoughts. Yet, as she gazed into Theodore’s eyes she realized that her heart had already cast its vote.
Her breath hitched, caught between the desire to believe him and the fear of him leaving again. “How can I trust anything now?”
“Because I’m here,” he pressed, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand. “I’m risking everything to be here with you. Doesn’t that count for something?”
Nicole searched his face, seeking the truth amid the shadows that played across his features. She found it in the slight tremble of his lip, the earnestness that shone in his eyes. It was enough to tip the scales, enough to make her want to leap into the unknown once more.
“Okay,” she finally breathed. “We’ll do this your way. In secret.”
“Thank you,” Theodore’s relief was palpable. “And Nicole?” He leaned in, his voice a velvet whisper. “You have my word—I won’t miss the opening. No matter what it takes.”
“Your word,” she echoed, a fragile hope taking root. It was a beginning, albeit one shrouded in mystery and danger. But as she looked into Theodore’s eyes, she realized that even amidst deception and betrayal, there remained a thread of something genuine—something worth fighting for.
With a resolved nod, she stepped back into his embrace, allowing herself to be enveloped by the promise of a clandestine courtship. For now, the unanswered questions could wait.
Chapter Nine
The royal sedan glided through the iron gates, its polished black surface reflecting the fading light. Inside, James cradled Amanda’s hand with a tenderness that belied his usual stoicism, his thumb tracing small circles over her knuckles.
“Home at last,” he murmured. Amanda, her cheeks flushed with the glow of impending motherhood, leaned into his touch, offering a serene smile.
“Yes, and I can’t wait to see everyone,” she replied. The baby within her womb gave a gentle kick, as if in agreement, and she placed a hand over her belly with a quiet chuckle. “Seems this little one is just as eager.”
“Theodore told me that our secret is out, and the people know of the impending birth of their future monarch.” James watched her. It was not just their child she carried, but the future of the kingdom.
The sedan came to a stop, and the driver promptly stepped out to open their door. James got out first, turning to assist Amanda. Her eyes swept the grounds, vigilant despite the safety of the palace walls.
As they ascended the steps, the doors swung open to reveal Theodore, standing beside Nicole. Theodore’s face broke into a rare, genuine smile as he approached his brother.
“Welcome home, both of you,” Theodore said, extending a hand to James before turning his attention to Amanda with a warm embrace. “I trust the doctors were pleased?”
“Very much so,” Amanda answered, her voice laced with relief. “We’re both doing wonderfully.” She covered her abdomen with a hand. “Truthfully, I’m surprised we were able to keep this baby a secret for as long as we were.”
Nicole’s eyes sparkled as she met James and Amanda for the first time. “It’s a relief to have you back safely,” she said, sincerity resonating in her tone. She quickly curtseyed. “Theodore has been quite insistent on ensuring everything here is perfect for your return.”
“I only wish I could’ve done more,” Theodore admitted, a slight tension betraying his calm demeanor—a tension born from the weight of responsibility he shouldered.
“Your presence is more than enough, Theo,” James said, placing a supportive hand on his brother’s shoulder. “And finally meeting Nicole is wonderful. We’ve all been wondering about the mysterious girl from the painting.”
Nicole exchanged a glance with Theodore. “I don’t know how he painted me before ever seeing me.” They’d talked little about the paintings Theodore had made of her before they met, but it was always there, looming over them.
“Let’s not keep the celebrations waiting,” Theodore suggested. “After all, we have much to be thankful for tonight.”
