Chapter 24
LIZ
Leaving Lucas’ side was something I didn’t want to do—not when his bed felt so warm, not when our multiple hot bouts had my body feeling so sore, and not when his warmth provided the comfort I needed. He had to leave for the forest to manage his beast for a few hours, but once he came back into the room, it was to wrap his arms around me and pull me in as we both fell into sleep. All I wanted was to stay there—to watch him wake up, to kiss him when he did, and to see if we could get another round in.
But some things needed to be handled, and I couldn’t delay it any longer.
I slipped out as quietly as I could, feeling cold as I walked the hallways and went to my room, where I took a shower and got properly dressed. It was almost ten in the evening, still pretty early, but I didn’t pass anyone by on my way to my destination…until I was nearly there.
And the people I passed by were the least I expected to see.
It was Benjamin and Ana, slipping out of her bedroom and wearing what appeared to be a couple’s pajama set made of the combined royal colors from both their countries. The ghastly outfit was probably handmade and a special gift from some prestigious designer, because I could see some gold trimmings worked into the silk set. I stifled a laugh as I watched them wear it with ease, with Ana’s blond hair pulled up in a ponytail and her eyes the brightest I’d seen them.
Benjamin took her hand and pulled her close, grinning down at her.
“This was a good idea. I’m glad you convinced me.”
“So you don’t think they’re awful anymore?” she asked innocently.
“Your mother had them made. Of course they’re wonderful,” he said solemnly.
“So are you going to wear it on our honeymoon tomorrow?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss wearing it for the world.”
I could detect the lie right off and could no longer bite back the grin. Ana probably saw through his words too, as she giggled softly. The giggle turned into a blush when Benjamin stood extra close, his hands digging into her hair to brush softly. His eyes were on hers, and what I saw in them surprised me so much.
He leaned down for a soft kiss, and she stood on tiptoe and accepted it willingly. It was slow but hungry, so different from when I witnessed the crown prince at the throes of his desire before. There was care here, and there was gentleness—as if she was someone precious he would never, ever hurt.
My heart warmed at the sight and the realization that perhaps things were going to work out better than I hoped. I had convinced the queen to give me the reins to help, convinced Benjamin that Ana was the best choice, and convinced Ana that her love for Benjamin deserved to be reciprocated and she should seize the moment.
But maybe there was no need for convincing because things just fell into place as they should.
They kissed some more. The intimate moment made me feel like an intruder, so I backed away from my dark corner and disappeared as quietly as I could, taking a different path towards my destination. Ten minutes later, the huge door with two guards was finally in view, and it only took a nod for them to let me enter.
The queen was already inside, still in the gown she wore for the wedding and the crown beside her. She was sitting on the throne and looked like she could stay there for days without breaking a sweat, considering how serene she seemed. I walked forward, pausing to stand in front of her.
Then I did a proper bow.
“You summoned me, Your Highness?”
She nodded, sitting up straighter. “Yes.” She looked at my dress, and I could see her mind turning. It was a good thing I didn’t come unprepared. “I wanted to personally thank you for helping with the wedding. Everything went well without a single hitch, and I have a feeling most of that is because of you.”
Not necessarily, because the staff had been obviously helpful too. Maybe some resented me for reaching the position I had now, but those that I was originally friends with, like Darla and the cooks, were genuinely happy for me and were extra helpful.
But a compliment was a compliment, and I was going to take whatever I could get.
“Thank you, Your Highness. Everyone was very helpful, so it wasn’t a hardship.”
“Maybe because they wanted to see my son happy and finally married.” She looked thoughtful at that. “But the point is you stuck to your end of the bargain, and I should do the same.”
She took out a paper at her side, and I stepped forward and took it with another bow. It was the signed deal we had, which I would keep as proof of her good intentions. She had a copy for herself, too—and knowing her, she was going to hold on to that and to her reputation. I thought that was the end of it and was about to say my farewell, but she spoke again.
“Forgive me if I’m about to say something blunt.”
I almost blurted out that she was queen and could be as blunt as she wanted, but I kept my mouth shut and nodded. “Please do.”
“I know you said you didn’t want money. But that just feels odd to me, considering you come from a poor background and this has been the most wonderful opportunity for you—at least, that is what I gathered. My son gave you that opportunity, didn’t he?”
“Yes.”
“Then I want to give you more.”
It was only then I noticed a box just near her left, which she took out now and handed over to me. I looked at the metal thing in my hand, feeling its heaviness and staring at her uncertainly. Her look urged me to open it, so I did.
My breath caught in my throat at the sight of too many things— jewelry, gemstones, some papers rolled up and an ATM card.
“Those papers are for your younger brother’s school. He’s guaranteed education for life, and that ATM card has all the money you will need. I gather this will suffice?”
It was more than enough. It was…
“This is too much,” I blurted out before I could stop myself.
“No, it’s not. Other people would have asked for more.”
“I’m not other people.”
“I realize that. Which is why I’m giving this to you freely.”
I eyed her, suddenly wary. “What do I need to give in return?”
The question seemed to satisfy her, and I knew I was right. She didn’t even hesitate. “If you continue to stay here, people will eventually know of the ploy you pulled as a pretend princess—the guests, the visiting princesses…”
“And you want me and my brother gone in exchange for this box?”
“If it would be possible…”
She made it sound like a request, but we both knew it was an order. “Your Highness…”
“Do you want to tarnish Ben’s name? Lucas’? They both need peace. After everything…they both need it.”
A flash of Lucas living a healthy, happy life came to mind, and it was like the queen read what I was thinking. She nodded encouragingly.
“Lucas will marry someday, too. I want him to have a great life, because as hard as it is to believe, I do consider him as my son.”
All the memories of my time here rushed at me, particularly all my memories with Lucas. I put the box down, taking out only the paper and one gemstone.
“I’ll accept this for Kyle’s education, and this for us to get back on our feet. And I’ll leave with my brother before the sun comes up. Does that please your Highness?”
“That’s perfect. I’ll have the jet fly you to your destination.”
She wished a good day, and I wished her the same before doing a final bow. Then I got out of there as fast as my footsteps could carry me, gripping the paper and gemstone tight in hand and feeling as if I couldn’t breathe.
I kept walking until I got to my room. I only had one goal when I came here, and that was to give Kyle the best there was—and wasn’t a lifetime education the best there was? God knew I could never provide that for him, not when my position here wasn’t secure as long as the queen had her eyes on me.
The thought of Lucas came again, and all I wanted was to go there and…what? Demand that he tell me his feelings?
He wanted me. That was it.
And I couldn’t be stupid, not when Kyle’s future was on the line.
I slid down to the floor, trying to stop the tears from coming. On one hand, Kyle was safe now—and he could have what he really wanted in life and continue to prosper.
On the other?
I just fell in love, and it wasn’t reciprocated. Lucas would never know.
And now, I had to leave.
* * *
Leaving a letter seemed to be the best option, right before I packed whatever measly stuff we had and woke Kyle up before dawn. Still tired from the lack of sleep, I let Willis guide us to the limousine, which then took us to the airport and to the plane. It was only there when we were alone that Kyle finally turned to me.
“Are we going back to our old place?”
I considered the question, trying to find the right words. “Not really. But we’re going back to the city. How do you feel about going to school?”
The way his face lit up had relief pouring out of me in waves—the first since I made my decision.
“That sounds cool!” He scrambled from his seat and close to me, ignoring the view from the plane window. “Am I really going to school? Do we have enough money for that?”
“Yes.” I smiled and let him snuggle closer, feeling a sense of comfort in it. “We do. I’m going to pay all the debts we have and get us a new place—something small but comfortable. How does that sound?”
His eyes widened. “You got that much savings from working in the palace?”
I nodded my head. He didn’t need to know the truth. “So what do you say?”
“I say that’s dope!” he exclaimed, doing a celebratory pump of his fist in the air. Then his happy expression sobered quickly enough, and dread started at the pit of my stomach as I predicted his next question. “What about Lucas and Ben? And Darla and Mrs. Bentley? We never got to say goodbye.”
“I left a letter for Lucas. I’m sure he’ll relay it to everyone.”
Actually, it was a letter that wasn’t meant for everyone, considering its content. I could still remember every word I hastily wrote, and it had me leaning back weakly against my chair as I thought of Lucas waking up later, with the side of his bed empty.
Lucas,
Thank you for such a great time. I’m happy for the life you’re going to have soon, and I hope you find someone you can love and will love you in return. I’m off to see to a new life for Kyle and me. Please be happy.
It was short. I couldn’t say it was sweet, but it was the best I could do without revealing the deal and my feelings. That was hours ago, and I was supposed to be over it. But the urge to cry was intense, and it was all I could do to stop them from falling and worrying my brother. My heart tightened in my chest, almost like a fist was squeezing it.
I sighed, suddenly feeling tired. Kyle kept talking, but I tuned him out, knowing he was going to be at it for a while before he lost energy. That energy comforted me still, and I let the flow of his voice lull me as I settled more comfortably on the plane seat.
It wasn’t long before I was shutting my eyes and trying to catch up on the sleep I lost.