Merrick lay in bed, his stomach tightening over what was in store for today. Not so much his schedule, which was always hectic, but the turn of events that seemed to be happening at lightning speed. Geoffrey had been training Cassius all week long. He’d confessed to Merrick that he’d in fact had a fainting spell the other night, and that scare, coupled with Cassius’s kindness, had driven him to make the suggestion.

After the paperwork and increase in salary were settled, Cassius had begun acting as Geoffrey’s shadow, keeping in the background but absorbing everything he could as Geoffrey explained the dozens of types of events and the respective outfits a prince was to wear, as well as the customs required.

“A prince not only has a duty to represent the family’s allegiance to Evergreen, but also his own national pride,” Geoffrey had explained as he rummaged through one of the larger closets, where the more traditional clothing was stored. “In addition, the prince

must lead by example and provide service to our country in one form or another, such as charitable works and support of government policies.”

Geoffrey went on to explain that the prince and princess frequently welcomed dignitaries into their home and represented their parents as heads of state abroad when the king’s and queen’s duties wouldn’t allow time away.

The most amazing part, Merrick marveled, was that Cassius’s eyes hadn’t even glazed over. Instead, he seemed slightly dumbfounded—like he had never considered those duties in the grand scheme of things.

Moreover, the first time Merrick stepped out of his trousers to change for a formal dinner, he’d kept his eyes averted, not wanting the footman-in-training to see him blush. When he was fully covered and comfortable again, he had chanced a look in his direction and noticed that the footman had acted with the utmost professionalism by fiddling with the laces on Merrick’s shoes. Merrick would definitely have to deal with his newfound feelings of shyness. Not that he was ashamed of his body. He was of good height and kept himself fit with regular riding in addition to walking about the property.

Besides, Geoffrey seemed relieved to have Cassius there, and though they barely knew each other, by the end of the week, they appeared to work seamlessly. Cassius soaked up the routine like a sponge and took direction well. Still, the only area Geoffrey allowed Cassius full reign was as chauffeur. That first day Merrick was driven to a ribbon-cutting ceremony in town, something had passed between Geoffrey and Cassius outside—as if there had been an unspoken agreement that Cassius would take the helm.

A knock on his door startled Merrick out of his reverie, and he sat up sharply; he had already lost track of the morning. He now remembered he’d asked to have his breakfast sent up to the room rather than meet his family in the parlor, because he would be short on time.

He was served eggs, toast, and coffee on a silver tray by a footman who worked the early morning shift. Once he closed the door behind him, Merrick lifted his fork to take a bite of his omelet, his thoughts drifting again to the schedule. Today he was to attend a charity event for orphaned children in Stonespass Valley and therefore would need more casual clothing for the occasion. This would also be the first time that Cassius would independently dress him.

Geoffrey would be meeting with a team of doctors the king had arranged, and though Geoffrey fussed about it, Merrick could tell he was grateful they had insisted.

Cassius would then drive him solo to the orphanage, where Merrick would volunteer his time and make a charitable donation on the royal family’s behalf. He’d normally make time to speak to the newspaper and pose for the photographer they’d send his way as well. Merrick tried his best to be engaging with any reporters who might inquire after him or his family. He thought it important that they be as unguarded and accessible to the public as was reasonable, even if his parents sometimes disagreed with him, falling back on some of the more traditional and antiquated ideals. But in his mind, it was critical to earn their citizens’ trust if they were to believe the monarchy had the country’s best interests at heart.

And yet with all that on his plate, it still stuck out to him like a sore thumb that it would only be him and Cassius today. It almost felt too soon, too fast. Too…alone.

Was he that attached to Geoffrey? Or their comfortable routine? Or was it that his new valet was a mystery and he felt a bit unsettled around him? But that was certain to pass after enough time.

Merrick stood with his cup and saucer and sipped the warm liquid as he stared out the window at the colossal fir trees that looked like toy soldiers in formation, surrounding Pinewood Castle on all sides, and at the beautiful snow-dusted grounds. It was almost always winter in Evergreen. He thought about what his life would hold for him going forward. A wife, children to carry on the family’s legacy. It was the most important purpose, his father would remind him. Merrick’s grandfather had died when his father was only twenty-two, and he’d had to not only grieve his father, but take over the crown immediately. He had already been betrothed to Merrick’s mother, so the royal wedding took place months later.

What a bear that must’ve been for his father—all that responsibility—so who was he to complain about a change in staff or his obligation to marry?

After Merrick had washed and slipped on a robe, he heard a knock alerting him that his valet had arrived.

“You may enter,” Merrick said in a steady voice, modestly adjusting himself. Christ.

“Your Highness,” Cassius replied as he entered, then bowed his head. Once a reasonable amount of time passed, he walked swiftly to the closet and withdrew the clothing Geoffrey had instructed him on yesterday. When Cassius placed the plain wool trousers along with a cotton button-down shirt on the bed, Merrick instantly relaxed. He preferred days like today when it wasn’t all pomp and circumstance.

When the clothing was this casual, Merrick normally didn’t let Geoffrey fuss, but he wasn’t sure what to do in this scenario. He certainly did not need help putting his legs into a pair of trousers, and he was certain that Cassius would feel the same way, but Cassius was in training.

In fact, over the past week he’d gotten the distinct impression from the servant that while he understood the prince needed help with his schedule, chauffeuring, and other requirements, he thought it excessive to assist with something as simple as buttons. The first day he’d shadowed Geoffrey, his face pinched tightly before his features settled into neutral the rest of the week. And though Merrick agreed some of the customs were ridiculous, he felt protective of his family and their legacy. But that was merely a defense mechanism tempered by a deep curiosity about the man standing across from him now.

Mind made up, Merrick released the sash on his robe and reached for his trousers. He stepped into them, ignoring the brand of Cassius’s gaze from across the bed.

As Merrick slid the robe from his shoulders, Cassius removed the shirt from the hanger and held it out to him so he could slip his arms inside. Before Merrick turned, Cassius’s gaze appeared to linger on his torso—quite possibly Merrick’s imagination—yet Merrick felt a rash of warmth steal across his skin.

Cassius slipped the shirt over Merrick’s shoulders more tentatively than Geoffrey ever had, which was to be expected. When Merrick twisted toward Cassius and gazed into his honey-golden eyes, there was a hint of hesitation present. It struck Merrick suddenly that they were practically the same age, but one man was dressing the other simply because they’d been born into different families.

Feeling foolish, Merrick began buttoning his shirt on his own, starting from the bottom up. As his fingers fumbled toward the center, he heard Cassius’s insistent voice.

“Sir,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “Please, allow me to do my job.”

Merrick released the breath he’d been holding and allowed his hands to drop to his sides. Cassius’s fingers shook as he clasped the remaining three buttons, leaving skin showing at the neck as Geoffrey had instructed. This close, Merrick couldn’t help taking in Cassius’s sharp cheekbones, his plump lips, the taut skin at his throat.

As Cassius smoothed out his collar, he could feel the man’s shallow breaths against his cheek, and suddenly all the air seemed to leave the room, suffocating Merrick as an overwhelming need arose in him to…what exactly? Trace the vein at Cassius’s neck, look his fill at an unassuming yet devastatingly handsome man? Ridiculous. Besides, the very thought might disgust someone like Cassius, who more than likely had left a lady he treasured back home.

“Thank you,” Merrick croaked, taking a step back as Cassius reached for the down coat and woolen scarf.

Cassius bowed his head, the tops of his ears flushing a crimson shade before he hastily helped him into the winter attire.

“I suppose it is time, then,” Merrick said in a more solid voice as he inched toward the door.

Cassius followed him down the stairs, past the butler and an additional footman who held open the door. According to Geoffrey, the word in the castle was that Cassius was too new to have taken on this position and that some of the staff had given him a hard time, but Cassius seemed to take it in stride, holding his head high and performing his duties admirably.

When they arrived at the polished black automobile already waiting outside, Cassius held the door open for Merrick as he slid into the back seat.

Cassius sank behind the wheel, appeared to take a fortifying breath, and then stepped on the gas, driving them away from the castle grounds.