Georgan waited for me behind The Titan. The door closed behind me and I knew I’d never be back. I paid Lesage in full. All traces of my name in the club had been destroyed. The House of Sauvage would be represented by my brothers now.

“Sir.” Georgan held the door. He stared straight.

“Thank you. I need to make one more stop before we return to the palace.”

“Yes, sir.”

I ducked into the backseat. “I’d like to stop by Vitania’s.”

“Of course, your majesty.”

We sped away from the club. That chapter of my life was closed. No more nights feuding with Sebastian over women. No more drunken parties that ended in one night of fucking. One tender had changed that. It had changed me.

Georgan communicated with the security vehicle behind us. We arrived at the rear entrance of Vitania’s. It was unconventional, but I was steering our path as far from royal tradition as I could.

I waited while the officers did a quick sweep of the patrons before stepping from the car.

“It’s clear. There is no one shopping.”

“Thank you.”

The officer pulled the door open for me.

The woman inside the store nodded. “Your majesty, this is an honor.”

“Thank you. I could use your help today.”

Her glasses were attached to a chain around her neck. She had thick spongy hair like a curly helmet.

“Anything you need. What are you shopping for today?” she asked.

I walked toward the first glass case. I didn’t see anything I liked.

“An engagement ring,” I stated.

The woman gasped. “Your majesty.”

I put my finger to my lips. “Shh. It’s a secret. My family has shopped at Vitania’s for years because of the discretion here. I’m sure that hasn’t changed.”

Her curls shook. “It has not. I will not tell a soul.”

“Good. Then I’m looking for something with sapphires.”

“We have a beautiful selection. I have some pieces in the back. Let me gather a few. I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you.” I smiled at her.

The guards stood like statues at the doors. I wouldn’t be able to keep the secrecy long, but after tonight I wouldn’t have to.

A few minutes later the shop keeper returned with a black velvet tray. She pulled back the cloth covering the surface to reveal three stunning pieces of jewelry.

“Your majesty, we can also custom make any design you like if these don’t suit you.”

I plucked the middle one from the tray. I held it toward the light. It was flawless. The sapphire was the perfect shade.

“I assume these are perfect quality.”

“Oh yes. These are the highest quality diamonds and sapphires. If you would like to exchange a stone for one of your family stones, we can do that as well.”

“That’s not necessary.” I didn’t like the suggestion. I wanted a new beginning. I was tired of the same rings being handed down for two hundred years. That wasn’t Molly.

She was a breath of fresh air. She was light and beauty. She was my sapphire, and I was going to buy her the most expensive pure gem in this city.

“This is the one.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to look at some others?” She seemed surprised I had made my decision so quickly.

“That’s the one.” I handed it to her.

She had a toothy smile. “Of course. It’s a beautiful ring. You have wonderful taste, your majesty.” She scurried to the back for the ring box.

This woman didn’t need to say it. I knew I had excellent taste. I had chosen Molly.

* * *

The wooden case was nestled inside my suit jacket. Georgan stood by the car door as I walked through the private palace entrance.

Security was behind me.

I was on a mission. I had one goal. Take the elevator to the top floor and put this ring on Molly’s finger.

Enough with the family dissent. Enough with politics and worrying about the sanctity of the crown. I was in love with this woman. I couldn’t think of a single reason to wait.

After all, I wasn’t a patient man.

“Your majesty.” Kenley rushed me as soon as I crossed the threshold. She was out of breath.

“Kenley.” I turned for the elevators. I wasn’t interested in being pulled into a royal matter.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your afternoon.”

“What is it, Kenley?”

“Dominic, sir,” she whispered. “Can we step into the sitting room?”

I walked into the closest open room, shutting the doors after Kenley.

“What has he done this time?” I quizzed her.

“He showed up drunk to this morning’s library dedication for the children’s wing.”

“He did what?” I roared.

Kenley closed her eyes. “He stumbled into one of the librarians.”

“Good God. Did you get him out of there?”

She nodded, wincing. “But not before two flasks fell from his pockets. The children saw, sir. There were cameras and phones everywhere. I can’t contain it.”

“Fuck,” I whispered, not caring if I swore in front of her anymore. “Where is he now?”

“Sleeping it off,” she answered. “I left him in his apartment. There is a guard outside the door. He can’t leave his suite.”

I ran my hands through my hair. “Why was he drinking so early? I thought the morning events were the safe bet.”

“He never stopped after the ball. I put him to bed, but he didn’t stay there.” Her eyes hit the floor. “He left the palace with a woman. I don’t know who.”

I clenched my jaw. “Kenley, it’s your job. How did he leave the palace?”

“He passed out,” she fired back. “Or at least he pretended to pass out.”

“Damn it.” The fallout from showing up drunk to a children’s event was going to be catastrophic. We had managed his vices so far, but at some point he was going to crack the shield we had used. It had finally happened.

“I’m sorry.”

I inhaled deeply. “It was going to happen, Kenley. We all knew it was only a matter of time.” I sat in a nearby chair.

What kind of brother had I been? I dealt with my demons while Dominic dealt with his, as if we were on our own islands instead of under the same roof, of the same blood. He was my family. My responsibility.

“I need to see him.”

“Would you like me to go with you?” she offered.

“No. I appreciate everything you’ve done, but this is a brother-to-brother conversation.”

“I understand.” She spoke softly. It wasn’t Kenley’s usual demeanor. I could tell what happened this morning had rattled her.

“Kenley, what I said earlier.” I paused. “Dominic’s drinking isn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

“I should have stopped him,” she argued. “I shouldn’t have left him last night.” Regret was written in her eyes.

“He’s not Dominic right now. And I need to face that. So does he.”

I rose from the antique chair. I squeezed her shoulder gently as I walked past. “Thank you for taking care of him. I’ll take it from here.”

“I am sorry, your majesty.”

I strolled to the door, the ring box striking over my heart with a thud. My ribs closed in around my lungs, seizing the air. Today wasn’t going to be the day. My brother needed me.