As we discussed locations, accommodations, formal and informal appearances, I pushed away thoughts of previous tours. This one would be different. Of course it would; my Roman was different.

  The door to my private office opened, garnering the attention of both of us.

  Quickly, we both stood. “Your Highness.”

  My heart rate doubled as I took in the expression on my Roman’s handsome face.

  “Lady Larsen, leave us,” Roman commanded.

  Her gaze met mine and I nodded.

  Still standing, I remained silent until the door closed, leaving Roman and me alone. “My prince?”

  His eyes slowly closed as he exhaled.

  I took a step closer.

  As his eyes opened, they were clearer than seconds before.

  I scanned from his dark hair to his loafers. There was a scratch on his left cheek, but the splint on his hand reassured me that my Roman hadn’t been replaced. A few more steps, and I reached for his other hand. “What’s wrong?”

  Roman lowered his forehead to mine. “My princess.”

  The rumble of his baritone timbre settled the onset of nerves brought on by his arrival. “What happened to your cheek?” Gently palming his cheeks, I lifted his face. “Talk to me.”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed.

  A faint, foreign, sweet aroma came to my senses. Pregnancy had unnaturally increased my sense of smell. I took a step back. “Is that perfume?”

  He shook his head. “It is, it’s not…”

  “Roman?”

  “I went to her. I’d put it off for as long as I could.”

  My neck straightened and the small hairs on my arms stood to attention. “Her. The princess?” I wasn’t sure why I refused to use her name, but nevertheless, he knew who I meant.

  “Yes.” He reached for my hand and led me to the sofa.

  As we sat, our knees touched. It had become second nature to touch one another when we were close as if we were incomplete without the other.

  “What happened?”

  Roman exhaled and stood. Running his hand through his hair, he paced back and forth. “I thought I was prepared. Noah told me things…”

  My heart skipped a beat. “Oh no. Did she know you weren’t…him?”

  “I don’t know.” His dark orbs focused on me. “She’s…not what I expected.”

  “What does that mean?”

  He fell to one knee before me and again reached for my hand. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Noah was a fool not to see you for the amazing woman you are, for not loving you, or even being kind.”

  I swallowed as tears blurred my vision. “Do you now want her too?”

  “God, no,” he said loudly.

  A tear trailed down my cheek as I smiled. “Is she beautiful?”

  “Not even close to you, my princess.” He closed his eyes and inhaled, his nostrils flaring. “I can’t come up with words to describe her other than crazy.”

  “You don’t need to tell me anything as long as I still have your heart.”

  “Lucille, you have more than my heart. You have my soul, my entire being is in your hands.” He lifted my hands and peppered my knuckles with kisses. “I expected…” He stood.

  “Roman, as long as she hasn’t figured out that you’re…different, it will be all right.”

  “I imagined going to her, telling her it was over between us, and her accepting the fate and agreeing to return to Borinkia. Hell, she thinks Mum is supportive. She has no idea that Mum’s plan is to keep the child here in Molave.”

  “You must tell her. I can’t be a part of stealing another woman’s child.”

  He shook his head. “You can’t understand her behavior. I don’t understand it. One minute she was a seductress and the next an impudent child.”

  I couldn’t picture what he was saying. “She is young. Queen Anne mentioned as much.”

  “No, not as in age. Noah described her as feisty, interesting… He said she liked things rough.”

  Wrapping my arms around my midsection, I tried not to internalize that those words were from a man who was supposed to love me. “Isabella once told me I should try to be more like the princess, to keep my husband.”

  “Oh fuck no.”

  His response brought back my smile. “Seductress?”

  He nodded. “One of her first sentences was saying I visited to fuck.”

  “She’s straight to the point.”

  He pulled the handkerchief from his breast pocket and handed it to me.

  My forehead furrowed as I took the white cloth. My stomach roiled at the smudge of red lipstick. I looked up at my Roman. “It’s not a good shade for you.”

  For the first time since he’d entered my office, the prince smiled. “I love only you.”

  “I know that. I trust you. I also don’t want her to be the reason we lose what we have.”

  Roman returned to one knee. “I would never leave you.”

  “We both know that isn’t one hundred percent your choice.” My mind filled with scenarios where the Borinkian princess told the world that Roman wasn’t really Roman. She’d already brought on a scandal, with Noah’s help. Would she fight to defend my Roman if she knew he was an impostor?

  The answer was no.

  “You must convince her,” I said. “Talk to Noah. Tell him what occurred. She must leave Molave believing your relationship is over and without suspicion that you’re different.”

  Roman stood. “You want me to go back to her?”

  “No.” I rose to my feet, meeting him, pressing against him. “But I think it’s for the best.”

  “As I was leaving, Isabella was going to see her.”

  I inhaled. “I’ve been told that your sister visits regularly.”

  Roman’s gaze narrowed. “Who is giving you information?”

  “Did you forget, my prince, you unshielded me.”

  “You never mentioned it.”

  Lifting my hands to his broad shoulders, I brushed the material of his suit coat. “That’s because when the two of us are alone, discussing your sister or the princess is not a priority.”

  His left hand came to my cheek. “For the first time since coming to Molave, I feel like I’m failing.”

  “You, Your Highness, may not fail. My heart won’t survive.”

  Roman’s lips came to my forehead.

  “We are a team,” I said. “Talk to me. Why is she different than other interactions?”

  The prince sat back on the sofa, unbuttoned his suit coat, and lifted one arm to the top of the cushions. After a moment, he turned to me. “In my career, it helped me to analyze my character, to talk about him, his motivation, and his shortcomings.”

  “You are without shortcomings.”

  His lips curled. “No, my princess, I’m not. After meeting with her, I didn’t want to report to Papa or Mrs. Drake. Hell, I didn’t even want to visit Noah. I needed to see you. You, Lucille, are my shortcoming.”

  While his confession caused my heart to swell, I too was able to see the problem. “Forget me when you’re with her.”

  “Forgetting you is impossible.”

  “Then put thoughts of me aside. I used to do it when we were together—not you. I’d think about the man who proposed, not the man I was with. I replayed good memories to make it through the difficult times.”

  “I have no memories with her.” He exhaled. “As I left her apartments, she unfastened her dress and stood before me practically naked.”

  “Were you aroused?”

  “Appalled would be a better description.”

  “Do you not find pregnant women attractive,” I asked with a grin. “I should hear the truth now.”

  “The pregnancy wasn’t the appalling part. I don’t find her attractive. She’s too thin and while her appearance isn’t horrible, her personality is.” He closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. “She threw crystal objects from the mantel into the fireplace and tossed books from their shelves. She was a child throwing a temper tantrum.”

  My thoughts went back to my five years in hell. “She was pushing you, wanting you to punish her.” I inhaled and sat at my husband’s side, leaning into his arm, his warmth, and his aura. “She knows how to push your buttons—Noah’s—and she apparently enjoys it. It’s not the way I’m wired. Therefore, I’d do anything and everything not to upset you. With her, you could indulge in that behavior.”

  “I’m not wired that way, Lucille. But you’re not wrong. At one point, I seized her wrist after she scratched me. I squeezed…” His dark orbs were filled with remorse. “Hell, I may have bruised her.”

  “Good.”

  “My princess?”

  I tried to explain. “Not good that she’s marred. I don’t wish that on anyone. Good that you showed that kind of emotion. It will help convince her that you are truly Roman.” I thought back on all he’d said. “What do you imagine she shared with Isabella after you left?”

  “I don’t know.” He looked down at the handkerchief now on the sofa cushion. “Isabella was the one who saw the lipstick. I’d pushed the princess away. I didn’t realize she’d marked me.”

  “There are only two people who know what they discuss—the princess and Isabella. I will visit your sister later. You must return to the princess. If not today, then soon. Tell her that now that you’ve seen her, you can’t stay away.”

  “Lucille, that isn’t true.”

  “Then act, my prince. Did you learn anything about the new king?”

  “She didn’t deny that her brother could be responsible for regicide. She also commented that Mum should live. She’s sure she has Queen Anne in her corner. I denied the child is mine.”

  I opened my eyes wide. “Why would you do that?”

  “Because Noah said something that made sense. He said he took the steroids to intentionally lower his sperm count.”

  “It only takes one.”

  “He said if you didn’t conceive, he finds it hard to believe Inessa did—from him.”

  My pulse kicked up a notch. “Why would she claim to be carrying your child if she wasn’t?”

  “She said it was part of the plan…to unite Borinkia and Molave.”

  “Does she know we’re expecting?” I asked.

  “I didn’t tell her. I said we were working on our marriage.”

  Standing, I moved in front of Roman, stepping between his knees, laying my hands on his shoulders, and leaning forward. “I trust you with my heart, body, and soul.”

  His dark stare was not focused on my face, but instead, on the neckline of my blouse.

  “Roman?”

  His smile returned. “I like this view. I think they’re getting bigger.”

  “Is it a better view than of the princess losing her dress?”

  Pulling me to his lap with his left arm, he nodded. “Undeniably better. Infinitely better.”

  I lifted my palm to his cheek. “This is why I trust you. I’m not suggesting you sleep with her. I’m suggesting you work to earn back her confidence. Whether she realizes it or not, Molave is not a safe place for her and her child.”

  “Did you know she was granted political asylum?”

  That was news to me. “I didn’t.”

  “I learned this morning from Mrs. Drake.”

  Sighing, I laid my head on Roman’s shoulder. “How did I live in this family for five years and not see the deceptions and limitless depravity?”

  “Because, my princess, you are inherently kind and good. It is who you are so it’s what you see in others.”

  “I see it in you.”

  Roman sighed as we connected in a kiss.

  Roman

  Before reporting to King Theodore, I decided to make a trip to the infirmary. Francis’s new room on the main level was large, away from the examination rooms, and with a view of the gardens. He had all the comforts of a royal hospital.

  I didn’t intend to visit my brother-in-law. My attention was set on the guard at the end of the corridor.

  “Your Highness,” he said with a neck bow.

  I nodded.

  Unlocking the door to the descending staircase, the guard allowed me entry without question.

  Sight.

  That was all it took.

  I was capable of appearing as Roman Godfrey in all situations.

  Therefore, why was I concerned that Inessa wouldn’t believe me?

  At the first room, I checked in with the medical staff. Two male nurses were in attendance, both enthralled with whatever was on their computer screens. I cleared my throat.

  Both men stood and bowed their necks. “Your Highness.”

  “I’m visiting the patient. Is there anything I should know?”

  They looked at one another and back to me. The man with the dark skin and tight braids spoke. “He became agitated last night.”

  “I wasn’t informed.”

  “Mr. Davies made adjustments to his medication.”

  “And?” I questioned.

  “He’s lethargic today.”

  The other nurse spoke. “He didn’t eat much of his morning meal. He ate more of the midday meal. Do you want one of us to accompany you, sir?”

  “No. I’ll be fine.”

  Despite their warning about having a guard present, I’d not accepted their help. The conversations between Noah and me were not for the ears of the medical personnel. Since the time Noah was given the ability to move about, a camera had been set up in his cell. There wasn’t audio. The nurses would see if there was a struggle even if they didn’t hear it.

  I inserted the key and pushed open the door. Instead of sitting up in his chair, Noah was lying in bed, his eyes closed. He barely stirred at the onslaught of light, yet the glare made his pale complexion visible. Calling his name, I walked closer. His eyelids fluttered as he squinted my direction.

  “Not today,” Noah mumbled.

  “I have questions.”

  He shook his head. “I’m done talking.”

  “Then you’ll be of no use.”

  Closing his eyes, he turned away.

  I pulled the chair near the bed and took a seat. “Don’t do this, Noah. You know if you stop talking, you have nothing to barter. I won’t be able to hold off King Theodore.”

  Groaning, he rolled my direction. “What’s the use? I’m going to die here. I guess I always knew that, just like you know you will too.”

  “In my sleep as an old man.”

  He scoffed. “Nice dream.” He pulled the blankets up around him. “Why is it so cold?”

  It wasn’t cold. The temperature was pleasant; if anything it was warm.

  Standing, I went closer and reached for his forehead. Although Noah flinched at my touch, he didn’t complain. “Fuck, you’re burning up.”

  “I don’t know what it is.”

  “I’ll talk to the nurses. First, I have a few questions.”

  “Not today,” he replied.

  I went to the sink and filled the cup with water from the faucet. “Here, drink.” I offered him the cup.

  Noah shook his head, but then reached for the button, lifting the head of his bed. “Were you a nurse in your old life? Or a doctor?”

  I shook my head. “I just remember my mom telling me to drink plenty of water when I was sick.”

  Noah took the cup in his trembling grasp. “Mine said the same thing.” He took a drink and began to cough, sloshing the water on the blankets.

  “Let me take that.”

  Sighing, he laid his head back. “What do you want to ask me?”

  “I visited Inessa this afternoon.”

  His lips twitched. “Did she jump you at the door?”

  “Fuck, almost. You didn’t warn me.”

  “I wasn’t sure she would after so much time has passed, but it’s her MO. I told you, she’s interesting.”

  “She said there is a plan to combine the two countries and rule as my…your…a queen.”

  Noah closed his eyes. “That one is…she’s fucking dangerous. Hell, she’d take out her brother to get what she wants. Watch out.”

  “You didn’t think to tell me that before?”

  “I’m helping you. There’s no way to be prepared for Inessa. Go with your gut. Don’t hold back.”

  “I’m not you.”

  His dark stare scanned from my waist up. “Once upon a time, I was you.”

  “What can I say to convince her to go back to Borinkia?”

  “Nothing. Get ahold of Alek. Tell him she’s here and you want her gone. He’ll take care of her.”

  “What does that mean? I can’t tell him. He’ll accuse Molave of harboring his sister against her will.”

  Noah relaxed against the bed and closed his eyes. “She’s lying. Everyone lies.”

  “What is she lying about?”

  “Everything. We didn’t have a plan, not like she said. I promised Alek that as king I’d open trade, taking down the sanctions against Borinkia. I even said I’d speak to NATO on Borinkia’s behalf. He wants to be a player on the world stage. He needs support. As far as he’s concerned, Inessa is only a means to his endgame.”

  “You promised him that you’d do that?”

  “When I became king.” He huffed. “Obviously, it didn’t work.”

  “You told me before that the US was involved?”

  “There’s a coalition of senators who recognize the power and resources in Borinkia. If Molave took the first step to bring Borinkia to the world stage, they would vote to give US support.”

  “And Senator Sutton?”

  “He’s a crook. Hell, he’d sell off his daughter…oh yeah, he did that.”

  “How do I get in touch with Alek?”

  “Francis was my go-between.” His dark stare shimmered. “I suppose he’s still dealing with the aftereffects of that car crash.”

  I flexed my fingers of my right hand. “Yeah, something like that. What about the phone back at Annabella?”

  “I used it to call Inessa and Francis, not Alek. We always met in person. Francis would arrange it.”

  “Why did you trust him?” I asked.

  “I don’t trust anyone.” He narrowed his gaze. “Alek or Francis?”

  “I was thinking Francis.”

  “He was one of the few who could tell I hated this life…your life. I guess I wanted to trust someone.” Noah’s body convulsed as he coughed. Shaking his head, he lay back. “I never told Inessa that I was an impostor. I often wondered if I had if she would have cared.”