She belonged in the Balcovian Royal Guard. Princess Mechtilda needed her. Counted on her. Had chosen her.
And Kuni had made a promise to her father.
“Should we open more champagne?” Elizabeth asked.
Tommy tilted the open bottles in search of stray drops. “We already drank two.”
“There’s nine of us now,” Jacob pointed out. “That’s barely enough champagne to pour half a glass each time.”
Nine of us now.
As if Kunihadbecome part of theus.
The longing twisted in her chest, sharp and deep. But the Royal Guard was the “us” she’d been working toward, clawed and battled for, her entire life. An “us” sous, they’d sleep in the same barracks, wear the same uniform, be entrusted with guarding the lives of the royal family. Earn the respect of her beloved Balcovia. Inspire little girls everywhere to reach their full potential.
In a matter of weeks, she wouldhaveall of that. Everything she ever wanted, everything she’d promised her father. And no one could ever take it away from her.
“I’m afraid we won’t join you for a third bottle,” said the duke. “My wife is tired, and we ought to go home to bed.”
Chloe and Faircliffe exchanged meaningful glances.
“Mm-hmm,” said Elizabeth. “I believe you’re going to bed, but not because you’re tired.”
Chloe’s cheeks were pink, and she did not deny the charge. She and her husband took their leave of their siblings, and exited with eyes only for each other.
“All right,” Marjorie said. “One more bottle, and that’s it.”
Jacob nodded to a footman.
Kuni pushed to her feet. “The hour grows late. I must remove to my chamber as well.”
“Probably to pack a valise,” Graham said without looking at her.
Kuni had never unpacked it. The guest wardrobe was as empty as the day she arrived. When the time came to leave, there would be no excuses to delay.
She bent to press a kiss to his temple. His soft black curls tickled her face. She wanted to lay her cheek against them and breathe in their clean familiar scent. She bade the family a good night instead.
The footman brought the fresh bottle of champagne just as Kuni was leaving. Apopand the explosion of bubbles sounded behind her. The farther she walked away, the more the clinking of glasses and renewed cheers faded.
The party would go on. The Wynchesters would go on.Grahamwould go on.
And so would Kuni.
As she stepped out into the corridor, she touched her father’s epaulet. The Royal Guard was not only the aim she’d cherished and worked toward since she was a small girl. It had also been the most important part of her identity for her entire life. The goal and the dream that had saved her from being a lonely and lost little girl.
Without the Royal Guard, she did not knowwhoshe would be—but it wouldn’t be Kuni. She belonged at Princess Mechtilda’s side as a new kind of companion. The de Heusch were soldiers—all of them, regardless of sex. Wearing the noble uniform was her destiny and her duty. Just like her forefathers.
Instead of going straight upstairs to her chamber, Kuni crossed into the sitting room and shut the door behind her. She wanted to look around one last time at the communal family space she had shared with the Wynchesters without anyone catching her feeling maudlin.
The ship would leave in twelve hours. She felt seasick already.
Her father’s epaulet meant everything to her but was meaningless to Graham. If it weren’t for Baron Vanderbean, Graham wouldn’t care a button about Balcovia. None of the Wynchesters would. Just a speck on the map. A speck Kuni had pledged to defend until death.
But Grahamdidcare about Kuni.
And she…was in love.
She sat on the sofa she’d first shared with Graham and pressed her hand to her heart. This time, not in search of the epaulet. But to feel the steady beat that had grown within her from the moment Graham Wynchester entered her world and turned it upside-down.
