“Because we’re here, and we’re together.”
“That is ridiculously idealistic, even for you, Your Highness.”
He takes my face in his hands, brushing a soft kiss over my lips. “Something tells me I need to be idealistic enough for the both of us.”
I snort. “That’s certainly a word no one has ever used to describe me.”
“Then I will keep believing until you no longer need me to.” He kisses me again, this one just as soft, but a lot more lingering. “Are you sure you are okay with this plan?”
“Am I sure that I have no problem with you killing the man who basically saved my life?”
Callum’s perfect lips pull into a grimace. “I hate thinking about it like that.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” I run my thumb over his bottom lip, turning his grimace into a pained smile. “I know you are only doing what needs to be done. And I know that to you, Harold is the man who killed your father. And honestly, as long as I leave with my sister, I don’t care about Harold anyway. I never thought he would become the villain in my story.”
“I think we both know there is really only one villain in this scenario, Cate.”
“Lady M.”
Callum pulls me closer into his embrace. “We are going to have to deal with her at some point. I don’t think she’s just going to roll over because she’s lost her candidate.”
This time it’s me who grimaces. “I know she won’t. Hopefully we can make it to the election and secure you a win before we have to think about how to handle her for the long term.”
His voice quiets. “What if I don’t win, Cate? What if we go through all of this pain and heartache only for me to lose?”
“We’re not going to think like that. You are the best person for the job. And the people will see that.”
“I hope you’re right, my lady.”
“I usually am.” I press a quick kiss to his lips. “Now, come on. We need to get some rest before tomorrow night.”
We tuck ourselves into the tiny bed, the sparse mattress providing little comfort. But Cal’s embrace provides more than enough warmth, and despite the litany of worries running through my mind, in his arms, I fall into a peaceful sleep.
My dear Harold,
It is still hard to call you that, you know. I remember the day I first saw you on the streets of Stratford City. Young and in love and with so much life ahead of you.
So many things have changed since then, but I have known one thing about you, Harold MacVeigh, and it is one thing that has not ever changed. You have a good heart. You love well, and you would do anything for those who come to find a place in your heart.
I ask you to remember any love you might have had for me in the coming days. I do not have much longer left on this earth, and there are many things I need to tell you. Things about your wife, and most importantly, things about your daughters.
I have made a lot of decisions throughout my life, and while I have regrets, this is not one of them. I did what I did to protect you, and to protect those precious girls, to protect the entire country of Avon.
I have Seen what is coming, Harold. You will have to trust in me one last time.
Your friend, always and forever,
Diana
24
Callum
We look ridiculous.The four of us—me, Cate, Dom, and Alex—have dressed from head to toe in black. Branches and leaves are attached to our clothing, and each of us carries a large bough that can be used to shield our faces. What little skin is not covered by sticks and cloth has been coated in mud.
It isn’t until we approach the copse of trees Cate has led us to that I start to see how this might actually work. Dom takes a few steps into the thick grove and all but disappears. Alex follows, but I hang back, needing a minute alone with Cate. Before I murder the man she once thought of as a father.
“If you think I’m giving you a good-luck kiss with all that gunk all over your face, you are sorely mistaken, Your Highness.” She adjusts one of the leaves on my shirt, though we both know she just needs an excuse to touch me.
