“I must apologize, Your Highnesses,” Bernard said, bowing after he set down the tray. “I fear that a cook won’t arrive until tomorrow. I…did the best I could, but I’m not much good in the kitchen.”
“I’m certain that whatever you’ve prepared will be better than anything the Fürst or I could manage.” Serena gave the footman a polite smile, and he pulled out a chair for her before Karl dismissed him.
After Bernard had gone, Serena’s expression changed into wariness. “For an island experiencing a famine, I wonder what he managed to find.”
Karl lifted the covering and revealed two plates containing gray slabs of meat and limp vegetables. Eyeing the princess, he said, “We could starve by the time a real cook arrives.”
“What sort of meat do you suppose it is?” She poked at it with a fork.
“Overcooked.” He attempted to cut it, but the meat wouldn’t give way. “I don’t know if we should eat it.”
“It would hurt his feelings if we didn’t try.” The princess doggedly began sawing at the meat.
He tried some of the vegetables, which were hardly more than mush. At last, he gave up and pushed the plate away. “This is a disaster.”
Serena was trying to chew the unpalatable bit of meat with no success. Karl tossed his napkin upon the table. “Come on. We’ll go somewhere else to find better food.”
“But where, if there’s a famine…?” She cast a glance outside, uncertain of what he meant.
“I have a friend who lives upon an isolated part of the island, one that few people know about. We’ll share a meal with him and I can learn more about what’s been happening here over the past two years.” He stood beside her chair. “Unless you’re too afraid to leave.”
The dare was meant to provoke her, for he needed her to come with him. He didn’t know if the old priest still dwelled among the abbey ruins, but it was possible.
“I don’t know,” Serena said, lowering her gaze. “It doesn’t seem safe.”
“Our alternative is to suffer through two more meals here before we can leave,” Karl said. “If you’re willing to risk it.”
Chapter Five
Serena’s instinct was to say no. The poor food was only a temporary inconvenience, whereas she needed to make her plans for the next few weeks before her father’s soldiers could track her here. “I’m not certain that would be a good idea.”
“If you’d rather not eat, that’s your decision.” He shrugged and rang for Bernard.
While he gave orders for a horse to be readied, Serena touched her fingers to her mouth. It seemed surreal to imagine that only moments ago, the prince had wanted to kiss her. She’d thought about it, wondering what a kiss would be like. But the moment his hands had touched the tender bruises on the back of her head, all she could remember was her father’s fists. She couldn’t bear the thought of physical closeness. Never before had she experienced an affectionate touch from a man, and the look in Karl’s eyes had made her panic.
I don’t understand him, she thought to herself.Why would he want to kiss me?
She stared down at the gray meat, wondering what she was going to do about the prince. He’d had no qualms about abducting her from the palace, and although he kept insisting on marrying her, he’d never forced himself upon her. It wasn’t at all the behavior of a man intent on ruining her reputation.
Serena moved into the drawing room to stare out the window. In the hall, Bernard helped the prince don his great coat and gloves. Not once did Fürst Karl take his gaze from her. He studied her, as if he sensed the maelstrom of thoughts tangled inside her. Then he crossed the room to stand before her.
“I’ll admit, I’m not a patient man. I like doing things my way.” His hazel eyes bored into her. His gloved hand moved over to tip her chin. “But you needn’t be afraid of me. I don’t hurt women. Ever.”
There was iron resolution in his tone, like he was offended by her fear.
His hand moved over her cheek, tracing a path to the bruises at her throat. With the gentlest touch, he sent waves of goosebumps over her skin. She wanted so badly to move away, but her feet remained locked in place.
“Why do you persist in touching me?” she whispered. “You don’t behave like a prince at all.” More like a man, bent upon seduction.
“Perhaps I’m not a prince any more,” he responded. “Perhaps I really am a villain.”
“I don’t know what you are.”
“I’m the man who’s going to marry you.” he said, drawing his hand down to hers.
She steadied her thoughts, and eyed him. “No. I’m not going to wed you.” Even if she never returned to Badenstein, marrying Karl would for ever trap her into the life of royalty, having to rule over Lohenberg one day. She wouldn’t let that happen.
Before he could voice an argument, she removed the fichu and bared the darkened bruises. “I’ve been told what to do, all my life. And this was my reward for obedience.” She let him see the marks upon her skin, taking a deep breath as she did. “I won’t endure it any longer.”
