“Why did you come to Vertraumen? Were you banished by the king?” Father Durin asked Karl.
The prince rubbed his chin and sent the man a dark look. “Food first. Then we’ll discuss the rest.”
The old man gave a shrug and disappeared down a narrow corridor. Serena studied the tall ceilings and walked the perimeter of the room. The long, narrow space might have once been used for worship, she now guessed. Tall Gothic windows stood out on either side. Some were covered up with stone, while others had bits of cracked glass remaining. Outside, she sawthat Samuel and Bernard had arrived with the horses and were tending them in the courtyard.
“What did the priest mean when he called you fallen?” she asked Karl.
His mouth drew into a line. He hesitated before answering, as if choosing his words carefully. “He was mocking me. As I told you earlier, my father and I don’t get along well.”
Though she supposed it could be true, she wondered if there was more to it than that. The Fürst had traveled with only two servants, instead of a household of at least fifty or more men. What could have happened?
“How do you know the priest?” she asked him. The Fürst turned to face her. “I spent a few summers here after I turned ten. I had tutors for lessons, and Durin trained me in weaponry. I learned how to shoot and how to defend myself.”
“A priest trained you?” The idea seemed implausible, but then, how many priests greeted their guests with a sword?
He nodded. “He wasn’t always a priest, but a member of my father’s guard until he grew old. My father sent me here in secret when the queen didn’t want me at the palace.” His eyes grew shadowed, and he would say no more.
In her mind, she imagined a young boy, not yet a man, ignored by his family. It wasn’t unusual, for many royal families sent their sons and daughters away to be educated. Like her younger sister, Serena had attended boarding school for many years, before she’d finished her schooling with private governesses. “Were you lonely?”
“I learned the skills that were necessary. And that was my father’s intent.” He stared at the walls and then added, “I also brought you here for another reason.”
“To talk me into marrying you?” she guessed, crossing her arms.
“Yes.” He glanced outside. “I have a marriage license from Lohenberg, and Samuel and Bernard can be our witnesses.”
Narrowing her gaze, she said, “I’ve already told you that I don’t intend to wed you, or any man.”
“So you’ve said. But you might enjoy marriage to me.” The sudden flare in his eyes made her take a step back. He was staring at her the way he had in the drawing room, like he wanted to kiss her.
Goosebumps rose over her skin, and Serena couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. Inside, her body grew warmer, and she wondered what it would be like to be touched by this man. Her heart seized up, and her hand moved to her throat. The skin was still tender from her father’s grip, and she closed her eyes at the memory.
You can’t escape the king, an inner voice warned.No matter where you go, he’ll find you...unless he believes you’re dead.
She straightened and informed the prince, “I’m sorry, but no.”
“You fled the palace because you were afraid. And yet, you won’t let me protect you now.”
He took slow steps toward her, and she retreated until she backed up against a long wooden table. “I’m going away, and I don’t intend to return. What happened in the past doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me,” he said. He continued walking slowly, and Serena didn’t move. When he reached the table, his arms moved on either side of her, trapping her in a silent embrace. A shiver of warmth spiraled through her.
“If I wed you,” she said quietly, “I would become a Princess of Lohenberg.” The thought of being imprisoned within yet another palace, forced to surrender her freedom, made her tense. For so long, she’d been ordered around, criticised for her actions and her manners, until the idea of ruling over a country seemed impossible. “It’s not the sort of life I want anymore.”
“Why not?” The look in his eyes made her falter. He believed she was his promised bride, a woman meant to belong to him.
“Our betrothal was made when I was fifteen years old,” she reminded him. “When neither of us had a choice.”
Serena turned away from him, trying to free herself from his embrace. He confused her with the strange feelings he’d conjured. “Let me go,” she breathed, pushing at his arm.
Karl’s hazel eyes glittered as he stared back at her. But he did lift his hands away, granting her space. Wordlessly, she retreated to the other side of the Hall, needing space.
At that moment, Father Durin returned. “My cook is preparing a meal for us to share. Come, have some wine and we will talk a while.”
“I thank you for your hospitality, Father Durin,” Serena answered. “I hope the food shortage has not made our visit a hardship.”
The priest shook his head. “There is plenty of food upon Vertaumen, if you know where to look. I have a garden of my own, and I hunt for the meat I desire.”
“Are you the only priest living here?”
