The sensible solution would be to bring her back to Badenstein, and let her go. But there was no way in heaven or earth that he could allow her to be threatened again. If she returned, she’d only become a victim, and it would be his fault.
Damn it all, nothing had turned out as he’d planned.
Karl rose from the bed, wincing at the bullet wound. He stood by the cold fireplace, wondering what he should do now. If his princess preferred to be a commoner…
A startling idea occurred to him. He’d simply have to convince her that being an ordinary lady wasn’t everything she believed it was.
In the morning, a soft knock resounded at the door. Serena buried her face under the coverlet, hoping the person would go away and let her sleep for a few days more. The warm cocoon of her bed wouldn’t allow her to emerge.
The knock grew louder, and the door opened quietly. “My lady?” came a woman’s voice. “I’ve brought your new dress, and your husband asked me to awaken you.”
Serena peeked over the covers and saw Frau Bauherzen standing at the door. In her arms, she held a package wrapped in brown paper. The woman apologized, saying, “I came last night, but no one was here. It was getting late, so I had to return home.”
“May I see the dress?” Serena asked, reluctantly rising from the bed.
Frau Bauherzen unwrapped the package, revealing the cream gown trimmed with cranberry ribbons and a matching red cloak. “Shall I help you?” the matron asked.
Serena sent the woman a grateful look. After she used the pitcher and basin to wash, she gripped the bed post while Frau Bauherzen assisted her with her corset and petticoats. Then she raised her arms while the woman lifted the gown over her. It was still a little large, but Serena was so grateful to be in clean clothing again, it didn’t matter.
“Thank you so much,” she smiled.
The woman bobbed a curtsy, but worry lined her face as she reached out to point toward Serena’s upper arms. “I see you have some bruises, my lady. Are you all right?”
Serena’s smile faded. “I suffered a fall down the stairs, several days ago,” she lied. “I’ll be fine.”
Frau Bauherzen murmured her sympathies, but Serena could tell she was still uneasy about them. “Shall I tend your hair?” the matron asked.
Serena sat at the dressing table, thrilled beyond words to have assistance. Though she was self-conscious of the bruises, she hoped they weren’t too noticeable. She could wear the cloak outdoors to cover her arms, or perhaps find a shawl.
Frau Bauherzen helped her untangle her hair, brushing it to a smooth sheen before coiling it and pinning it into a soft chignon.When at last she was ready, Serena offered, “Whatever your family needs, I shall see to it that you receive it.”
She started to instruct the matron to speak to Bernard, but then realized she didn’t know what had happened last night. “Come with me downstairs, and I’ll make the arrangements,” she finished.
She reached the dining room and saw Bernard standing near the door. He appeared weary, and when she asked after his welfare, he admitted that he’d suffered no injuries. “I am very glad to hear it.” She smiled and told him to provide Frau Bauherzen with a share of the supplies they’d received last night.
“What happened after I left?”
“I relived my past days as a palace guard,” came the voice of Father Durin from the dining room.
Serena hurried forward and saw the priest seated across from the Fürst. “I hope you weren’t hurt?”
“Not at all,” the priest assured her. “And I recognized a few of the men from my parish. When they saw me, they realized their wrongdoing. I’m convinced that They’ll make amends.”
Serena breathed a little easier, but when she caught the prince staring at her, she felt self-conscious. His eyes drifted over her new gown, settling around her figure. The heat in his gaze made her feel exposed with the short sleeves. And then, when he studied her bare arms, he stood from the table.
“We need to talk,” he said.
“What you need is a chaperone,” the priest grumbled from behind them.
At the pointed look on his face, Serena flushed. Before she could voice a reply, the prince guided her into the library and closed the door. His knuckles curled across the door frame, gripping the wood. “Those bruises didn’t happen last night, did they?”
“No.” Serena covered up her arms with her hands. “I told you I was beaten at the palace.”
Karl crossed the room to stand in front of her. He removed a glove and reached out to trace the bruise on her upper arm. As soon as he touched her, Serena drew back. “Running away from the problem won’t solve it. This man should be punished for what he did to you.” His voice held the razor edge of his temper. “Have you even told the king?”
She let out a breath, afraid that trusting him with the truth would only entangle him further. “Serena,” Karl said quietly, “let me protect you.”
Though he didn’t touch her, goosebumps rose up over her skin in the cool air. His words conjured up last night, when he’d nearly taken a bullet for her. He’d kept his word, bringing her away from the danger and keeping her safe. She wasn’t used to that.
