When it appeared safe again, Karl signaled Samuel to bring the carriage forward. “Is everything all right?” Lady Hannah asked, leaning forward anxiously.
Karl kissed her hand in greeting, and bid her welcome to the island. Though Serena knew it was a customary gesture, the flush on Hannah’s face sent an unexpected jealousy flaring through her.
“I want you to return to the manor,” Karl ordered, motioning for Bernard to go with them. “I’ll bring Serena back with me.”
After the curricle was gone, Karl took Serena’s hand and led her to his waiting horse. Her complexion was pale, as if a silent terror had numbed her mind and body. “Are you certain you want to face your father? Or do you want to leave?”
“I’m going to stay.” She squared her shoulders, gripping her hands together. “I have to confront him, but you cannot stay with me.”
“Try and stop me.” He lifted her on to his horse, swinging up behind. Her skin was cold, but she didn’t move away when he brought his arms around her, to the reins.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you,” she admitted, so softly he wondered if he’d heard her right. A strange tightness formed inside him, and it seemed impossible that she should care about him, not after everything he’d done.
“Don’t waste a thought over me,” he said, guiding the horse along the water’s edge. He urged the animal into a swift canter, holding Serena close.
“Where are we going?”
His answer was to draw the horse to a stop. “Look there.”
In the distance, several ships emerged upon the horizon. He knew she was searching for her father and his men, and the worry on her face made him keep his silence. For a long time, they simply stood there, overlooking the sea. The sun had grown warm, and it glittered against the waves.
Karl caught her in his arms and held her tight. She smelled of flowers and sunlight, and he reassured her, “I’ll keep you safe. You have my vow.”
“And yourself,” she said. “Promise me.”
He made no reply but tilted her face up to kiss her. The words she’d spoken earlier washed over him.I don’t want anything to happen to you.
No one had ever said that to him before. Never had anyone cared about him, and when Serena kissed him back, he met her mouth, showing her without words what he felt. It didn’t matter what happened to him now. All that mattered was protecting her. And he would…no matter the cost.
A heaviness settled over him, and he fought to keep his kiss gentle, not letting her see the apprehension he was hiding. When her arms came around his neck, she held him close. “Everything would be different if I weren’t a princess,” she murmured.
“What do you mean?” He didn’t let her go, but breathed in the scent of her hair, keeping her body pressed against his.
“I might have married you,” she said, lifting her face to his. “If you were the sort of man who could love me.”
He framed her face, sliding his hands down to her shoulders. “How much time do we have left?”
“Perhaps hours, if we’re fortunate.”
He rested his hands at her waist. “I arranged a gift for you today,” he said. “I suppose now would be the best time to give it to you.”
She studied him, but shook her head. “I don’t need any gifts, Karl.”
“This one is different. It may not be something you want, but…” he took her hand in his “…it may help you, once this is finished.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Let me show you.”
Chapter Fifteen
“You’re not going to drown me, are you?” Serena held on to the sides of the sailboat, while the wind battered her bonnet. The skies were gray, and the dark waters of the North Sea appeared more grim than inviting.
“I’ve sailed before, but it’s been a few years.” He pulled at one of the ropes, adjusting the canvas sail and tying it off. “If we do capsize, we’ll die together.”
“That’s not reassuring.” When another wave tossed the boat, she lurched forward, landing on her knees. “Was this meant to be romantic?”
Karl reached out to help her up. “The boat is yours. If it’s your wish, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
