The king released her from his false embrace and took her left wrist in his hand. “I’ve ordered your belongings packed and placed within my coach. We will travel together back to Badenstein.”
“Yes, Father,” she said, feeling the uncomfortable grip of his hand. Then she added, “I didn’t expect you to come all this way from Sardinia. I meant to return home in another day or so.” His fingers curled so harshly around her wrist, she knew the skin would bruise within minutes.
“You should come to Lohenberg instead of returning to Badenstein,” Michael offered. “Our wedding will take place next week, and it would be a great disappointment if you did not attend. We would like to offer your family the hospitality of the palace for the next few days.”
The Fürst’s suggestion was an offer of sanctuary that gave her hope. “How very kind of you.” She ventured a smile, but her father’s expression remained angry.
“That won’t be necessary.” He motioned for his servants to move toward the door. “After what happened with the former prince, you must understand why my daughter cannot show her face in Lohenberg. She was ruined by your brother, and amends must be made.”
“They could still marry,” the Fürst suggested. “Karl has been granted an honorary title and estates by our father. He will be an advisor to both myself and the king.”
Her father didn’t smile. “A marriage between my daughter and Karl would be inappropriate. I will send emissaries to Lohenberg with my instructions regarding compensation for the abduction of my daughter.”
“I wasn’t abducted,” Serena insisted, but her father’s eyes darkened in a warning to remain silent.
The king ignored her words. “I’ve arranged for another betrothal between the princess and Freiherr Albert vonMeinhardt. Given her…conduct with the former prince of Lohenberg, an immediate wedding will be necessary to quiet the gossip.” He offered an apologetic smile to the Fürst, but Serena didn’t miss the threat beneath it. “I presume I can rely upon you to handle the dissolution of her former betrothal with discretion. Unless you believe it necessary that we bring formal charges against your brother.”
Fürst Michael simply stared at the king and spoke not a word. Inside, Serena was so very cold, she could hardly breathe. Her corset was laced tightly, and she felt dizziness hovering on the edges of her consciousness. Another marriage, so soon?
It shouldn’t have surprised her. No doubt this had been the Freiherr’s proposition, as soon as he’d gotten word of Karl’s illegitimacy. Serena disliked the older man, who was little more than her father’s pawn. She supposed the man was trying to ingratiate himself with the king.
Her father gave Serena a slight push toward her ladies, and commanded, “Prepare yourself for the journey.”
Lady Hannah tried to follow, but Serena shook her head. She couldn’t bear the kindness right now, or she would burst into tears. If she was with strangers and other servants, she could hold her fragile feelings together.
She followed the ladies into a private chamber, and one closed the door. As they dressed her in a traveling gown, Serena couldn’t stop thinking of the afternoon she’d spent in Karl’s arms. The merest brush of fabric against her sensitive skin evoked memories of his body upon hers.
Don’t think of it,she warned herself. Otherwise she would start crying and never stop. She didn’t regret making love with him for a single moment. The intimacy they’d shared was something she would bind up inside her heart, holding it close.
“Are you ready, Your Highness?” one of the women asked, and Serena nodded her agreement. Though it was growing dark,she understood that her father would waste no more time in bringing her home.
One of the ladies picked up the blue gown and asked, “Shall I pack this in the last trunk?”
Serena nodded. Although the gown had grass stains upon it, she didn’t care. It was something she would keep for always.
Her mind blurred when they went downstairs and she said her goodbyes to the Fürst and Lady Hannah. “I’ll write to you,” Serena told her. “And perhaps we’ll see each other soon.”
Lady Hannah exchanged a look with Michael. “You are always welcome.”
“Take her to the coach,” her father ordered. Captain Feldmann moved behind her, while three footman escorted her outside.
Serena took a moment to look around the island, casting a longing look toward the shoreline. Though it felt as if she were surrendering to her father, it wasn’t that at all. Until she returned to the palace, she had to feign obedience. She’d made many mistakes, but it was time to mend those she could. And that meant weathering the storm that lay ahead.
When she stared out at the horses and coaches, she caught a glimpse of movement near the back of the garden wall. Karl stood there, staring at her. The fierce look on his face spoke of a man who had no intention of remaining in the shadows. Her courage faltered, and she sent him a silent plea not to interfere. She could endure her father’s disapproval and whatever lay ahead, as long as she knew Karl was safe.
“You Highness?” the footman prompted, and she forced her gaze back to the coach. She walked away, forcing herself not to steal another glimpse of Karl.
After the footmen opened the door to the waiting coach and helped her inside, Serena rested her head against the small window, steeling her courage. She didn’t believe that Karl would stay hidden, and it worried her, not knowing what he would do.She’d almost believed she’d find him hidden inside the coach, just as he’d done when he took her from the palace.
She closed her eyes, taking a breath for strength she needed. Though she didn’t know how long it would take her to break free from Badenstein, she promised herself that she would do everything possible to manage it.
Within a few minutes more, the door opened to the coach, and the footman helped her father inside. As soon as the king settled across from her, his clenched fist shot toward her. Serena tried to avoid the blow, but pain exploded in her face. With both hands, she tried to shield herself.
“Stupid girl,” he growled. “Did you believe you could run away with your lover and not get caught?”
She said nothing, but neither did she look at him. Instead, she kept her arms over her face, shaken that he’d caught her unaware. The horses began to pull the coach forward, and though her father was cursing and blustering about all the reasons why she’d drawn shame upon herself, she ignored him, letting his words flow over her like meaningless air.
Within another minute, the coach lurched and swayed. A heavy cracking noise resounded, and Serena reached for the door, just as it flew open. Karl moved inside and pointed a loaded revolver at her father. “Get out of the coach, Serena.”
