“Same with the children,” I choke. Their mommy. She’s their mommy now. “They won’t be able to handle that.” I can’t handle that.
“Agreed.” Rowan nods. “We’ll split up. Javier, you work on the security footage and reach out to the authorities. I’ll search the area where Sebastian found the phone and anklet.”
“Wait,” I protest, wanting nothing more than to join them in their search. “I’m coming with you. I can’t just sit here while Bellamy is?—”
“Sebastian,” Rowan interrupts, his gaze steady and unyielding. “You need to stay here in case she comes back. If she’s in trouble, she’ll need you at the palace. Plus, if you leave with me and we return without Bellamy, the children will know something is wrong.”
I clench my fists, feeling powerless and infuriated, but I know he’s right. I nod, reluctantly agreeing to stay behind.
“Good man.” Rowan grips my shoulder. “We’ll find her and we’ll bring her home.”
A tidal wave of emotion crashes over me, but I force myself to remain composed. “I’m counting on it,” I whisper hoarsely.
As Javier and Rowan leave to begin their search, I’m left feeling helpless and terrified. The palace feels emptier than ever without Bellamy, and I can’t bear the thought of losing her forever. I sink into a nearby chair, my thoughts consumed by images of her. Her bright smile, the warmth of her touch, the way her blue eyes sparkle when she looks at me.
The chilling possibility that Bellamy was taken against her will gnaws at my soul. The images of her smiling face are replaced by ones of her in danger, the images of her neck bleeding and her face bruised the night Samil took her and nearly killed her. Despite my attempts, I struggle to keep the panic at bay. The weight of my guilt and fear begins to crush me, but I cling to the hope that we’ll find her.
That I’ll have the chance to make things right between us.
The clock in the parlor ticks relentlessly, its hands inching forward as if mocking my helplessness. I clench and unclench my fists, the silence of the palace amplified by Bellamy’s absence. My heart races in sync with each tick, a merciless reminder that every moment she’s missing is another one where something terrible could happen to her.
I pace the room. A knot of anxiety tightens in my chest, and I feel like a caged animal, desperate to break free and search for my missing wife. A soft knock on the door interrupts my spiraling thoughts.
“Your Majesty?” Charlotte’s voice pulls me back to reality. She stands in the doorway, her expression stoic.
“Charlotte,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Is everything all right with the children?”
“I’m sure they’re fine. I just returned to the palace. It’s my day off and I spent the afternoon in Tourin. Is everything all right? You look…upset.”
I hesitate for a moment, thinking back to what Bellamy had told me about her spying on us. But her face is genuinely concerned, and part of me still wonders if all that was more based on Bellamy’s insecurity with regard to Charlotte and me than anything based in reality.
Still, I force myself to adopt a neutral expression, although every nerve within me screams in desperation. “Bellamy’s missing. She went for a walk earlier and hasn’t returned. She left without her purse.” I pause here, something inside telling me Ishould lie. Wondering if my doubting Bellamy is smart. “Her tracking apps and phone aren’t working.”
“Missing?” Charlotte’s eyes widen in shock. “That’s…that’s dreadful. Is there anything I can do to help? I know it’s my day off, but I can look after the children while you search for her. Do you think, perhaps, she’s just taking a longer walk than usual?”
“Perhaps. Rowan and Javier are already out there looking for her,” I explain, trying to hide the suspicion simmering within me. Her concern seems real, but I find myself questioning everything now. “They told me to stay here in case she comes back.”
“I’m sure that’s smart thinking. I’m happy to go look for her as well.”
“Charlotte,” I say, forcing a reassuring smile. “It’s still your day off. I don’t want you to worry about this. I’m sure Bellamy will be home soon. Like you said, perhaps she just went on a longer walk than usual.”
“Are you certain?” she asks hesitantly, biting her lip. “I feel so useless just standing here.”
I have no idea what to think. What to say. But the last thing I want is for her to go off and search for Bellamy. “Yes, Charlotte. Thank you for your concern though.”
“At least let me stay with you,” she offers earnestly, walking across the room until her hand is on my arm. A bold fucking move considering I’m the king—and you never touch the king casually, ever—and her employer. It was the same with the kiss on the cheek earlier. “It must be so difficult for you right now, Sebastian. Especially when things have been so off between you and Bellamy lately. I want to help in any way I can.”
She steps into me, offering me a timid smile as she stares up at me through her lashes. And just like that, I know everything Bellamy said about her was dead-on. This woman is dangerous. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. She’s touching me and actingcoquettish, offering to stay with me, and I know if I kissed her, she’d more than reciprocate.
Wanting to be the mistress of the king is not a new act, and it doesn’t mean she had anything to do with Bellamy’s disappearance. That’s a strong leap to go from coming on to your boss to kidnapping the queen of your country. Still…
“Thank you, Charlotte,” I manage to say, forcing a grateful smile and taking a step back so her hand falls to her side. “But as I said, it’s still your day off. Go enjoy your time, and don’t worry about us.”
Disappointment stains her face. “All right,” she concedes, her brows furrowing with unease. “If you’re sure. But please, Sebastian, if there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask. Anything at all. I hope you know, I’m always here for you.” She touches my hand—hers is ice-cold as if it’s lacking all blood flow—and she squeezes it comfortingly.
“Thank you,” I repeat, pulling my hand away, hers like acid against my skin, and I watch as she leaves the room. The door clicks shut behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I weigh the possibility that she might be involved in Bellamy’s disappearance. She certainly had the opportunity with it being her day off and leaving around the same time as Bellamy.
I can’t shake off the gnawing feeling in my gut urging me to dig deeper.
