“What?” I ask, standing now, my croissant falling to the floor. “What’s happening? Why do you have Keller’s phone?”
Ottar pinches his lips together, a grim expression in his eyes, and steps forward. “He . . . he isn’t in his room.”
“What do you mean he’s not in his room?” I ask. “Did he go on a run? Is he lifting weights? You know he does that to relieve stress. Did you check?”
Ottar nods. “I did.”
“Well, what about the kitchen? Maybe he’s helping with last-minute tasks. You know how he likes to help the staff. Did you ask around?”
“Lilly—”
“Did you ask around?” I shout, my hands trembling at my sides. “Because . . . he’s around here somewhere. You just need to look.”
Ottar wets his lips and takes another step forward. “We did look around. We still have people looking around, but . . .” He visibly gulps. “He left this.”
To my horror, Ottar reaches his hand out, the one that’s holding the piece of paper, and attempts to hand it to me.
“What’s that?” I ask, my legs starting to shake beneath me.
“It’s a letter . . . from Keller.”
I shake my head, backing away. “No. No, it’s not.”
“Lilly.” Lara steps up.
“Stop. No!” I cover my ears as I back up into my bed. “No. You need to go find him. He’s here. The staff quarters, or . . . or Theo’s office.” Tears start to well in my eyes as I look at Ottar and Lara, pleading with them. “He’s here, tell me he’s here.”
Timmy’s arm goes around me, holding me tight as Lara squats in front of me, her hands on my thighs. “Lilly.” She chokes up. “I’m sorry.”
“No,” I cry out. “Please, Lara, please tell me he’s here.”
Her eyes well up now as she shakes her head. “He’s . . . he’s not.”
“Then he’s at the temple? He’s with the horses? Checking on the carriage?” Tears spill down my cheeks.
Lara grabs the paper from Ottar and holds it in front of me. “I’m so sorry, Lilly.”
Eyes full of tears, I look down at the piece of paper in my hand and the first thing I notice is his handwriting.
This can’t be happening.
Shaking uncontrollably, I bring the letter closer so I can read it.
From the desk of Keller Fitzwilliam.
Lilly,
I’m so sorry, but I think both of us knew this wasn’t going to work. I’m not meant to be a prince. I’m not cut out for it.
K
Teeth rattling, I read it two more times before the paper slides out of my hand and floats to the floor. I stare straight ahead at my bedroom door, willing him to come forward, to walk into this bedroom and tell me this was all some miserable, sick joke.
But when he doesn’t appear, when no one brings him forward, I know that this moment is real.
“Lilly, what can we do?” Lara asks as I sit there, catatonic from shock.
“Nothing,” I say quietly. I swipe at my tears and then climb back up on my bed and under my covers. “There’s nothing anyone can do.”
