"This is insane.You're offering me an annulment because you love me?"
"I'm offering you an annulment because keeping you trapped is wrong.What you choose to do with that freedom is up to you."I stood, brushing straw from my jeans."You don't have to decide right now.Take the papers.Think about what you want.Talk to your parents, talk to your grandmother, talk to whoever you need to talk to.And when you've decided, let me know."
"Archie..."
"There's one more thing."I paused at the stall door."If you do choose to stay, not out of obligation or political necessity, but because you actually want to, I promise I'll spend the rest of my life proving you made the right choice.I'll be honest with you about everything.I'll include you in every decision that affects your life.And I'll never, ever take away your choices again."
"And if I choose to leave?"
"Then I'll help you pack.I'll make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.I'll protect your parents and make sure you have everything you need to build the life you want."I met her eyes."And I'll spend the rest of my life regretting that I lied to you about something so fundamental that I destroyed any chance we had."
I left her in the stall with Azzurra and the annulment papers, my heart somewhere around my shoes.
This was either the best thing I'd ever done or the thing that would haunt me forever.
Possibly both.
Roberto found me in my study an hour later, staring at nothing and trying not to think about Betty signing those papers and walking out of my life.
"Your Highness, Lord Viktor is requesting another meeting."
"Tell him I'm busy."
"He says it's urgent.Regarding the Princess's security situation."
I looked up sharply."What about her security?"
"He didn't specify.But he seemed...concerned."
Concerned.Right.Viktor's version of concern usually involved manipulation and strategic positioning.
"Fine.Send him in."
Viktor entered looking appropriately worried, which immediately made me suspicious.
"Your Highness, I've just received some troubling information from our intelligence contacts."
"What information?"
"There's been chatter about a potential threat to Princess Bettina.Nothing concrete, but enough to be concerning."He pulled out a folder."Given the recent vandalism and threats, I thought you should be aware."
I took the folder and scanned the contents.Vague reports about "foreign actors" and "potential security risks" and exactly zero specific information.
"This is remarkably nonspecific," I said.
"Intelligence often is.But combined with the previous incidents..."He trailed off meaningfully."Your Highness, I wonder if perhaps it would be safer for the Princess to return to America temporarily.Until we can assess and neutralize the threat."
There it was.The real reason for this meeting.
"No."
"What about the Princess’ safety?"
"It’s my top priority.Which is why she's staying here where I can protect her, not halfway around the world where I have limited resources."I handed back the folder."Was there anything else?"
Viktor's expression flickered with frustration."I simply thought you should be aware of the situation.The Princess's wellbeing is important to both our countries."
"Which is why I'm keeping her here."I stood, making it clear the meeting was over."Thank you for the information, Lord Viktor.I'll have Roberto increase security."
