Instead of acting on his thoughts, he flexed his fingers at his sides. “Ready?” he asked.
She looked up at him and he felt his heart flip flop in a very unflattering dragon king way. “Where are we going?”
“I want you to meet my grandmother.”
Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“My grandmother. To be fair, she needs a new assistant while Eva is recovering. I thought that you might be able to help out.”
“Oh, really?” She straightened her T-shirt. “I haven’t even called my actual employer yet. They’re expecting me tomorrow morning. And you want me to meet your grandmother hours after I was kidnapped from my hotel because her assistant was run off the road?”
He waved with his hand. “You don’t have to call anyone. Arrangements have been taken care of.”
Her brows rose. “Arrangements?”
“Your services won’t be required as an au pair after all.” He held up a hand. “But don’t worry. The crown provided a replacement for the Padusky family for the help they required.”
Her expression went blank even as her cheeks turned red, and she wrapped her arms around her middle. “So I’ve lost the job before I even started.” She gave a short, humorless laugh. “That’s a new record. And yet my record for someone other than myself controlling my life remains intact.” She pointed at him. “Do you realize that’s why I came here? So I could make my own decisions for once?” She almost barked. “So much for that happening.”
Sven’s chest tightened at the pain in her voice. “Bryn, listen. I know you had nothing to do with any of this. But we can’t risk you being in danger, nor can we put another family in danger if someone is trying to get to you. I swear, we are not trying to control your life.” He gave a sheepish shrug. “Not maliciously anyhow. Whoever tried to assassinate me at the airport has already proven they’ll use anyone close to me. I couldn’t let you just walk around with a target on your back.”
Her eyes searched his. He could tell that she understood the logic, but he could also see that the logic didn’t erase the sting. For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then shedrew in a slow breath and straightened her shoulders. “Now you’re going to have to wait. There is no way I’m meeting a queen in these clothes.”
He allowed himself a small smile. “She doesn’t consider herself a queen. And word of warning, don’t say that you’re a nurse. She hates thinking that she needs as much help as she does.”
“That’s perfect. I’m not a nurse, so no worries.” She whirled and went back into her room.
Ten minutes later, he led her down the wide hallway. Bryn now wore a flattering sweater dress and he noticed she dusted on a bit of makeup. His chest throbbed with each step and he tried to take shallow breaths. On a whim, he touched her shoulder as if to guide her. As soon as his fingers made contact with her, the pain eased and his breathing leveled out.
That has to mean something.He had no idea what, but he appreciated the reprieve from the discomfort. He dropped his hand and instantly felt something deep inside disconnect.
Sven’s steps slowed as they approached a large ornate door near the back of the castle where it overlooked the gardens. He knocked lightly before pushing it open.
Inside, the room was cozy in a way that contrasted with much of the castle. Soft armchairs, crocheted blankets folded neatly, and shelves filled with both novels and knickknacks collected across decades filled the room. A vase of fresh carnations sat on the side table. Seated at a large table off to the side sat Hilda Aftervadee, his grandmother, hunched over as she pieced a puzzle together. She sat back as they entered with the kind of regal poise that came naturally to her. Silver hair framed her face, and though her body had grown frailer in recent years, her eyes were still as sharp and assessing as ever.
“Grandmother,” Sven said as he crossed the room to her and gently kissed her cheek. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
Hilda’s gaze shifted and fixed on Bryn with immediate curiosity. “So this is the young woman I’ve been hearing so much about.”
Sven fought back a sigh. He often wondered how she found out so much information. “Bryn Matsen.”
Bryn stepped forward and offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs.—”
“Hilda,” his grandmother interrupted. “None of that formality. I’ve had enough of titles and stiff manners to last a lifetime. Call me Hilda.”
Bryn’s smile grew warmer. “All right, Hilda.”
Sven watched as the two women sized each other up. There was a spark in Bryn’s eyes that he hadn’t seen since before. “Sven tells me you might need some temporary help,” she said lightly.
“Until my Eva recovers, I suppose.” She questioned Sven for an update. “Horrible that someone would intentionally hurt that girl.”
“Bryn raised her sister, so I suppose if she can handle a teenager, then she can handle you.”
Hilda chuckled and looked at Bryn. “As long as you don’t have fancy letters after your name. Experience counts for more than titles, in my opinion.” She raised one brow. “As long as you’re not a nurse.”
“No, ma’am,” Bryn answered quickly. “Although I have bandaged a knee or two in my day.”
“And no calling me ma’am. I’m old, but not that old.”
