“To a day away,” he says, raising his glass.
“To wildflowers and disguises,” I say, tapping mine gently against his.
We settle into the blanket, shoulders brushing, our thighs barely touching. He tears the bread in half and hands me a piece, his fingers grazing mine.
“I’ve never brought anyone here before,” he says quietly, almost like a confession.
The simple statement lands heavy in my chest, a soft thud of meaning. I glance at him—at the way his gaze flickers away and then back, unsure.
“Thank you for sharing it with me,” I say, not breaking eye contact. “It’s beautiful.”
His smile is soft. “So are you.”
We settle comfortably on the blanket, the valley spreading below us in stunning panorama. The world feels expansive yet intimate in this private space Leo has created for us.
“You know what’s weird?” I say, mouth half-full of the amazing cheese he picked up. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
He tilts his head to one side. “What do you mean?”
“Your sister walked in on us half-naked, we’re navigating a political mess, and there’s probably betting pools in the staff quarters about us... but when we’re together, it just works.”
“I’ll drink to that.” He clinks his cup against mine. “Maybe that’s all we need to know. And all that other crap is just... noise.”
“Your sisters would agree.”
Leo snorts. “Lottie would. Kit’s idea of ‘simple’ involves press releases, photo ops, and a six-month strategic communications plan.”
“She’s looking out for you.”
“Always has.” He flops back on the blanket, staring up through the oak branches. “Still not sure how I feel about being her latest project, though.”
I stretch out beside him, running my fingers idly through his hair. “If you could write the script yourself, what would it look like? For us, I mean.”
He’s quiet for a bit, just the sound of wind in the leaves above us. “More days like this,” he finally says. “Not sneaking around, but not performing either. I want to give us time to figure our own stuff out before everyone else weighs in.”
“What about work?”
“I don’t want to stop working together.” He turns his head to look at me. “I’m good at it, even if it is frustrating sometimes. I’m not ready to give that up.”
“Me neither,” I say, relief washing through me. “The heritage project matters too much. And without work, I’d be lost.”
“Exactly.” He leans against me. “Most royal romances crash and burn because there’s nothing holding them together once the excitement wears off.”
“That what you’re worried about? That this is just... physical?”
He frowns. “Not for me it isn’t. But this whole thing happened pretty damn fast.”
“Did it, though?” I run my finger along his jaw, feeling the rasp of his stubble. “Feels like I’ve been falling for you forever.”
He laughs, genuine and a little embarrassed. “God, I was so scared when we first met. Stayed up all night memorizing all the rules and regulations.”
“I could tell.” I grin down at him.
“But you didn’t say anything!”
“What, and interrupt? Nah.” I brush my thumb over his bottom lip. “Besides, I was too busy being impressed. And, you know, checking you out.”
Leo presses a kiss to my palm. “Don’t worry, I was checking you out as well.”
