My father clears his throat. “There’s something else I wanted to discuss with you.”
“What?”
“Addison.” He raises an eyebrow. “I assume you have plans.”
A smile spreads across my face before I can stop it. “I might.”
“We will need to go in front of the council. There are still protocols that need to be met, along with announcements and traditions that must be followed.”
“I understand,” I say, not able to hold back the smile. “Thank you for this. Thank you for getting treatments and allowing me to make my own decisions. I know they’re two things you could’ve refused.”
“I want you to be happy,” he says. “Happy king, happy kingdom.”
He pulls me into a hug, and we hold on to each other tightly.
“Go,” he says. “Get some rest.”
I fold the letter carefully, tuck it back into the envelope, then slide it into my pocket. When I return to my loft, it will be put in my personal safe.
At the door, I pause.
“Father?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, son. We’ll talk again once you’ve resettled.”
I step through the door and pull it closed behind me.
Addison is leaning against the wall, alone, waiting for me. Her shoes are dangling from one hand, and her eyes are half closed.
She straightens when she sees me. “Hi.”
“Hi.” I move closer to her and press my mouth to hers.
“How was it?” she asks, studying me.
“Emotional. I’ll tell you everything, but first, please let’s get some sleep. I’m crashing hard.”
“That sounds amazing.” She leans into me. “I don’t think I can walk another step.”
I lift her into my arms without hesitation.
“Seriously? You’re going to carry me through the palace?”
“No more hiding, remember?” I steal a kiss, and she laughs. “Everyone can watch.”
She loops her arms around my neck and rests her head against my shoulder as I carry her down the corridor without caring who sees.
40
ADDISON
Iwake up slowly, like I have nowhere to be, which I don’t.
Sunlight streams through the sheer curtains of Louis’s bedroom. The sheets are soft against my bare skin. His heavy arm is draped across my waist, and his breath is even against the back of my neck. We’ve been in this bed for what feels like days, and maybe it has been days because I’ve lost track of time.
