An emerald necklace rested in the hollow of her throat, and diamond and emerald drop earrings hung from the tiny lobes of her ears. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.
A knot formed in his throat, and he did the only thing he could think to do. He bowed before her.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Isabella’s heart constricted as Merrick’s dark head bowed before her. With such an innocent action, he widened the gulf between them.I love you. His words still echoed in her memory, their imprint burned in her brain.
Did she love him in return? In truth, the only emotion she could feel was burning revenge. It had shoved aside all else. Did she love him? She didn’t know. It had been too long since she had felt anything but numbing pain. Did she need him? She did. And she didn’t want to examine the proximity of the two emotions. Not now.
Moving forward, she took his head in her hands and pulled him up to meet her eyes. Holding his hands in hers, she led him to a plush seat across the chamber.
Her eyes drank in the sight of him as they settled across from one another, their knees nearly touching. The monks had provided a suit of clothing for him, and he looked every inch the earl in them. Cream-colored trousers encased his muscular legs, and a matching vest buttoned over a white silk shirt. A black formal cutaway coat completed the ensemble, the tails pulled up in the back to accommodate his position on the bench they sat on.
He looked positively rakish, and she had difficulty forming a coherent thought in his presence, much less a sentence.
Anxiety turned her stomach to mush as she contemplated bringing up the moment just before they leaped over the waterfall. She wasn’t even sure she should dwell on it because everything else seemed to fade away in its shadow, and she was so close to achieving justice. So close she could taste it.
He stared wordlessly at her, his eyes probing her. They were troubled almost, their dark orbs reflecting…sadness? She shifted under his scrutiny and struggled to pose the question uppermost on her mind.
“Merrick,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “Before, when we were about to jump over the waterfall…”
She broke off, her courage faltering. Why was he saying nothing?
“What I mean to ask, that is, did you—”
She nearly screamed in frustration when she was cut off by Father Ling’s return.
“Your Highness, it is time.” He hurried over to her, his robe billowing out behind him.
Merrick stood up and offered her his hand. She rested her fingers atop his wrist and rose gracefully. “I’d like Lord Merrick to accompany me to the palace.”
She looked to Merrick for confirmation, but he stared straight ahead.
“As you wish. The carriage awaits you inside the gate.” Father Ling’s voice lowered, and he inclined his head toward her. “Montagne has returned to the palace. I’ve arranged an escort for you. Normally we would ring the bells to signal your success, but in this case, I think secrecy is of the utmost importance.”
“Is there an armed contingent to see to the princess’s protection?” Merrick interjected.
“The Royal Guard stands ready to escort Her Highness to the palace.”
“But are they loyal to the princess?” he persisted, his arm wrapping protectively around her shoulders.
Father Ling gazed sharply at him. “The Royal Guard is comprised of the nation’s most honorable men. They stand ready to die for their future queen. You may be assured no one will touch the princess.”
“And where were these intensely loyal men when her parents were murdered?” Merrick asked pointedly.
Father Ling stared serenely at Merrick, his eyes registering approval and respect. “Your devotion to Her Highness is very admirable, my lord. I can see you have only her best interests at heart.”
“I merely want to make sure she is safe.”
“And she will be,” the monk said sagely. “I know you find it difficult to trust beyond your own instincts, but the Royal Guard will not allow the princess to come to harm. They will defend her to their own deaths.”
Merrick nodded, evidently satisfied by the monk’s assurances. Once again, he offered his arm to her, and she tucked her hand over the crisp material of his coat. His other hand closed over hers and squeezed.
“Are you ready?” he murmured close to her ear.
She nodded and they walked after Father Ling into the small courtyard in front of the monastery. As they stepped out into the deepening twilight, she smiled as she saw the royal carriage waiting. How many times had she ridden in this same carriage with her parents?
Two men sat in the driver’s seat, high above the ground, their plumed hats waving in the breeze. Soldiers on horseback formed a double line in front of and behind the carriage, and one was posted at each of the four corners.
