At least that’s something he can’t use in other parts of the palace.
Finished with that, I set the empty spray bottle beneath the sink, put the rest of the towels on the rack, and exit the bathroom only to have it be my turn to stop short.
“Your Majesty.” I curtsy.
“Good morning, Marcella,” he says in that stern way of his, his eyes scouring over me before they turn their scrutiny onto the room. “I came by to make sure everything is set for Emily’s return home.”
“Yes, sir. That’s what I was doing as well. I hope everything is to her satisfaction. And yours, of course.”
I’m like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs with this man. Has Rowan told him what we’ve been doing? Does he know I broke into his office last night? After I left Rowan’s room, it was the first place I went, and I hooked the monitors back up and made sure everything appeared untouched, but you never know.
“Everything looks to be in order.”
A prideful smile tilts up my lips. “Thank you, sir.”
“Marcella, are you happy working here?”
Shit. Oh shit. What’s worse is that there’s no inflection in his tone or alteration in his features. He’s stoic and completely closed off to interpretation.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am.” It’s the truth. Minus the stooges and the prince who’s determined to fuck up my world, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m contributing, I’m earning my own money, and most of the people are kind. I could do this job forever and be grateful for it. The only thing missing is Jaqueline.
He nods slowly, walking deeper into the room as if he’s weighing my answer. “You’ve spent quite a bit of time with my family since you took on your new role. You taught my daughters chess and helped my wife get the nursery in order.”
“I enjoyed both of those quite a bit. Your family is lovely.”
“You’re a very bright woman, Marcella. Is working as a housekeeper what you hope to continue doing?”
My brows crease. “How do you mean, sir?”
“I’m curious where your dreams lie.”
“My dreams?” I almost laugh at the words. “Your Majesty, hope and dreams are not words I’ve allowed myself to entertain. Duty and service are all I know.”
He stops walking and twists in front of me, his height and size imposing. He’s intentionally trying to make me nervous,and with that, he knows something. Or at the very least suspects. Yet here I’m standing, so I’m not sure what his game is with me yet.
“Duty and service to whom?”
Brilliant question, Your Majesty. “At present, the royal family.”
He’s rough, but he’s a good man. A good king. My brother…well, I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about Samil, most of which I haven’t properly sorted through yet. I imagine mental peace where he’s concerned will be a hard-won venture.
His gaze holds mine, firm and unyielding, and I match it. It’s also the truth. I’m not sure where my loyalties lie. I’m not sure where my heart is taking me. But at this moment, with no one else’s agenda but my own, I was hired to serve the palace and the royal family, and that’s what I’ll do.
“You know about the curse. You know what Charlotte and the former prime minister did to us.”
My throat thickens. I try to swallow, but I’m paralyzed. I can’t move. I can’t even blink.
“We’ve seen our fair share of wolves in sheep’s clothing. That said, my wife and children like you very much. They told me so just this morning.” I drop my gaze, discomfort making it difficult to maintain eye contact. I understand his threat, and yet I can’t help but feel joy and pride in hearing that Bellamy and the children like me.
“Sir. I like them very much as well.” I swallow and lift my chin, giving him more of my truths. “I’m truly sorry for all you’ve endured.”
I sweep my long bangs behind my ear, and he squints, tilting his head.
“You remind me of someone.” He sounds almost surprised by this. “Or perhaps it’s your hair color.”
Yes. My hair color is a bit exotic as far as blondes go. It’s a golden yellow with natural streaks of white when the sun bleaches it out. Samil had the same hair.
“She’s here!” Bellamy calls out, popping her head into the room and interrupting this awful moment. “The ambulance is arriving now.”
