Wynn
My daywith my friends was perfection. It was the last day with them, so Julian arranged a private lunch, just the three of us, at the Thrindell Historical Gardens, which wasn’t currently open to the public. We ate surrounded by stunning flora and fauna. After that, we had a boat ride into Korvanna, the only island we hadn’t visited. We only got a few hours of shopping in, but it was wonderful. Because Hannah and Mark had to fly out tomorrow afternoon from Lamdera, the boat ride there took a while since we were on the outermost island. But we were spoiled with a delicious dinner and were able to just talk under the stars. It really was the best day.
At the docks, we were met by Julian’s royal security. Hannah and Mark’s bags were all put in the trunk, and the three of us enjoyed the quiet ride to the castle.
“Oh, wow!” Hannah whispered as we pulled up. It was by far the most extravagant of the four residences.
“It would probably take you a week to even see every room in here, and even then I’m sure you’d miss some.” Mark laughed as we exited the SUV.
First we entered the vestibule, which was the size of a luxury bathroom, followed by the grand foyer, and when I say grand…Whoa.
“Holy shit.” Hannah spoke softly, but the sound carried.
“It’s a lot, I know.” Grace sauntered down the stairs…though they were opulent and I felt like they deserved a different name than “stairs.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to swear—it’s just…this place is incredible.”
Grace giggled. “Thanks, maybe next time you two come by you’ll be able to see it all.”
“Thanks.”
“It’s late,” Mark said.
Grace motioned to a gentleman. “This is Albert, our butler. He’ll make sure you get settled.”
“We have bags in the trunk that can stay in there. We were told we’d get a ride to the airport in the morning.”
“Of course, do you have an overnight bag?” Grace asked, and I smiled. She was truly very sweet.
“Yeah, I’ll grab it.” Mark went to move, but Albert stopped him.
“Sir, Randall here will direct you both to your room. What does your bag look like? I’ll have it sent up.”
I watched in amusement as Mark and Hannah were fussed over. I was going to miss them so much, miss everyone. Not for the first time, I wondered why I was doing any of this. Then I felt the hair on the nape of my neck stand and I turned to find Julian standing in a doorway, white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, black pants, hands in the pockets. His hair was slightlydisheveled, and he was staring right at me. Ahh yes, that would be why I was staying.
“Good night, Wynn.” Hannah hugged me and Mark waved.
“Night.” I watched as they followed Randall up the stairs.
“I’m going to bed too.” Grace grinned.
“Shouldn’t you have been in bed already?” Julian chided as he sidled up beside me and wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Yeah, yeah, we all got in late. I was wired.”
I knew that while Hannah, Mark, and I had been enjoying our day, the royal family had been shipping back to Lamdera. I guess it had taken longer than they’d planned if they’d only arrived a short time ago.
“We only arrived an hour ago. My father had a meeting and while we were there decided we should all be seen. Very annoying.” Julian answered my silent questions.
“How dare he.” I smirked.
“Better get used to it, brother. You’ll be king someday and have all the meetings, all the people.” Grace was being dramatic, and it pulled a chuckle from me.
Julian playfully narrowed his eyes. “Go to bed, brat.”
Her tinkling laughter followed her all the way up the stairs. I faced Julian and was greeted with a fierce kiss.
“I didn’t like being away from you all day,” he growled against my lips.
