He laughs. “Spiros has had a hypothesis for some time that I’ve been secretly seeing someone. He said not that long ago, I would have to confess eventually.”
I laugh too, elated. We gaze at each other for a long moment through the music. I work on my drink. “Better watch that one. And I just can’t believe you’ve told your family about us. I mean that in the best way. I’m so happy.”
“Yeah, he’s a little too perceptive sometimes,” Stef says, smiling. “At any rate, I’m happy too. I hope I didn’t say too much in there…”
“You said everything just right, believe me.” I nudge my foot against his. He was incredible with his parents. “Best birthday present ever.”
Stef’s flush is a fantastic reward. “Well. Jeg elsker dig, after all.”
Impressed, my eyebrows climb. I lean in. “I love you too. And are you really learning Danish now?”
“Actually, yes?” Stef coughs, grinning broadly.
“Are you serious?” I peer at him in amazement. Which is very next-level of him.
He nods. “For a while now. I’ve applied for grad school at the University of Copenhagen, my top pick for my PhD, and Aarhus University. And Cambridge and Oxford and UCL too. But… I want to be near you, Theo. If you want me near, that is.”
“God. Of course I do. Wherever you land, we’ll find a way to be together,” I promise affectionately. There has to be a way to make this work. “I can’t believe you’re learning Danish. I’m going to need to level up on my Greek.”
“What can you tell me?” Stef’s eyes dance.
“Se agapo para poli,” I say smoothly, grinning. If there was one phrase important to know, it’s this one.
“You should love me very much,” he teases fondly. His expression is soft and inviting, his gaze only for me. The way he looks at me makes me feel special. Wanted.
His.
We gaze at each other like we’re the only two people in the bar. It feels incredible, being here with him. Like we can do anything together. Like I can face being King, even if it’s a secret between us. At least for now, publicly.
“You better believe it. God.” I shake my head, overwhelmed. To have Stef in my life, even privately, would be next-level. “Would you come to Copenhagen? To meet my mother? I’ve also told her about you.”
“Of course I will. Just let me know when. Maybe after my work is done in the field, though I can come up for a weekend, too, if that works with your schedule.”
I nod. “We’ll figure something out. I promise. I’ll need to check in with my secretary. He’s the keeper of my schedule.”
Stef smiles.
We go back to grinning like fools at each other. I’m eager to get him back to the villa and prove to Stef how much I want him and a chance at a shared future together. Just in case he has any lingering doubts. We’ll find a way.
When a paparazzo snaps a shot of us leaving the bar, we’re startled out of our reverie into reality. Yet, hand in hand in the back seat of the car taking us back to the villa, it feels like we can face anything, as long as we do it together.
Even when Mads informs me the headlines the next morning are:
Royal Shock: From Sunken Yachts to Hot Dates
King Theodor’s with new squeeze, Prince Stefanos
Secret Royal Romance Exposed
And the way we gaze at each other in the photo at the bar is like we’re the only two people in the world—undeniably in love.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
The next few weeks pass like they’re in a dream. Every night since Kerkyra, I talk to Stef on a video call. And each day, I’m growing a little more confident in my role as King. With Stef in my life, even long distance, anything feels possible. He’s steady and encouraging in my overwhelm. Meanwhile, I’m more than happy to support him with his upcoming studies and move to Copenhagen.
Following his advice in Kerkyra, I seek help with my nightmares. Especially after Mamma asks, which means Mads must have said something to her. Starting therapy’s been surprisingly good. The nightmares aren’t gone, but they’re less frequent, at least, which is a good start. Papa’s loss still hurts, but I’m finding ways to work through it. And with every day that passes, I learn more about being King.
Today, I’m in the back seat of the car, headed to the VIP pickup at Copenhagen International Airport. My mouth is dry, and I’ve been wide-awake in anticipation since 4:00 a.m. about Stef’s arrival today. It’s a quick trip to meet with his future supervisor at the University of Copenhagen, to look at housing options that my team has helped shortlist, given the security considerations—and to meet my mother.
