I was a fool to think there could be anyone but him.
“I hate to leave you, Princess,” Leo mumbled into her hair, “but there is a lot to do.”
Evelyn let go. “I can imagine.”
“Don’t listen to Damien anymore, okay? Tell me when you’re mad at me. Or set my boots on fire and I’ll figure it out.”
Evelyn laughed. “I can do that.”
Leo kissed her one more time. “I’ll come find you later, okay?”
“You gave me permission to burn you if you break that promise.”
“I won’t. I love you.”
The words were at the tip of her tongue.
I… I love Leo. Of course I do. He chose me and we’re getting married.
“I love you, too.”
39
Wishes
Evelyn admired the new ring on her finger.
I’m going to marry Leo!
Haydn walked through the front door of the palace. He smiled at her, then came to a sudden halt when he spotted the ring. Something sinister flashed across his eyes before his expression lessened to displeasure; but Evelyn had not missed the moment of malice.
“Do you have news for me, Princess?”
His icy voice sent a shiver up her spine. Evelyn had never been afraid of Haydn before. She had been angry, intrigued, and seduced by him, but not scared. She wouldn’t have let him into her bed if she thought he was dangerous. But now his gaze held something… predatory.
I’m probably imagining it because I feel guilty.
“Yes,” she answered. “Can we talk outside?”
He gestured to the door. “After you.”
Evelyn glanced nervously at Rory and Simon to make sure they were coming. Her guards followed her like they were supposed to.
They walked onto the east lawn, out of earshot but definitely not out of sight. Haydn looked at Evelyn expectantly, daring her to admit what she’d done.
She wasn’t sure how to explain everything diplomatically. “I’m going to marry Alexander.”
Haydn continued to stare at her.
“He apologized.”
Still, Haydn didn’t say anything.
If he weren’t right beside me, this would feel like being stalked by an animal.
“I’m sorry, Haydn. I… I love him.”
He barked out a laugh, but didn’t sound amused. “And does your fiancé know that I was inside you only minutes before he put that ring on your finger?”
