Leo’s shoulders drooped. “You saw me as a normal person. You weren’t trying to impress me or flatter me or get something from me. That’s never happened before! I’m only ever surrounded by people with courtier smiles who want to bein the good graces of the Ducasses. Then you showed up and you didn’t give a shit about my opinion. You spoke honestly. You even insulted me. It was… freeing!”
Evelyn, underneath her anger, understood what he meant. Her years as a lord’s daughter, and especially her short time as a princess, had exposed her to the same fake smiles vying for favor. But…
“You liked me because I washonest?”
Leo’s eyes widened as he realized his mistake. “I likeyou. I like everything about you and I like how I feel when I’m with you.”
Part of Evelyn wanted to melt at his words, but another problem dawned on her.
Hannah.
“You are supposed to marry mysister.”
Leo grimaced, like he had also just remembered that detail.
“That’s why I’m here,” Evelyn went on. “The prince is courting Hannah. But that’s been you this whole time?”
“My father set it up. I couldn’t ignore her.”
“She talks about you nonstop. She wants to marry you!”
Hannah may not be in love with him, but this is the future she wants. Did I just ruin it for her?
Leo gestured at the palace. “Hannah and I haven’t had a genuine conversation all week.Youare the one who knows the real me.”
“No, apparently, I don’t!”
“This is real, Evelyn!Weare real!”
Damien’s words filled her mind again.“Is it real? Do you truly care about him? There’s a lot about Leo you don’t know.”
“Why would you kiss me while courting my sister? Who does that?”
“I’m not courting her,” Leo insisted.
“Hannah thinks you are!”
“I want to be withyou, Evelyn!”
Her traitorous heart jumped at his confession, then plummeted.
Leo didn’t say he wants to marry me, just that he wants me here. I don’t know what his plans are with Hannah. But he’s been lying to us both, so he doesn’t deserve either of us.
“You need to tell my sister that so my family and I can go home.” She lifted her heavy, waterlogged skirts and started back toward the palace.
“Wait!” Leo ran to Evelyn. “Tell me what to do. Tell me what you want. Tell me how to fix this.”
“You didn’t tellmeanything.”
“I’m sorry I lied to you.”
Evelyn just looked at him.
“You kissed me back last night,” he reminded her.
She didn’t deny it, but she didn’t say anything.
“I don’t want you to leave.”
