Page 34 of Her Royal Rebellion

“Isla, I can’t be with you.”

“That’s not true. We can try. We can talk to my parents and your commander. We can find a way.”

His hand came up and his fingers brushed my face. “I want to be with you more than anything. It physically hurts to see you with anyone else, but Isla, I have nothing to offer you. I can’t provide what these other men can. How can I go to your father and ask for permission when you have so many better options?”

“You mean men that are here for every reason but wanting to get to know me? Men that only see me as a means to an end?” He was finding excuses. “The only thing that should matter is how we feel for each other.”

“I agree, but that’s not the world we live in.”

“Logan, please.” I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had to beg in my life, but I would get on my knees and grovel if it meant he understood how much he meant to me. “I can’t live a life without you in it. Surely my parents will see that and understand. I wouldn’t care if you’re penniless, but that’s not the case. You’re a well-respected, decorated Marine. You’ve dedicated your life to serving our country, as I have. That matters.” I could see his resolve wavering. He was considering it. “Please, Logan.”

His chest rose as he took in a deep breath.

“Princess,” a voice called from behind us, and I nearly cursed the intruder. I turned and frowned when I realized it was Marius. What was with this guy? He was like a leech. He’d hovered over me at the ball until the moment I excused myself and ran for the sanctuary of my room. Every attempt at diversion or talking to someone else was a fail. He was always there, waiting.

“Marius, what are you doing out here?” I didn’t bother sounding pleasant. He was uninvited and ruining one of the most important moments of my life.

“I was looking for you, of course. One of the butlers mentioned he saw you headed this direction.”

I would have to hunt down that particular man and let him know it was not his responsibility, nor his right, to share my location with strangers.

Fine. I was being irrational. The staff hardly knew how to distinguish between people that were and were not privileged to know of my whereabouts. If anything, Father told them to assist the new guests in any way possible.

“What can I do for you?”

His gaze flickered to Logan before returning to me. “I wasn’t aware you were a fan of archery.”

“There’s much you don’t know about me.”

The fool continued to approach me. “I’m a fairly skilled archer. I could show you some pointers.”

“Thanks, but my guard is more than capable of teaching me.”

He nodded and slid his hands in his pockets. “Perhaps I might have a moment alone with you? I am here to get to know you, after all.”

“I should be done within the hour. I can find you then.”

His expression darkened. “Isla, with all due respect, I’ve traveled quite far to meet you. I only have a few days to spend with you and I would appreciate it if you would make the time now. Your lesson can be rescheduled for another time.”

My frustration was growing. “I’m well aware of your sacrifices to be here, but you must also respect my time. If I feel that my presence is needed here at the moment then you need to accept that. I will be with you shortly.”

His eyes narrowed for only a second. I caught it, and I wondered if Logan did. “Fine. I will wait.”

He took a single step back and folded his hands behind him, watching. Did he think this was the way to win me over? Challenging me and trying to exert pressure on me? He might be stubborn but he had nothing on me.

I turned back to the targets. “Now what?”

Logan was glaring over my shoulder and took a few seconds to return his attention to me. “I can’t believe him.”

“Ignore him.” I picked up the bow and lifted it like he showed earlier. “Now what?”

He grabbed an arrow and put it in place. “Now look down the arrow and align it with the center of the target.”

His hand gently rested on mine, helping me get closer to my goal. “When you’re ready, release.”

I took in a breath and as soon as I was sure, released the arrow and exhaled. It shot forward and hit the first ring, just inches away from my goal.

I smiled and looked up to see Logan beaming. “That was great.”