29

THAYER

“She’s been with Father for thirty minutes now.” I checked the time.

“You’re over-reacting. It's only fifteen. And it’s not that Daddy would harm Kennedy. But that speech, huh? If you could only see your reaction, brother.” Carlott sighed. “You two are wasting time. Why not make it up, make out, and make babies? I’d love to take care of my nieces and nephews.” She placed down her drinks on the table. “You two would be a great and powerful couple together.”

“Stop teasing your brother, Carlott. Leave it to them to settle their differences. I do not doubt Kennedy. Your brother would be in good hands.”

“Oh, please, when you two are talking as if I’m not here.” I walked away. “I have to check her.”

“You’re no fun!” Carlott yelled behind me.

I wondered why my father summoned Kennedy and even forced me out, just to talk to her alone. She had me worried there, but that little speech, though. I was torn between jumping towards her, crushed my lips to hers, and kissed her so hard until she squirmed, covered her mouth, worried that she might blurt out something my parents were not ready to hear.

Thank fuck, it was all good. I didn’t know that Kennedy would do that to me regardless of what I put her through. Whatever was behind her speech, I didn’t want to know. What I wanted right now was to make up to her.

My sister was right on one thing—I’d focused too much on work when my priority should be my woman—to make her happy.

Kennedy just came out of the study, wiping her face. Had she been crying?

“Kennedy, what’s wrong?” I rushed towards her.

She sniffed and wiped her face again. “Nothing.”

“Nothing? From what I can see, that’s not nothing. What did my father do to you?” I held her face. Her eyes were red, so was her nose. My chest crashed. I wanted to pull her into my arms, but I still remembered her deal, and I was not going to break it until she would be the one to come to me.

“I said, it’s nothing.” She tried to hide her face, wanting to flee.

“You don’t think I would believe that for a second, Kennedy.” I hooked her arm around my grip. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s wrong.”

Finally, she turned to face me and met my gaze. “There’s something your father told me that made me cry.”

“About what?” I asked firmly.

I was expecting her rebellious side, but her eyes softened. “Aren’t you a little nosy right now?”

I sighed. “Are you sure he didn’t say something that upset you?”

“I’m still not running away, am I? And your father couldn’t break me, trust me. And he’s nothing but kind to me.”

“Fine.” I swallowed down the bile rising in my throat. “We’re going home.”

“I’m not ready.” She looked down.

“Then I’ll take you somewhere.” I offered my hand.

“You don’t have to do what your sister said earlier. I really don’t mind.”

“But I do.”

“I just want some time alone to myself, if you don’t mind.” She threw my words back.

Something was so wrong. I could feel it. I just wished she would open up. I might be able to enlighten her.

“Now you’re scaring me, Kennedy. One way or another, I’m gonna ask my father about what you two have talked about,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Do you really wanna know?”

“Yes,” I answered quickly.

“Your father told me how you worked hard to keep the title within your family and that you’re ready to give up your freedom for the sake of your birthright, your beliefs, and what you fight for—for your kingdom.”

“That’s it?”

“Isn’t that more than enough? I think that’s courageous and admirable. But you’re still an asshole and a royal pain, and I’m still mad at you. Nothing’s changed.”

“You’re too hard on me and to yourself, darling.”

“You know what? I start to hate the name.” I still didn’t like the distance she’d planted between us, but now that we had my father’s blessings, nothing was going to stop me now.

“We’re going home.”

“I deserve some fresh air, Thayer.”

“I can give you more than that.”

We left the chateau as soon as we bid goodbye to my family. Thank God she didn’t mind riding the same car with me. She even relaxed beside me as she watched the countryside through the window.

We were close to the place where she could get some fresh air. I realized I’d been the one who was too hard on her.

“Darren, stop the car on the seaside,” I told the driver.

My bodyguard informed the other security details in the SUV through his comm.

“Why are we stopping?” She scanned around behind the window before she looked at me. “Are you gonna leave me beside the road alone? Fed up with me already?”

“Not even close.” Once the car stop to a halt, I climbed out. “Take your coat with you. It’s gonna be chilly outside.” I offered my hand as she climbed out.

Surprisingly, she didn’t resist. “Thanks.”

I squeezed her hand for a moment before I let it go. “The heels of your shoes might get stuck to where we’re going.”

“Wow,” she said as soon as the seaside came to view.

“When we come in the morning, you might find flocks of birds or even storks, but at this time, they’re gone.” We strolled towards the footpaths.

The weather was lovely, and I knew that she badly needed this.

She stopped just right in the sand. “This is so beautiful and peaceful here.”

“At this time, yes.” I took the coat from her and hung it on her shoulders. “People usually come during day time. Come with me.” I placed a hand on her small back. “Careful. I told you your heels might stick in the sand.”

“I’ll be fine. I can take them off and be barefooted. It’s not appropriate to do when I’m with you, is it?”

I smiled and tucked a stray of the lock behind her ear. “Who gives a fuck about etiquette or protocol if this makes you happy?”

She averted her gaze away from me. A sad smile appeared on her lips. “For tonight, and this is a lovely evening.”

This was one of my favorite times I spent with her—when we were like just an ordinary couple without her bantering at me. Our closeness, the silence, nothing but the sounds of the waves and wind blows. I was contented, and my chest filled with peacefulness and hopes.

Now that we were not arguing, just enjoying the gifts of this beautiful country, I didn’t want this night to be over without telling her how I felt about her.

My parents enjoyed their strong marriage filled with love and devotion to their causes, and I wanted to have a marriage like theirs. I wanted to be with the woman I loved while I was fulfilling my duty.

“Kennedy?”

“Damn it.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re right.” She took her shoes off. “I think I might enjoy this too much.” She giggled. “Nothing could beat a couple walking on the sand, right?”

With an amused twist of my lips, I said, “I’d love to watch you more enjoying barefooted with a smile on your face than struggling with your shoes on. Give me your shoes.”

“No way, Your Highness.” She curtsied and turned around to walk away.

I looked around to make sure no one was watching us while our details were doing their job as well.

“Hey, Your Highness.” She waved her hand. “Do you have cash? I’m thirsty.”

Shit. I didn’t have.

“Here, Your Highness.” Thank God, Darren had.

“Thank you.” I walked to follow Kennedy. She was still carrying her heels and walked so sexy barefooted. I wished the announcement was over. I’d love to pick her up, throw her over my shoulder, stuff her in the car, and kiss her senselessly.

As I watched her ass sway towards the vendor, my cock started to strain in my pants.

“Can I have a bottle of water, please?” she asked nicely. That was what I loved about her. She didn’t discriminate and tried to be fussy. If this was another woman, she would choose a yacht or some tropical island than here at the seaside.

“How much?” I asked the vendor.

He recognized me right away with respect. “Your Highness. Take whatever you want. My way of thanking you for how you helped us.”

“I’ll pay. And it’s my duty to make sure you have your source of income.”

“Then the least I can do, Your Highness is to offer your wonderful lady a drink.”

“Fine by me then.”

“And Your Highness, if it’s not too much to ask, can I take a picture of you.” Selfie was not allowed, especially in public, but I could give an exception since he was kind.

I chuckled. “Fine.”

The old man ready his old phone model to capture.

“Hold on,” Kennedy interrupted. “Why not you stand beside Your Highness and let me take the picture for you.” She smiled at the old man. “Give me your phone.”

“Is it okay?” he asked warily.

“That’s a good idea. Come here beside me.” I placed my hand on his shoulder as I smiled directly at the most beautiful photographer.

“Thank you so much, Your Highness. You’re so kind.”

“My pleasure.”