Paramour

Newcrest
Grace Harper’s residence

William arrived at Grace’s home, a modest yet charming two-story bungalow nestled in a quiet neighborhood. The white exterior gleamed under the soft glow of the evening lights, contrasting with the modern, dark-colored “it-cafe” next door. The front yard was a riot of colorful flowers, a testament to Grace’s green thumb. Clutching a bouquet of sunflowers, her favorites, he took a deep breath.

He approached the door, his heart heavy with confusion and longing. He had to talk to her, had to see her, feel her, touch her, smell her, to make sense of the tangled emotions within him. He stood at the door, hesitating for a moment before knocking. Each second felt like an eternity as he waited. When the door finally opened, Grace stood there, her face a mix of surprise and apprehension.

She was dressed in worn-out joggers and an oversized hoodie, complete with a small stain and a hole in the sleeve, clearly having been unwinding after a long day. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, looking like it needed a wash. Her eyes widened with surprise as she took in William’s impeccable outfit. He wore the royal colors, a deep green sweater paired with tailored trousers that perfectly complemented his look. A baseball cap sat atop his head, adding a casual touch to his otherwise polished appearance.

“Will,” she said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “What are you doing here?”

William offered the bouquet with a gentle smile. “Good evening, Grace. May I come in? We need to talk.”

Grace nodded, stepping aside to let him in, while noticing the black car nearby. “Yeah, right, totally, come on in before anyone recognizes you. I see your even your bodyguards are taking it easy tonight.”

William chuckled as he entered. “Indeed, I requested they do so, just to make you feel more comfortable. I am well aware of how much you dislike them lingering about.”

Grace quickly tried to straighten her look, attempting to hide the stain and hole in her sleeve, feeling a bit self-conscious in her casual attire compared to William’s polished appearance. The familiarity of the space struck him as he entered, each corner decorated with Grace’s touch. He had only been here once before, but it already felt comforting to him. They sat down in the living room, the atmosphere tense and filled with unspoken words.

“William, why didn’t you tell me you were in town?” Grace said, trying to remain composed. “I’m not prepared for a visit. I have nothing in the pantry to offer you. Not even a cookie. I could have baked something. I mean, what kind of host am I now? And, honestly, I would have dressed up a bit if I had known you were coming. I look like Picasso’s take on a natural disaster!”

William chuckled warmly, his eyes softening. “Grace, you look perfect as you are. You’re beautiful, it’s not about what you’re wearing. I just wanted to see you.”

Grace blushed slightly, feeling her heart flutter. She found herself leaning in towards him, the tension between them palpable. The room seemed to close in around them, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. William’s eyes locked onto hers, their faces drawing nearer, every inch feeling like an eternity. She could feel his breath, warm and steady, as they moved closer, the world around them fading into the background.

William gently placed his hand on the back of her head, pulling her in closer. Grace’s hand instinctively rested on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Just as their lips were about to meet, the moment was abruptly shattered by a sharp knock at the door. The sound echoed through the room, jarring them back to reality.

Both of them jumped, startled by the interruption. Grace’s face flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. “Seriously? Now?” she muttered under her breath, standing up quickly and walking to the door, her mind still reeling from the almost-kiss

As she opened the door, Grace was more than shocked to find Nicholas Cameron standing there, holding a leather briefcase. Nick, Will’s uncle on his mother’s side, didn’t wait for an invitation, stepping inside with the confidence of someone who felt at home everywhere. As a high-profile case attorney in San Myshuno, was impeccably dressed in a high-end designer suit that accentuated his fit physique. His crystal green eyes, the exact same shade as William’s, sparkled with mischief.

The small hallway, furnished with IKEA essentials and adorned with plants and books, felt even more cramped with Nick’s presence. The subtle scent of his cologne, sophisticated and refined, filled the air as he moved past Grace, who instinctively tried to straighten her worn-out joggers and oversized hoodie. She couldn’t help but feel self-conscious, her messy bun and casual attire starkly contrasting with Nick’s elegance.

“Hello, Grace. Will, didn’t know you’d be here but I couldn’t help notice the friendly neighborhood Men in Black buddies out there, I waved politely at them, since I parked right behind them, but they didn’t like that one bit. Anyway, you being here is actually great, saves me some scanning and document ping-pong,” Nick said with a chuckle when his nephew joined them in the narrow hallway. Nick’s eyes quickly took in Grace’s outfit, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, but he said nothing. Grace had met him and William’s Aunt Adrianna many times; both always looked amazing and put together, even in casual clothing. Now, she felt like a slob compared to the two impeccable men in her hallway.

“Grace, honey, can we sit down somewhere, preferably at a table? I have some documents to be signed,” Nick continued, unfazed by Grace’s discomfort.

Grace pointed towards her kitchen, where a large round dining table dominated the space. “Umm, coffee?” she offered, trying to regain her composure as she followed Nick and William into the kitchen. She remembered how much that entire family loved the beverage at all hours of the day. Her kitchen, like the rest of her home, was filled with nods to her love for books and nature—plants hanging from the ceiling, books stacked on shelves, and eco-friendly products in every corner.

“You know I would never turn down a cup. Make it strong, been a long day already and I have another appointment after this one, all the way out in Brindleton Bay. Well at least traffic should be a breeze this time of day,” Nick said while pulling a thick folder from his leather attaché bag, smiling briefly at her, then shuffled through his paperwork.

Grace looked puzzled at William, who was called over by Nick, handed a pen and some of the papers which he began signing after sitting down next to his uncle.

Grace went about preparing coffee for Nick and William the way they liked it. She knew that Nick preferred his coffee strong and black, no sugar or cream, always savoring the pure, rich flavor. William, on the other hand, liked his with just a splash of cream and one sugar, enough to take the edge off the bitterness without overwhelming the taste.

As for herself, Grace liked her coffee milky and sweet, with a generous amount of cream and two sugars. She paused for a moment, realizing how intimately she knew their preferences, almost as if she belonged, even though she never would. With a small, bittersweet smile, she balanced three mugs and brought them over to the table, joining the men.

Nick thanked her, took a sip, and nodded appreciatively. He then handed William some more papers to sign, guiding him through each one. Grace watched, feeling a mix of curiosity and anxiety. Once William was done, Nick restuck some of the “Sign Here” flags, checked for any missing initials or stamps, and added his own where necessary.

“Grace, your turn,” Nick said, sliding the stack of papers over to her. Grace’s hands trembled slightly as she began to sign each document, her mind zoned out, just mechanically doing as told. Nick’s reassuring presence helped steady her as she moved from page to page.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she read through the papers. “Wait a minute. Guys, what is this? What am I signing here?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Nick looked over at William, who froze in the middle of signing, clearly uncomfortable. With a subtle roll of his eyes and a nudge for his nephew, Nick took over.

“Grace, I can see this hasn’t been discussed beforehand, like I assumed it had been, because I assumed even little royal brats would know that one might want to mention something like this ahead of time,” he said, pausing briefly to give William a stern look. When William didn’t say anything, just stared, Nick nudged him again, raising his eyebrows in a fatherly manner while shaking his head in a disapproving manner. William blushed and looked away, feeling the weight of his uncle’s disapproval. Nick tapped on the paper in front of him, saying, “No slacking, kid. I have places to be. Keep signing.” which William immediately did.

Turning back to Grace, Nick continued, “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I am really short on time, so here’s the Cliff Notes version. It’s the deed to the house you’ve been renting. This one, the one we are sitting in to be precise, and the shop location as well. I assume it is that one out there,” Nick explained, pointing out the window into the backyard. Through the window, you could see the back of her cozy bookstore with its distinctive red brick exterior, nestled around the corner and just a little down the street.

“The long and short of it is that I helped William buy both for you. All you need to do is sign, I’ll get the ownership transferred, and this place is all yours,” Nick continued. “However, there are some responsibilities you’ll need to take on. You’ll be responsible for property taxes, maintenance, and any necessary repairs for both the residence and the commercial building. Additionally, you’ll need to manage utilities, insurance, and any relevant business licenses or permits for the shop. I am sure you are at least somewhat familiar with all that already, if not, call my office and we’ll walk you through it, so you don’t get shut down just when the business starts picking up.”

When she finally finished signing, Nick meticulously reviewed the documents one last time, ensuring everything was in order. Satisfied, he gathered them up, tapping the stack on the table to align the pages perfectly. He then placed them neatly back into the folder he had with him, sliding it into his leather attaché bag.

“I’ll send over copies for you tomorrow,” Nick said, handing Grace a manila folder with detailed documents and a summary of what to expect.

“Here is some information that might be helpful, such as contacts for local services and a breakdown of your annual responsibilities. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can always reach out to me. My card is right there, here, let me put my cell number on the back too. Don’t be shy, you know I am not,” Nick said with a warm smile, jotting down his number on the back of his card.

Grace glanced at the folder, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. Nick stood up, prompting both William and Grace to stand as well. He extended his hand for her to shake. “I’ll take these to be filed. I have another appointment, Will. Do you need a ride? Though you’d have to come with me to the next one before I can drop you off,” Nick offered.

William shook his head with a small smile. “No, thank you, Uncle Nick. My Men in Black are my ride.”

Nick chuckled, “Yeah, let’s not make those grumpy-looking dudes jealous then. You kids have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, but if you do, name it after me.”

He patted his nephew on the shoulder, gave him a stern look, and then winked and grinned at him. Turning to Grace with a nod and a smile, he said confidently, “Stay put, both of you. I can find my way out.”

As Nick exited, the door fell shut with a solid thud, making both William and Grace wince. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken words. Grace, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt, stepped closer to William.

She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes, her voice soft and full of emotion. “William, I don’t even know where to start. Thank you. This is… it’s beyond anything I could have ever imagined. But why? Why would you do this for me? I don’t know what to say. I probably should have said no. Why didn’t I? Oh boy,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

William looked into her eyes, his heart aching. “Grace, I wanted to do something for you because you deserve to be happy. I can’t do the things I truly wish to do for you, but this, at least, I can manage. It brings you happiness, and thus it brings me happiness as well.”

Grace, unable to hold back her emotions, hugged him tightly. “This is so crazy. I’m sorry to say this, William, but I wanted to cut ties with you. I’ve typed out so many messages telling you not to contact me again, but I just can’t send them. I’ve been trying to say this since you left last time. I literally can’t push the send button. I mean, last time you were here was… intense. Special. I still can’t stop thinking about it all the time, but we both know it’s not real. Not permanent. And then you go and buy me houses and stores. How am I supposed to tell you I don’t want to see you again now? It was easier in my head when you weren’t right in front of me. But what else can we do? There is literally NO WAY I would live at that castle. No thanks. As pretty as it is, and it is, but there are people all over all the time and always up in your business. I need my alone time and there is always like a hundred people around you all the time. And then you have all that beautiful land, and you can’t just go out. I wanted to go for walks and wasn’t allowed to, and when I was allowed, I had twelve people following me. And that one time I tried to pick mushrooms that one dude almost had a coronary. Hello!? And I am fully and painfully aware that you living as a commoner, yeah no, just the thought alone scares me. You would be nothing but miserable. I can’t be the reason you’re unhappy. I honestly got nothing here. I really do not know what to do. Part of me is hoping you are here to tell me goodbye for good, ‘cause I… can’t say those words to you. I know I SHOULD, but I can’t. I just can’t …”

Her voice broke on the last word, and she began to cry, the weight of their impossible situation crashing down on her. She clung to William, tears streaming down her face, her body trembling with the intensity of her emotions.

William’s heart ached as he watched Grace cry, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. He gently cupped her face, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. “Sorry to disappoint, but I won’t be the one to tear us apart again. I am still grappling with the guilt that it was my mistake that broke us up last time. An innocent boat trip with a princess I barely knew ended up with me forced to get engaged to her and set you free. There are no words to describe how that felt and still feels. Grace, I feel the same way you do. I know what would be logical to do here, the proper thing, the right thing, but I can’t do it. The castle, the titles, the endless expectations—believe you me, I know it’s tough. I sometimes find it suffocating and I grew up with it. I was groomed since birth to be king one day, it’s my sole purpose for being. I remember very well how miserable you were, just visiting me, like a bird in a gilded cage. It broke my heart, yet, I can’t change any of it. Living as a commoner when Victoria and I were young was hell for me, even though it was barely a year, it felt like a lifetime sentence to both of us. I STILL feel that way, realise it each time I visit non-royal family. All of them are wealthy and live in upscale environments, but I still can’t see myself properly living there. I wish I could claim to be stronger, or more adaptable, but you are right, I can’t do that again. Yet, the thought of losing you again… I can’t bear it. That is why I am here. I do not know what to do, which way to turn. I know what I should do, but I am not going to do that unless you demand it. YOU have to tell me to leave you alone, Gracie.”

As he spoke, their faces drew closer, the intensity of their emotions drawing them together. “Grace, I love you. I always have. I always will,” he whispered, his voice filled with longing and desperation.

In between two heart-wrenching sobs, Grace said, “I love you too, Will. That’s really why I am not dating. I had some guys ask me out, but I just don’t want them because they are not you! Nobody is like you.”

Grace’s heart pounded in her chest as their lips met in a passionate kiss. The tears stopped, replaced by an overwhelming wave of love and desire. The kiss deepened, their emotions pouring out in every touch, every caress. Grace clung to William in an almost desperate way.

As the kiss intensified, they both knew they couldn’t fight their feelings any longer. The magnetic pull between them grew stronger, their hands exploring each other with a mixture of urgency and tenderness. Grace’s fingers tangled in William’s hair, while his hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, erasing any distance between them.

Their breaths became ragged, mingling with whispered words of love and longing. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them in their private bubble. The emotions that had been pent up for years finally found release in their passionate embrace.

As they stumbled towards the bedroom, the desire between them only grew stronger. Clothes were discarded hastily, leaving a trail that marked their path. They found solace in each other’s arms, their bodies communicating the words their hearts had been yearning to say.

In that moment, their love consumed them completely, a burning flame of passion that neither could extinguish. They gave themselves to each other entirely, finding comfort and connection in the most intimate of ways. It was a union of souls, a testament to the deep bond they shared despite the obstacles that stood in their way.

The morning after

As the morning light filtered through the curtains, William stumbled down the stairs, disheveled and in his boxers. He followed the enticing scent of fresh coffee, his senses gradually awakening. He reached the kitchen just as Grace returned through the front door with an empty tray, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

“Oh, good morning sleepyhead,” she chirped.

William, rubbing his eyes, looked at her with a puzzled expression. “Morning. Where have you been?”

Grace shrugged, her smile widening. “Well, like I told you, I had nothing in the house anymore, so I bought some breakfast stuff and then got your buddies in black all hooked up with coffee and breakfast too. Felt sorry for them. You and I over here in a nice and cozy bed, and your bodyguard buddies out there were left to rot all night. So, I thought feeding and caffeinating them was the least I could do and two of them had to use the bathroom. On that note, fresh coffee is waiting, scrambled eggs are on the stove, pancakes over there, and the bread is lined up in the toaster—just gotta start it.”

William blinked, processing her words. He glanced towards the window where he could see the security detail standing vigilantly looking very content. With a chuckle, he moved towards the stove, feeling an unexpected warmth in his heart. Grace had always known how to make everyone feel at home, even in the most unusual circumstances.

“Well, let’s not keep those eggs waiting, shall we?” he said, a smile creeping onto his face as he started the toaster.

“Hey, you, what do you think you are doing? SIT!” she grabbed him and dragged him to the table, pushing him into a chair. “I am the host, and I will serve you, your Majesty.”

Chuckling, William obliged but couldn’t help correcting her. “Highness please, I insist. I appreciate the accidental elevation in status but won’t be His Majesty until Papa hands me the royal staff and golden apple, making me a king. I am not keen on that just yet, and if you thought my life as the Crown Prince was restrictive, just wait until I am King, so let’s just leave it as is for now. And thank you, Gracie Lou.”

Placing a plate and coffee in front of him, she slid into a chair across from him, watching him eat, when she inhaled deeply.

“There is one big problem though, which I didn’t even realize until I was handing out breakfast.” She paused, William looked at her, while sipping his coffee in between bites.

“Those security guard guys out there, they probably know what we did. I mean, at least guess it, considering you came here late afternoon and by the following morning are still here and idiot me is out there all chipper handing out breakfast. I assume they also know you are engaged to Princess Wilhelmina von Ahrensberg, sooooooooooo …. yeah. Oopsie and kinda big problem.”

Still chewing, William swallowed, then shrugged, while shaking his head.

“If you are worried about them tattling, they won’t. They can’t. They report incidents, not my whereabouts. Not unless there is an incident triggering an investigation.”

“Are you sure? What if one of them has a wife and tells her or something? Or posts a selfie on his socials?”

William chuckled. “No worries, all of them had to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements, and all that is covered in there. Besides, I doubt many of them have time for a social life. If that is your concern, I can calm your nerves with ease.”

Grace sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Okay, but what about us? What do we do now?”

William’s expression grew serious. “Grace, I know this isn’t ideal and you might hate me for even suggesting it, but I can’t let you go. I need you in my life, even if it’s in secret.” William reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I know it’s not fair to you, and it’s not what either of us truly wants. But it’s better than nothing. I can’t lose you again, Gracie Lou. But I must marry one day, soon actually, for I have until my 25th year of life. I am 21 now, almost 22. You won’t marry me, as you would have to live with me then. And I can’t step down. I am my father’s only son, the only one to carry the name. I just can’t do that to him. I can’t abandon all duty. This is the only way I can think of to keep you in my life.”

Tears welled up in Grace’s eyes as she squeezed his hand, nodding. “I don’t want to lose you either, Will. If this is the only way, then so be it. We’ll make it work, somehow. Man, my parents and my brother always told me I was too weird for my own good. Look at me now, the mistress of a future king. Kinda laughable, normal people would imagine a mistress to be super-hot, elegant and all, which clearly I am not.”

“I told you before and I will keep telling you, you are beautiful, Gracie Lou. And thank you for not hating me for all of this. I will probably hate myself, but right now I am just too happy still.”

Back in the real world

Back at campus, William sat at his desk in his room, his heart aching, as he stared at the photo he had snapped of Grace asleep during their first night back together. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and he barely noticed when the door to his room creaked open.

Victoria, or Little Lotte as he affectionately called her, entered the room quietly. Her presence always brought a sense of calm, but today, her arrival would bring an unexpected twist. She was a striking figure, exuding natural grace and elegance despite her casual attire. Her long, blonde hair framed her delicate features, and she often wore a warm, understanding smile. William and Victoria had been each other’s first friend and remained each other’s closest confidants. There was nothing one didn’t know about the other.

She intended to greet him playfully, but as she peeked over his shoulder, she froze. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the intimate photo of Grace.

William, lost in his thoughts, didn’t notice her until he felt the phone snatched from his hands. He looked up, startled, and saw Victoria holding his phone, her face a mix of appalled confusion as she stared at the image.

“Will, what is this?” she demanded, her voice trembling with emotion. The wooden floor creaked under her weight as she shifted uneasily, her eyes fixed on the screen.

William’s heart sank further. He reached out, trying to take his phone back, but Victoria pulled it out of reach, clearly upset. He spun his desk chair around to face her, his expression filled with regret. “Vic, please, it’s not what you think…”

Victoria’s eyes flashed with a mix of concern and determination. “Not what I think? This is Grace! Clearly a recent photo and clearly undressed in a bed and asleep! What are you doing, Will? I thought you were over her! What about Mina?”

The scent of fresh flowers from a vase nearby filled the room, a stark contrast to the tension between them. William’s voice broke as he finally admitted the truth. “I… I thought I had moved on, but seeing her again brought back all these feelings. It’s been tearing me apart, Vic. I didn’t want this to happen, but I can’t help how I feel.”

Victoria sighed deeply, her expression softening slightly. “Oh, Will. You know better than this. How is this supposed to go now, huh? Where did Grace come from all of a sudden? I haven’t heard you mention her in ages!”

“It took a series of bad ideas and even worse choices on my part, along with an unhealthy dose of curiosity. I wanted to see her, tell her in person how sorry I am that her grandmother passed away, knowing how close they were. Innocent enough. Until I saw her. Vic, in an instant, all those old feelings were right back. I was okay in public. I mean, I’ve talked with her before, back in San Myshuno, which had been more awkward than anything, but after we spoke for a while, it was just comfortable. I suppose I expected that. And at her bookshop in Newcrest, I was in control. It was exactly how I hoped it would go, friendly, civil, just comfortable. But then I had the bright idea to invite myself to dinner and that’s where it all derailed. The moment she and I were alone, I knew something was different and sure enough, I made it just past dinner before I kissed her. The rest just happened like an unstoppable avalanche after. I just don’t know what to do. I can’t lose Grace again, but I can’t hurt Mina either. Thinking about her finding out, knowing it was me breaking her heart, makes me sick to the stomach. I want to do the right thing, but I don’t know what that is. We both know that we are not as free to choose as we would like to be. If Mina finds out and breaks the engagement, it would be horrible and humiliating not just for me, but for the entire kingdom. Papa would be so disappointed. He already knows I slept with Grace, because after it happened the first time, I was in a spin, unable to focus, so I went to see him for advice. Now, I wasn’t planning to tell him about that part, but you know as well as I do, Papa is very sharp, and he just figured it out and told me to not see her again.”

Victoria sat down on his bed, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. The bed behind her gave a soft squeak as she moved. “You mentioned that Papa is aware of the first instance, which implies it wasn’t just a one-time incident as I had understood it. How many times has this occurred, Will? Is it still a chance encounter or something more habitual?”

“Habitual? Goodness Vic, you make me sound like a drug addict. Then again, I suppose it is a form of addiction. It happened twice so far. When I had to go for the ribbon-cutting for the Henfordshire exhibition at the museum in San Myshuno the day before yesterday, I stayed overnight at the hotel in San Myshuno, except I didn’t stay in San Myshuno. I was with Grace, she feels the same way about it as I do, so we came up with a sort of understanding that I will see her when I can and leave everything else as is.”

“Oh my, William. There are many rather unflattering names for such arrangements, you know, and I think one of the tamest would be ‘paramour.’ Is that what you want, Will? What Grace wants? You want her to be your mistress, while you are misleading Mina? Were you anyone else, I would judge you quite harshly, but I know you too well. This isn’t your true nature, which means you must be deeply conflicted to even consider such a course. So, I understand this is bad, but you need to be truthful with yourself. If maintaining a clandestine relationship with Grace is what you both want, then you must be certain that you can both live with it. Long term. I am saying this because from my personal observations of Grace, I’m not convinced she can endure such a situation, and I know you better than you know yourself, and I am certain you can’t. Not in the long term. And I shudder to think what would happen if Mina were to discover the truth. Her father and brother are so temperamental. Don’t you remember how they forced you into an engagement with her, only because your rowing boat capsized, and someone snapped a suggestive photo of you huddled up by a fire? William, we both were born into old royalty and can see that was more than overkill. But if people tell you who they are, believe them. It means if they did that for such a non-issue, what do you think they would do if confronted with the fact that their future son/brother-in-law is a cheater? What do you think the good people of Henfordshire would think if their Crown Prince has a fiancée or wife and a lover? And I don’t even want to start imagining what hell grandma and grandpa would unleash upon you.”

William got up from his desk chair and joined her on the bed. Victoria leaned her head against his shoulder, and William leaned his head over, so they rested against each other. “I know all that, but what am I supposed to do? The reason I didn’t fight harder for Grace when we had to break up was because I already knew then what I know now, and what she even confirmed. There is no way she would ever consider living at the castle with me. You and I both know I have to get married not long after graduation; it’s simply not optional for me. But whom? Grace won’t marry me unless I live with her, which I clearly can’t. And she won’t come to live with me. So now what? If I were to be honest with Mina, I doubt she would simply forgive me. And if she ends our engagement, Papa will send me back into the ring with debutantes to find a new fiancée posthaste.”

Victoria sighed, her voice gentle yet firm. “Quite right. Nobody wants that. We will figure this out together. It’s a mess, but it’s not unsolvable. Can’t be. But if you love Grace? What about Mina? Do you love her too?”

“That’s just it; yes, I think I do. I love Grace, but I think I love Mina too. They are so very different. It’s hard to explain. I know I don’t make much sense.”

“You do, I understand you better than you might think, Will. I was in a bad situation because of love and all those rules and restrictions we have as royals. Liam couldn’t see himself living with it, no matter how much I wanted him to, yet, it all worked out for me. I thought I loved Liam, maybe I did, and I know I still care about him, but I definitely love Henk and wouldn’t give him up for anything. Oh, speaking of my Henk-y, the reason I came over in the first place was to tell you some gossip which has me all sorts of giddy. William, just imagine; before I came over here, I was on the phone with our sweet little sister-monster Vivienne, who called me because she was using Papa’s computer, even though he told her no, then had to hide when he came into the study to take a private call, and she overheard my Henk-y asking Papa about my ring size. Ring size, Will! Of course, Papa had no idea, so he called in Mum, who of course knows, and they were talking about styles I like. Do you know what this means, Willie?! I think he’s going to propose to me when he comes here for Mum’s birthday. Since Mum’s birthday is the day after Valentine’s, he is probably going to ask on Valentine’s Day! Oh, my sweet Will, can you imagine anything sweeter?! I am going to be an engaged woman soon to the most romantic man in the universe! Let’s try this on, Victoria Rose DeWinter, Princess of Henfordshire, Duchess of Zeehaven and the Isles. Tell me that doesn’t sound absolutely delightful! Sometimes things have a way of working themselves out.”

William couldn’t help but chuckle at Victoria’s excitement, a small smile breaking through his troubled expression. “Only you, Little Lotte, could turn my inner uproar and moral missteps into a story about your impending engagement. But you know what? Hearing you so excited actually does make me feel better. Thank you.”

Victoria hugged him tightly. “Anytime, Will. We’ll get through this together, no matter what. Remember, you’re not alone. Oh, and you know what else you are, big brother? TICKLISH!” she exclaimed and instantly started tickling him.

William tried to fight her off but she seemed to have eight arms, and before they knew it, both of them were wheezing with laughter. He begged for a truce, so both of them dropped down next to each other on the bed, still giggling and breathing heavily. William’s head turned to face his sister.

“Thanks, Vic. For not thinking less of me. And for making me smile,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Victoria smiled warmly. “I could never think less of you; you will always be the best big brother any girl could ask for. Even if you killed a dozen men and drowned baskets full of puppies and kittens.”

William laughed, shaking his head. “Macabre, but I’ll take it. I do have to question the type of literature you read. Maybe I should take you with me to see Grace for some less deranged recommendations, more fit for a proper princess.”

Giggling, Victoria replied, “You are not one to talk to me about being proper. And you know, from this angle, it looks like you only have one big eye in the middle of your face. Cyclops.”

“You think you look any better?” William retorted, playfully nudging her.

Victoria sighed, a smile still on her face. “Oh, Will, what a pair we are. Hey, and if I were you, I wouldn’t tell Papa that you went back for seconds. I am all for transparency with our parents, but he’d have a heart attack if he knew you went over his head and saw her again.”

William’s expression turned serious. “Oh, he will know, if he doesn’t already. I bought Grace’s house and shop and gifted both to her, with Uncle Nick’s help. Nick and Mum are just as close as you and I are, so Mum will know, and if she knows, Papa will too.”

In that very moment, as if on cue, William’s cell phone rang. It was his father.

Will looked at Victoria, handing her his phone. “I can’t. You answer. Tell them I am not home.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Why would I have your phone then?”

“Okay, say I am asleep.”

“Then why would I be in your room, at the all-boys dorm?! To watch you sleep? Umm, I love you, but not like that!”

“Then say we’re going out to catch a movie or dinner or something and I am in the shower!”

Victoria shook her head, laughing. “William! Just take the call. You know Papa can’t be thrown off track like that. Why would I be sitting in your dorm room holding your phone while you take a shower to take me to dinner at 3 in the afternoon?! That makes no sense.” She answered the phone, “Hello Papa. Yes, Will is right here. One moment.” She handed the phone to William, who was giving her a look. She returned it, gesturing for him to get on with it.

William took a deep breath and answered the phone. “Hello, Papa.”

“William, I need to speak with you about something important. Can you come home this weekend?”

William glanced at Victoria, who gave him an encouraging nod. “Yes, of course Papa. I’ll be there Saturday morning.”

“Good. We’ll discuss it then. Take care, son.”

“Yes, Papa. Goodbye.” William hung up the phone and let out a sigh of relief.

Victoria patted his back gently. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”

William sighed deeply and fell backwards onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The soft fabric of the bedspread crinkled under him as he stretched out, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Of course it wasn’t bad because Papa would not shout at someone over the phone. He knows. I could hear it in his voice. He is going to butcher me. I am dead meat!”

Victoria rolled her eyes and sat beside him, the faint scent of her floral perfume wafting in the air. “Oh, come on. If you really had Uncle Nick involved then yes, Papa knows, but he loves you too much to kill you. He’ll guilt trip you, tell you about your responsibilities and all that.”

William covered his face with his hands, groaning. “He’s probably signed me up with the Peace Corps. And for the next mission to Mars. Oh man.”

Victoria chuckled softly, her voice soothing. “Oh come on now, Will. You know Mum would never allow that! I’ll come home with you, so you don’t have to do it alone. That way, he won’t be able to kill you, with me there as a witness. Or he would have to kill me too, and then Mum would kill him, and so on and so forth … and he won’t risk that because he wants to preserve the Cromwell lineage.”

William smiled at her, feeling a bit more hopeful, sitting up. The warmth of her presence and her supportive words eased his anxiety. “Goodness gracious, Vic. I am starting to be afraid of you. Where do you get all those ideas? I think spending time with your very modern-minded boyfriend is bringing out your dark, scary side. I might have to think about approving that relationship if and when he proposes, as you know, as Crown Prince that is my right and duty, to approve or veto potential partners for all my sisters…”

Victoria’s eyes widened, and she let out a playful gasp. “Don’t you dare!” She shoved him backwards on the bed and grabbed one of his pillows, whacking him with it repeatedly. The feathers inside the pillow made a soft, muffled thud with each hit. William laughed, trying to shield himself with his arms.

Their laughter filled the room, a joyful noise that echoed off the walls. Tears of mirth streamed down their faces as they finally stopped, catching their breath. Wheezing and wiping their eyes, William smiled at his sister, the bond between them feeling stronger than ever. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into a warm, comforting embrace.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he admitted, his voice sincere and grateful.

Victoria grinned, her eyes sparkling with affection. “Well, lucky for you, you’ll never have to find out.”out.”