I was sure now that Alexander had read my father’s letter. Even still, he had been trying to give me the benefit of the doubt when he confronted me. That left a margin of hope for me to hold onto. The sun was setting as I rode back to the palace, and it was full dark by the time I was walking up to
I woke to a fresh wave of disappointment in the morning, shivering awake in the cold, realizing as I came to consciousness that I was still alone. Before I could forget, I sat up and took another pill immediately. I took a bath next, letting myself soak in the lavender-scented, piping hot water unt
I collected some more food from the kitchen and took it back to the room with me. I sat in bed and created a nest of pillows around me for support. Then I lay on my side comfortably, snacking idly while studying stock reports. Of course, after reading through most of one magazine, I drifted off. It
Alexander I returned to the palace after dark. I figured Fiona may be asleep already, but still, my blood ran warm with anticipation as I continued thinking about what to say to her. How to account for my outburst and my absence these past few days, when finally we were face to face again. I worke
Fiona Alexander was in the shower when I woke in the morning. I stretched out under our silk sheets, feeling relaxed in my body. Finally, some of my strength and energy was coming back. But my mind was not as calm. I thought about what I would do with my renewed energy today, frowning when I consi
He cleared his throat, stroking the top of my hand with his thumb. “I’m… I’m going to do better,” he finally said, his eyes still gazing down the length of the table at nothing. “I’ll be here with you more, if that’s what you need.” “It’s not just about what I need,” I replied. He looked at me then
Alexander My uncle came striding down the hallway from his office to where I waited in the lobby, smiling wide and extending his arms out. He was wearing a crisp, expensive gray suit with a bold, plum purple tie and matching pocket square. “Nephew,” he said, pulling me in for a hug. “Uncle Conrad
Fiona Alexander said he had business matters to attend to in the city and needed to leave for a few hours. His eyes were narrow and solemn as he told me he would be back to join me for dinner in the evening. He had not apologized for leaving me alone here for days. But I knew better than to expect