“Let’s get you inside,” my mother instructs, hauling me up from the hard stones. I lean heavily against her as we walk along the terrace toward the palace.

Anne rushes out as we reach the sliding doors. “There you are, Your Highness. I was hoping to catch you as soon as you returned. I got pulled into something. Mr. Dawson called last night, and I really think you need to speak to him as soon as possible—”

“Mr. Dawson just left, Anne,” my mother states.

Anne’s silent as she looks at me, seeming to register my expression for the first time.

“I’m so sorry, Your Highness. I had no way to contact you at the cottage. I never imagined he would come all—”

“It’s fine, Anne,” I reply woodenly before continuing my trek inside.

Days pass. I can’t shake Jace’s horrified face from my brain, but the pain dulls. It helps that this time there’s no media speculation involved. This is a private battle I’m waging within myself.

Charles never asks me about Jace’s visit, and I’m grateful. I don’t know how I would respond. I show my gratitude by making an extra effort toward him. Tonight is our engagement party. I’m fawned over for hours by a makeup artist, then a hair stylist, and finally one of the royal dressers. It’s been over a year since I attended an event this formal, and I feel like an authentic princess by the end of the process. I feel regal.

I mill around the assortment of dignitaries, politicians, dukes, and lords in attendance, making small talk. Our engagement party is being held at Marcedenia’s parliamentary building, which is almost as ostentatious as the palace.

Charles gives a brief speech after dinner. “On behalf of Vivienne and myself, I’d like to thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate our engagement. And thank King Robert and Queen Evelyn for not only hosting this event, but also welcoming me into the family with open arms. I know a lot of you believe our engagement has always been a forgone conclusion, but the truth is far from it. Princess Vivienne is a shining emblem of everything Marcedenia stands for. She captivated me from the very first time we met. All I did was hand her a bouquet of flowers, and I can still remember how nervous I was.”

Charmed chuckles fill the room. Charles finishes his speech and then leads me out onto the dance floor. We begin twirling in time with the slow music playing.

“Are you having fun?” he asks me.

“Yes, I am,” I respond, surprised to realize it’s true.

“I’m glad.” He smiles down at me.

“Thank you for what you said in your speech. It was very thoughtful.”

“I meant every word, Vivienne.” His expression is earnest.

“I know you did.” I smile at him as we continue spinning under the glimmering lights.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

JACE

Scalding coffee burns my throat as I take another sip. The farmhouse is dark and silent around me. Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving, and everyone went to bed long ago. Except for me. I’ve barely slept since the fifteen hours I spent on three planes following the fifteen minutes I spent at the palace.