My mouth gapes. “I…”
He shakes his head, laughing harshly. His face darkens to an expression I’ve never seen before — it’s ardent; almost self-loathing. “What a fool I am.”
“You aren’t a fool, Alden! Please don’t say that.”
“I am! I am. For I have mistaken your kindness, your friendship, for something quite different, Your Majesty. I have allowed my imagination to run wild with thoughts of a future in which we might be more than mere acquaintances at a dinner party.”
“We are more than that,” I insist. “We are friends.”
“Friends.” He practically seethes the word. “I see.”
“Please — don’t be upset with me.”
“I’m not upset with you. I’m upset with myself, for letting my own naive hopes outpace reality.”
I chew my bottom lip, not knowing how to respond. This conversation has taken an unexpected turn onto a path I am unsure how to navigate.
In loaded silence, we reach the revolving doors. Beyond the glass, I can see my Rolls-Royce waiting by the curb, its headlights illuminating the darkness. I move to exit but Alden stops me, his hold on my arm growing tight. I let out a soft sound of surprise but don’t pull away, not wanting to make a scene.
Any second now, attendees from the fundraiser will follow us out of the ballroom and reach the lobby. I try to look behind us, fearful of how our close proximity will appear to strangers, but his gaze traps mine before I can turn away. His expression is fervent with unexpected passion.
“Emilia.”
He’s never called me that before. Never dropped my formal title or foregone the formality of our respective positions. Not until now.
I swallow hard. “Yes?”
“Tell me what I must do. Tell me how else I can prove myself worthy of your affection.”
My eyes widen with shock. “Alden, this isn’t the time or place—”
“If not now, when?” He presses closer, desperation etched across his face. “Am I to wait forever? I would, you know. If you would merely give me a shred of hope. If you would grant but the slightest affirmation of my affections… I would wait for you forever.”
“Alden, I can’t—”
“No. Do not reject me outright. Do not tell me prematurely there is no chance for us to ever be more than what we are. More than merelyfriends.” His grip tightens. “Even if you do not feel the same way now… In time, I am confident you will come to the same conclusion that I have, these days and weeks and months. Since we were first introduced. A truth I have known since our inception.”
My brows lift. “Which is?”
“We are well-suited. An ideal match.” His tongue darts across his top lip, a nervous swipe. “Our marriage would offer Germania the stability it so desperately needs. Our children would secure the Lancaster lineage for generations. And you — you would not be alone anymore. I would be with you. By your side. Always.”
I blink, quite at a loss for words. I don’t want to crush his feelings or hurt him unnecessarily. Not after all he’s done for me. And most especially not in such a public place. With each passing second, I feel the impending weight of more eyes on us as people approach the exit doors.
“Emilia.” His voice shakes. “Please. Promise me you will think about it.”
“I can’t think of romance right now, Alden — not with the referendum so close,” I hedge, heart beating too fast inside my chest. “Perhaps, after this vote, there will be time to look forward to other things, but now…”
“Fine. That’s fine. After the vote, we will discuss it further.” His eyes flare with heat and I know, intentionally or not, I have given him the shred of hope he was looking for.
“But, Alden—”
“Come.” Without another word, he pulls me through the revolving doors. “The limo is waiting and in another minute this lobby will be swarming with people.”
I follow him into the night, feeling strangely unsettled by the exchange. I made him no promises. Agreed to no terms. And yet, somehow, I feel as though my future has just been taken from my grasp and rearranged without my conscious consent.
Just get through this vote,I tell myself as Alden opens my limo door, his smile beaming brightly in the moonlight.Once the referendum is behind you, you can sort out the rest of your life.
* * *