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The king loves Abigail, and it’s clear to everyone that she’s perfect for Torin, and incredibly good for Cara. But we’ve also shown over the past few months that Linnea is still a loyal and effective advisor for both Torin and Abigail and that I can continue fulfilling my duties as Torin’s security and advisor.
Truly, everything is working out. There’s a tiny niggle in the back of my mind that says that my boss doesn’t know about me and Linnea and may feel differently, but Abigail and Torin’s wedding was not stopped, and I’m certain he’s aware of it. Iris is here, after all. So are Henry and Cian, Colin, and everyone else. He’s the only one missing, in fact. If he didn’t want this to happen, surely he would’ve intervened at some point.
So everything’s over, and Linnea and I can be together.
After a few moments of cuddling, she pushes up.
“We should get back downstairs," she says.
I chuckle. "I suppose."
The rest of the guests have already left, but the family and friends are having a late dinner. Everyone is gathered in the dining hall, and I am sure they’re going to be looking for Linnea soon. I probably should’ve said no when she asked me to sneak off with her, but I’ve learned that I have no self-control when it comes to her.
We clean up quickly in my en suite bathroom, and stealthily leave the room. Her sister is sharing Linnea’s room while the family is here for the wedding, and I’m grateful. Astrid knows about us and won’t mind—and won’t tell—when Linnea sneaks out to my bed overnight.
“I can’t believe you didn’t let me put my panties back on,” Linnea tells me as we head down the upper hallway. "I don’t know how you expect me to walk around normally."
"I am?—"
"There you are," a voice interrupts.
We both freeze.
But a second later the British accent sinks in. It’s Henry.
I relax. "What are you doing up here?"
"Looking for you. The king wants to address everyone in the dining room. I noticed when you left. I don’t think he did. But he’s going to realize shortly that you’re the only two missing." He gives Linnea a wink.
I only frown at him for the flirtatious wink. I’m more concerned about why the king wants everyone gathered. "Do you know what’s going on?"
"I am sure he just wants to make a toast, or give a blessing, or something," Linnea tells me. She takes my hand and squeezes. "He’s so happy today."
I agree. Diarmuid seemed overjoyed. I saw him wipe a tear as Torin and Abigail exchanged vows.
The three of us head back to the main hall, Henry and I falling back to walk behind Linnea, so it looks like we’re escorting her.
Fortunately, it seems that we slip into the room without anyone noticing except for Astrid. She gives Linnea a wink like the one Henry gave her.
Yes, Linnea’s attempt to keep her dress from being too rumpled from our little liaison was unsuccessful.
I should maybe feel worse about that than I do.
Linnea takes her seat next to her sister and I join Henry and Colin on the other side at the opposite end of the table.
It’s been making me itchy all night to be in the same room, near her, but unable to touch her, sweep her into my arms, or kiss her.
I can’t take much more of this.
Since we accompanied Torin to the U.S. and then stayed with him as he worked to woo Abigail, then were able to spend a lot of time on his ranch here in Cara as he and Abigail took their time enjoying their honeymoon phase, we’ve been spoiled with alone time or at least time with people who know our secret. It’s making it harder and harder to keep our relationship quiet now that we’re back at the palace.
The king is talking to Queen Roisin and his old friend, Oisin. Oisin was Diarmuid's friend and advisor for decades, before visiting the U.S. and spending time in Louisiana, where he fell for a feisty Cajun woman, Cora. Cora was widowed for years, but Oisin won her over and he’s now living there with her and the rest of the Landry family.
I watch as the king scans the room and notice when his gaze lands on Linnea. I straighten as he says something to Oisin and then excuses himself. He heads straight for the love of my life.
I don’t know why, but this makes trepidation trickle down my spine.
I lift a cup of something—I don’t even know what I’m drinking—as I watch him lean over and say something to Linnea, and then her nod. She casts a glance in my direction. She looks worried.