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“Thank you,” she whispered.

“It’s what I’m here for.” His hand continued to rub up and down her back. “I just hate that you’re going through all of this.”

“I’m sorry I dragged you into all of it.”

“You didn’t. I thought Steve was my friend, too. Even if you hadn’t gone with us to Athmetis, I still would have gone. I’d still be under suspicion as well.” He kissed her hair. “We’ll figure it out. My brother, Thor, and Justin won’t send us in alone or unprepared.”

“They can have everything of his.” She had switched to talking about her late husband, but likely couldn’t even bring herself to say his name. “I don’t want any of it. Nothing he bought me. Nothing that was his to start with. Nothing we bought together. I have a few things from the house I want, things that were mine or that I inherited, but I don’t want anything else.”

“I’ll let them know.”

Bekah loosened her grip so Josiah followed suit. “Thanks again. I think I’m going to go splash some water on my face.”

While she headed for the bedroom, Josiah went to the window and stared out over the courtyard and to the view of Akushla beyond. Was he falling in love with Bekah?

Could there be any chance she was falling in love with him?

The sudden ache in his heart meant that he’d begun to feel far more than simple friendship for her.

If he decided he did want more from this relationship, then only one question remained.

Did Bekah?

* * *

With a deep breath,Bekah waited to be called into the conference room. With the help of her stylish sister-in-law and her sister-in-law’s stylist, she wore a new outfit. This one felt elegant and professional. It didn’t hide her bump, but didn’t accentuate it either.

They didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that she would give birth to Ian’s child, but attempting to hide it completely with baggy clothes would give a different kind of unwanted attention.

Josiah wouldn’t be in the room with her. That bothered Bekah, though she understood the reasons why. He’d enter after she left. They wouldn’t be able to hear each other’s answers that way.

She didn’t anticipate there would be any discrepancies, but the authorities from Athmetis wanted to be sure. The wait seemed interminable. Were they trying to make her uncomfortable so she’d be off her game? Not that she thought it was a game.

Finally, the door opened.

“Please join us, Ms. Vogel.”

Bekah did as she’d been briefed and ignored the man. Her name wasn’t Vogel anymore, and she had a title the man should use. It didn’t matter to her, but she could appreciate why they told her that.

“Ms. Vogel.” This time the man sounded more annoyed.

She continued to focus on a magazine she’d brought to give her something to do while she waited. It was better than fidgeting.

Or so she’d been told.

“Ms. Vogel!” The irritation had grown.

Bekah licked a finger and used it to turn the page, not actually reading - much less comprehending - anything on the page.

“Can I help you, sir?” Chamberlain, King Benjamin’s chief assistant, entered the room. Bekah didn’t know if that was his real title, but it seemed appropriate.

“We’re ready for Ms. Vogel.” If anything the irritation grew worse.

“I do apologize, sir. There is no Ms. Vogel here.” Bekah wondered how he could keep a straight face.

“Then who is this?” Was he indignant now?

“You shall address her as Her Royal Highness, Princess Rebekah Quatremaine of Eyjania.”