Royal Command (Royal Watch Book 2) Page 8

  My skin was splotchy, my nerves trembling with need. I leaned into the wall for support, my chest pumping up and down.

  “Jesus,” he hissed, turning away from me, running his hands through his hair. “I knew you were going to ruin me.”

  “Ruin you?” I sputtered, looking at myself in the mirror.

  “I didn’t bite you anywhere they can see.”

  I shot him a look, my cheeks heating at the memory, my thighs tightening with lust. I had been coiffed into picture perfection, and now I looked mussed and wild. No makeup artist in the world could disguise the flush on my cheeks and chest, the unsmoothed edges that had curled up. Straightening my dress, I ran my fingers through my hair, doing what I could.

  “You’re really not with Theo?” He stared at me in the reflection.

  Turning to him, I shook my head. “No.” I didn’t say anything more; the frankness of my expression, my gaze intently on him, told him why.

  Lennox Easton had completely shattered me. There was no going back. Even if nothing more happened between Lennox and me, Theo meant too much for me to stay with him.

  How will you save your family, Spencer? Are you willing to go to Lord William?

  Lennox stared at me for one more moment, a wisp of despondency flicking over his features so fast, I might have imagined it.

  He hooked his earpiece back on, tugging at his sleeves. Only if you were really close, or he stretched his arms out, would you notice his shirt underneath had no buttons.

  “Ready, my lady?” He lifted his chin, switching off his emotions in a blink.

  “Yes.” Heaviness fell on my heart, understanding all I could do was finish this night out, being the perfect and gracious lady. Slipping back on my heels, I rolled my shoulders back proudly. “I’m ready.”

  He opened the door, peering out first, nodding for me to go. “You’re going to need to walk in front.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of you…I’m hard as fuck again.”

  Oh.

  Chapter 7

  Every step toward the ballroom cinched a rope around my gut, tugging me forward, but strangling the life from me.

  Dalton waited for us at the end of one of the hallways near the ballroom. His dark eyes traveled over me to Lennox and back, his jaw tightening. “Bloody. Hell.”

  “Sorry, my com’s battery must have gone out.” Lennox tapped at his earpiece. “All fixed now.”

  “Stop.” Dalton shook his head. “I can’t believe you.”

  “I don’t kno—”

  “I said stop.” Dalton cut him off. “Do not treat me like a fool. Like you, I’ve been trained by the best, detecting the most subtle changes. Although, the dimmest idiot would pick up on you two. Look at you. Your shirt...”

  Lennox’s façade instantly dropped as my head bowed, feeling the utter shame pouring on me.

  “It wasn’t—” Lennox started.

  “Don’t,” Dalton clipped. “Right now, we can’t go into this.” He touched his com. “Ms. Sutton is coming back in.” He dropped his hand. “You know if you hadn’t quit, I would’ve had to fire you for this.”

  “I know.” Lennox kept his head high, ready to take on the penalties of his actions. “I would expect nothing less.”

  Dalton rubbed at his head, exhaling before he grabbed the door handle and opened it up for me.

  “Thank you,” I muttered to Dalton, stepping through, not able to look him in the eyes. He had been there since the beginning. Uptight, but always so kind to me. I could feel his disappointment bleeding into me.

  I just needed to get through the night. Tomorrow, Lennox wouldn’t be the only one leaving this palace.

  The moment I entered, Chloe and Heidi danced around, squawking at me, but I couldn’t hear anything they said, my body and mind in a haze. Guilt sat heavy on my chest and gut, but at the same time, I couldn’t seem to regret it. My body hummed with bliss, wanting a replay, as my brain reprimanded me like a criminal.

  “I can’t believe you disappeared like that,” Chloe hissed. “How do you think it looks? Especially tonight. This night of all nights is not when you should go scampering about!”

  I got that the King’s birthday was important, but my minor appearance at this huge party didn’t seem that significant. The King himself could disappear for hours without notice. There were festivities in the garden, performances circling through both the garden and ballroom, and so many people in attendance you could slip between the fabric of ballgowns, disappearing from this world.

  “What the hell happened to you? You’re a mess! Did you run a marathon? You’re all sweaty!” Heidi screeched in a hoarse whisper, her fingers trying to pin down my hair, reapplying makeup she had in her bag with her. They had no clue the culprit stood not too far behind me; his presence felt even more like electricity in the air.

  “Spencer.” A figure stepped behind Heidi, his gaze catching mine.

  Holy shiteballs. Fear spit down on me like acid rain.

  The birthday boy himself.

  Alexander, King of Great Victoria, stood before me, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a whiskey glass, his severe, attractive face showing no emotion. He looked handsome as usual with slicked-back hair and an impeccable tux, but aloof and distant.

  “Your Majesty.” I curtsied, almost swallowing my tongue, feeling my indiscretion glowing off my skin, allowing the entire room to see my offense.

  He had never sought me out before, and I had very little interaction with him in everyday life while living here. However, now his attention was directed on me, saying my name, unnerving me beyond belief, causing me to feel more see-through than cellophane.

  “May I speak with Ms Sutton alone?” His cool, authoritative voice ordered instead of asked. Terror slammed into my veins, gaze darting to Lennox. He kept his expression neutral, but I could feel the same alarm in his eyes. “I promise I will only be a few moments. I will try to keep us on schedule.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” Chloe quickly backed up, taking Heidi with her.

  Lennox dipped his head, watching me intently as he moved away, his face unemotional, but I could see the strain in his jaw.

  My pulse thumped against my neck, my mouth dry as I followed the King to a slightly raised footpath around the room, the white hand railing carved out of the most precious marble in the world imported from Italy. Another thing to subconsciously remind guests of their place here.

  He stopped, putting his crystal glass down on the balustrade, facing out to look at the guests as a grand orchestra from Vienna played from a tier above us.

  “Look out at them, Spencer.” He nodded at the party. The guests were mingling, laughing, talking, drinking, dancing, oblivious to us. “Every one of those people depends on me to protect them. Their lives are in my hands. There isn’t a moment I’m not the King. Every minute of every day, I have to be ready for anything.”

  I wrapped my hands around the marble, trying to stop the trembling in my hands. All I could smell was Lennox, my core still pulsing from him.

  “In my twenties, I didn’t have a clue about the responsibility that soon would be laid on my shoulders when my father died.” He spoke to me, but his attention was on his people. “I hope Theo will have longer to get adjusted, but this eventually will be his. As a royal, we aren’t given the luxury of choice. Of pursuing our dreams. To make mistakes normal people do. Though our birthright is an honor. A privilege. And I feel with the right guidance, the right partner, the right Queen by his side…” His eyes snapped to me, drilling into my soul. “Theo will be an incredible king one day.”

  My throat bobbed as I tried to swallow. His implication was clear. He didn’t think I was her. Funny enough, neither did I.

  “I think my reservations about you have been clear from the beginning.” He did not sugarcoat, which I respected. “My son, however, seems to adamantly think otherwise.” He sighed. “Theo is still young and naive to the world. I was hoping he would have more experience before he
decided on a partner. Because you understand, there is no divorce; there is no separating once you marry.”

  “Yes, sir,” I replied. “But I don’t think you will—”

  “What I’m saying, Spencer,” he poignantly spoke over me, a hint of ire blushing his tone. “My son has chosen you. And allowing you into this house, this life, to the people, the royal family had to as well. Do you understand me?”

  Blinking, I couldn’t speak, fear collapsing my airways.

  “I made a promise to him. I would not force him to marry someone he didn’t love. I promised he would have a choice I didn’t have. I am a man of my word. And Theo seems to think himself in love with you, no matter how much I warn him feelings at this age change.”

  “Majest—”

  “Whatever little thing you have going on, ends now.” He took a drink, acting like what he said was about the weather. “It may sound old fashioned to you, but a queen cheating on the king makes him look weak and pathetic, while the other way may not be admired in today’s age, but is still understood and accepted.”

  “Wha-what?” Wave after wave of cold sweat dampened my skin.

  “Someone this evening suggested for me to take a little closer look at you and your bodyguard.” His gaze slid to me for a moment; nothing about his demeanor would suggest anything but formal conversation between us. “I have a lot going on, ruling a country, but I normally can see everything around me—all the chess pieces on the board and how they will move. I did not foresee this; however, once I really looked, it was clear as day. The fact that my son hasn’t noticed only shows how naive he is to the real world.”

  Bile curled up my esophagus. I was going to vomit.

  “Someday it will probably be Theo who seeks other company, and with the pressure of this job, at times, your long marriage will be passionless. It is natural for ups and downs in a marriage. But as many others can divorce or leave, it is not possible here. A partnership with respect and understanding is what carries a marriage to the end. And I hope you respect my son enough because you will have to smile through it all and keep your chin high.”

  I didn’t want that kind of marriage—that life.

  “Your Majesty…”

  “You made your choice, Spencer. Now it’s time to act like it. You knew what it meant to officially be with Theo.” He turned fully to me. “So let me remind you, with all the press, your parents, and well-respected people here, my son’s reputation and heart are in your hands. Do the right thing. You’ve already disrespected him enough, don’t you think?” The King’s shoulder grazed mine as he strolled away. His guards, who were blending in with the wall, popped out and were at his side instantly, walking with him.

  I had no idea when I stopped breathing, but my lungs gasped for air, bending me over as I grappled for oxygen, the priceless marble the only thing holding me up.

  Holy fuck. Holy. Fuck.

  Taking deep breaths, I looked out, seeing if anyone noticed the exchange. My gaze landed on a figure across the room, the only pair of eyes on me.

  Ice formed on my ribs, icicles stabbing at my lungs.

  With a condescending and knowing smirk, Lord William lifted his glass to me.

  Checkmate.

  He was the voice in the King’s ear, letting me know with a single move, he could control and destroy my life. He held the cards, and if I didn’t play…this would be merely the beginning.

  Between him and the King, I felt like I was in some mafia movie. I did not doubt their reach in hurting my family and me was just as subtle, devastating, and controlling.

  “Spencer.” Heidi was abruptly in my space, spinning me from Lord William’s notice, fixing my hair and makeup. “Seriously, what the hell did you do in the last hour to become so ragged? You’re flushed…and your hair. Makeup we spent hours on. Your scars are totally exposed again!” Her hands whipped around my face at lightning speed. “This is a bloody nightmare.”

  “Come on! It’s time.” Chloe waved us forward, her expression tight. Kelly, Theo’s PR, stood on her other side, looking as tense as Chloe. As we walked, Heidi continued to pat powder on my skin and reapply my makeup.

  The lights dimmed.

  The music changed.

  Something in my gut dropped like a sinking ship, a warning, lurching my heart up my throat.

  Panic.

  Anxiety attacked me with a swift punch. All I felt and heard was my heart pounding in my ears when they pulled me into the middle of the now-vacant dance floor.

  Bugger all. What was happening?

  “That’s the best I can do.” Heidi rolled her eyes, stepping away from me. I really disliked her, but suddenly I didn’t want her to leave me. Hundreds and hundreds of figures packed around the edge of the dance floor, their attention fixated on me, eyes burrowing.

  Perspiration dripped down my back, my legs wobbling on the tall heels, emotions and fatigue causing my muscles to tremble.

  Theo stepped out onto the floor, his face brimming with confidence and joy, strolling toward me.

  “Can I first say thank you for everyone coming tonight. A huge and happy birthday to my father! I know this party is supposed to be for him.” He came up to my side, lapping up the audience’s attention. “However, I couldn’t help wanting to add to the already joyous occasion, with His Majesty’s approval, of course.” The audience laughed at Theo’s jest to his father.

  Oh, no…please no. He wouldn’t do this to me.

  “You all know the terrible event that almost took the woman I love from me.” A low murmur came from the crowd, heads bouncing in response. “As horrible as it was, something good came from it. It really woke me up—made me realize how much I love her. And if I lost out on the chance to spend the rest of my life with his woman…” He looked down on me briefly, not really seeing me, squeezing a bruise forming on my hip. “I wouldn’t have forgiven myself.”

  “Theo,” I muttered, my chest fluttering up and down. “Don’t.” Did he not hear me this morning? We broke up. Did he not understand that? Either he didn’t hear me or ignored my plea, continuing with his monologue. Now it all made sense why I was specially fluffed up tonight, why the idea of me slipping out early freaked the PR team out. Everyone knew. It had been all planned down to the detail. Nothing amiss…except for one thing no one would plan on, the detail they all missed.

  I had fallen in love with someone else.

  The truth of it gutted me, shredding more panic down my limbs.

  Oh, bloody hell. I had fallen in love with Lennox Easton.

  My eyes slid to the edges of the room, searching for him, my breath desperate when I couldn’t find him. Did he know this was going to happen?

  “I don’t think it’s a secret how I feel about Spencer,” Theo spoke to the crowd. Flashes from cameras were incessant, the royal photographer moving around us. “The day she told me off in class, doing something no other dared to do, I knew this girl was different.” He turned to face me, grabbing my hands.

  Flash. Flash.

  This can’t be happening.

  “That she was the one.” Theo squeezed my hands.

  No, you’re saying these things to the wrong girl!

  Flash. Flash.

  “Awww…” The response to his words cooed around me, sighs over the fairytale and sweet, pure love, while the bars of the cage wrapped tighter around me.

  This was every girl’s dream, right? Though it had never been mine. I saw it for what it was, but still, I thought I loved Theo enough to make it work. He had been my first love. I would always love him, but I think it had been a while since I had been in love with him. We had grown, but not together.

  “Spencer.” He said my name, and I could see him start to lower down on one knee.

  No. Nononono.

  “Theo.” I tried to beg, my eyes watering with horror and grief, probably looking like happy tears. My gaze darted out to the hundreds of faceless people, most strangers, waiting with bated breath. I hated being the center of attenti
on. This was my nightmare—the last thing I’d want as a proposal even if I desired one.

  Didn’t he know that about me? Or was this his way of getting the answer he wanted? Theo wasn’t vindictive, which didn’t mean somewhere he knew doing it this way would make my answer the one he wanted to hear.

  “Spencer Helen Margret Sutton.” His knee hit the wood floor, sounding like a bomb in my head, exploding all the warnings and voices in my head.

  “Nothing’s changed. My life is…complicated. I can’t be anything to you.”

  “Let me remind you, with all the press, your parents, and well-respected people here, my son’s reputation and heart are in your hands. Do the right thing. You’ve already disrespected him enough, don’t you think?”

  “I have the means to destroy you. If you aren’t in my office the day after tomorrow…”

  “Will you do me the honor…” Theo didn’t even hesitate, slipping a huge diamond heirloom onto my finger.

  Flash. Flash.

  I stared at Theo. Nothing seemed real. Bare underneath my dress, Lennox was still on my skin, his claim gliding down my leg. I bit down on my lip.

  “Of being my wife?”

  The lock on my cage clicked shut.

  The room burst with cheers and applause as Theo stood back up, sweeping me up in his arms, kissing me briefly.

  “You just made me so happy,” he muttered in my ear before pulling away and holding up my hand for the camera.

  Flash. Flash.

  Joyous music filled the room, the lights going back up, groups of people headed for us with their congratulations. His arm curled around my back, and he was bubbling with happiness, shaking every hand and thanking every person.

  Crying, my mom hugged me so tight. “I’m so proud of you. My little girl is going to be queen someday!”

  “Princess Spencer! Princess Spencer!” My sister danced around me as my other family members congratulated me.

  Even Fredrick pulled me into a stiff hug. “You have saved this family, dear girl. I will never forget that.”

  Weight. Crushing. Killing.