Princess in Love by Julianne MacLean Read Free Book Online Page B

fulfilled, and I will pledge my oath to the New Regime.”
    “But the Sebastians are common usurpers!” his father argued. “They are not true royals.
     Frederick was a soldier. The throne was not his to take. It should have gone to our
     family. We were next in line.”
    “Careful, Father. You are speaking treason.”
    The duke’s cheeks flushed red. “Do you mean to say you are no longer a Royalist? That
     you are forsaking your birthright?”
    “What if I am?”
    The duke paused. “Then you will no longer be my son.”
    They faced each other squarely, and Leo’s heart turned stone-cold in his chest.
    “If that is your decision, Father, then so be it. Good-bye.”
    The duke took a frantic step to follow. “Where will you go?”
    “I will sail for Petersbourg in the morning,” Leo replied.
    “But this is not over! You will not walk away from me!”
    Yes, by God, he would.
    Leo gave his father one last threatening glare, then walked out and slammed the door
     shut behind him.
    St. James’s Palace, London
    “How is your wrist this evening?” Prince Nicholas asked Rose as he buttoned his opera
     cloak inside the door. “You don’t have to come with us if you are at all uncomfortable.
     Randolph and I can make your apologies. The regent will understand.”
    They had tickets to a play at Covent Garden, and Randolph was impatient to see Alexandra,
     the woman who had captured his heart the first moment they met. Rose had spoken to
     her on two separate occasions and found her to be not only beautiful, but gracious
     and intelligent as well. She was a good choice for a wife and future queen. Rose approved
     of the match.
    “It is much better,” she replied, “though my maid had to help me with my gloves. It’s
     rather awkward sometimes.” She rubbed the pad of her thumb over the sore tendons along
     her forearm and flexed her fingers. “At least the glove hides the bandages.”
    “Yes. No one would ever know you were hurled about in a carriage accident twenty-four
     hours past and nearly met your maker.”
    Rose chuckled. “It wasn’t quite as bad as all that. Nevertheless, I am made of stern
     stuff, Nicholas. It’s the Sebastian in me. We are a resilient bunch.”
    “That we are.”
    They waited in the front hall for Randolph to join them. He was taking a very long
     time to dress. The tall case clock ticked heavily by the door. What was keeping him?
    “But what about your heart?” Nicholas asked quietly. “Is it as resilient as the rest
     of you?”
    As it happened, her heart was still aching quite stubbornly, but Rose did not seek
     her brother’s pity. She knew he meant well, of course. He was the kindest brother
     in the world, but she did not wish to talk about it.
    “Come now,” he whispered. “You can’t fool me, Rose. I was the one who wiped buckets
     of tears from your cheeks two years ago and offered to strangle the scoundrel with
     a thin rope, remember?”
    She couldn’t help but smile, but it was a melancholy moment. “You were very generous,”
     she said, “but truly, I am over it. It was a long time ago and I am engaged to Joseph
     now.”
    Nicholas studied her with concern. “But are you certain that’s what you really want?
     You don’t ever have to lie to me, Rose. I know you better than anyone.”
    Indeed, he did, for Randolph had always been the special one destined for the throne.
     While he was being guarded like a priceless jewel, she and Nicholas could sometimes
     escape the watchful eyes of the palace guards and enjoy a little freedom together
     as children.
    She took a deep breath and peered out the front window at the coach waiting outside.
     It was a clear night. There was not the slightest breath of wind.
    “If you must know,” she finally admitted, “I cannot purge him from my mind, though
     it pains me to admit it.”
    “I presume you are referring to Cavanaugh,” Nick replied with impressive intuitiveness,
     “and not your betrothed?”
    She turned