CREWE'S POINT OF VIEW
I got up early that morning and went for a run. A busy day awaited me. I had to meet a cellar master and attend the celebration of Holyrood Week, the royal week, in Edinburgh.
It was going to be a packed schedule.
I showered in another room of the castle and then met with the cellar master. He spent most of his time on the other side of Scotland, and this was his only availability that week. Ariel was there, supervising everything as usual.
When he left, we spoke privately.
"What's your opinion of him?"
"He's good," she said. "His family owned a farm fifteen years ago, but they went bankrupt after cotton prices collapsed. He had worked as an apprentice in a Scotch distillery when he was younger, so he turned to that profession to support his family. He has a lot of experience and truly understands how much determination it takes to make things work. I trust his work."
That was why I kept Ariel around. She did thorough research and had a talent for reading people. With the exception of London. She refused to give my lover the chance she deserved. If she let go of her prejudices, she would probably like her.
"Very well. We'll offer him the position at the Edinburgh distillery."
"Understood."
She took notes on her tablet.
"Frans has arrived at the castle. He's getting London ready."
"Perfect."
I was sure he was talking her ears off.
"I found a beautiful dress at Valentino. The color and style will suit her perfectly."
"I'm sure they will. You have good taste."
I had never seen Ariel wear anything other than black, but she had a gift for that sort of thing.
"Thank you. If we're finished, lunch is ready."
"Good. I'm starving."
When it was finally time to leave, I went upstairs and headed toward the royal apartments in the east wing. I opened the door without knocking and saw Frans standing beside London in front of the full-length mirror in the sitting room.
"You look stunning."
Frans fluffed the bottom of the dress, making it billow around her hips. It was fitted at the waist, accentuating her curves, and featured a charming neckline that highlighted her perfect breasts. The fabric was golden, subtly shimmering without the gaudiness of rhinestones or jewelry. It was unlike any material I had ever seen.
She hadn't noticed me yet because she was absorbed in her reflection. With large curls reminiscent of the beauties of the 1920s, her hair was swept over one shoulder and pinned with a diamond clip. Her cheekbones were enhanced with subtle makeup, and her smoky eyes made them appear even greener than they really were. Her complexion was flawless, elevating her already perfect skin.
Everything about her was perfect, as if she had royal blood. I leaned against the doorframe and took my time admiring her before she noticed me.
I could look at her all day.
"Wow."
She stared at herself in the mirror, speechless.
"Frans, I don't know how you did it. I haven't looked this beautiful since prom. And even then, I wasn't this gorgeous."
She was the only one who laughed at her joke. Since she was obviously stunning, I doubted Frans believed her.
"I can't make an ugly woman beautiful," he said in his thick Scottish accent. "But I can make a beautiful woman magnificent."
He gently squeezed her shoulders and smiled at her reflection.
"His Royal Highness is going to be breathless when he sees you."
"He already is."
London turned at the sound of my voice, clearly unaware that I had been watching. Her eyes met mine, and she suddenly looked shy even though she was absolutely breathtaking.
Frans greeted me with a bow before shaking my hand.
"Duke of Rothesay, it's a pleasure to see you."
"The pleasure is mine, Frans. Thank you for making my date look divine."
"I did nothing," he chuckled. "She has grace."
He bid London farewell and quietly left.
Once we were alone, I closed the distance between us and admired her. I reached for the hollow of her neck and stroked her incredibly soft skin. My eyes wandered over her body before meeting hers again.
"You are beautiful."
"Thank you. I don't think you've ever told me that before."
"I say it all the time."
I had said it the day before.
"When we're in bed, yes. But not outside of it."
I hadn't noticed that. I placed my hands on her slim waist and pulled her against me, wanting to take that dress off and have her. But that would have to wait.
"Ready to go?"
"I think so... Duke."
She smiled as if she were teasing me.
"You never told me you had a title."
"I told you I wasn't a prince. Prince is a word for sissies."
She rolled her eyes.
"That's not true, but whatever."
"Yes, I'm a duke. But it's just a title. It doesn't mean anything."
"I think it means a lot."
It wasn't nearly as important as she thought, and she would never know why.
"The car is waiting. Let's go. And don't forget."
I pulled the black case from my pocket.
"One wrong move, and you know what will happen."
The sadness that clouded her face replaced the radiance she had displayed only moments earlier.
"You think I could forget?"
The parade had ended a few hours earlier, and we stopped at the large roundabout leading to the magnificent Holyrood Palace. The garden party was being held within the grounds of that beautiful building.
When we parked, London looked out the window and examined the grand arches leading into the palace. Flower baskets hung from every archway, and the large upper-floor windows overlooked the entrance and the gardens beyond.
I had been there countless times, yet I always found the ancient monument fascinating.
"Wow…"
When the driver walked around the car to open her door, she forgot to get out.
"It's beautiful."
"I know."
I gently tapped her thigh so she would step out.
London took Dunbar's hand despite her dislike of him and exited the vehicle. Several members of Parliament stood gathered near the entrance, likely discussing the afternoon parade.
I joined her and extended my arm.
It took her a moment to understand the gesture. Then she took my arm and stood elegantly, just as Frans had taught her. Shoulders back, chest forward, she blended naturally among the guests.
She leaned toward my ear.
"Do I look nervous?"
"No. You look beautiful.
To be CONTINUED 🔥