“You’re upset, when my only wish was to give us a chance at love.” He stood and the same despair she’d worked so hard to eliminate lingered behind his eyes.
“You will adjust to your destiny; you’re stronger than you think.”
“I thought I had a reason in you. Now that’s gone.”
“You’re acting absurd. The connection would have been broken when I leave Edstrom, anyway.” She stared at him openly. “And what of the royal tart who showed up at the ruins? You must know the woman thinks she owns you. Will she simply bow out and accept your rejection of her to test the waters with the American? A rebuff is a hard pill to swallow – believe me – I choked on it earlier.”
“Lady Winslow assumes far too much. We’ve been chums since childhood and she’s under the false impression that it only takes a good political match to rule the kingdom; that love and romance are not a necessary component in the higher realm of things.” He moved closer until she could barely breathe. “But I think Edstrom would rather follow love into the new era. That is the glue that holds kingdoms together.”
Megan squirmed under the gaze that uncovered the hidden secrets of her soul to this man who stood wanting to claim her heart.
“Do you have a harem?” she asked, attempting to lesson the intensity of the moment.
Ryan roared laughing. “A harem of one – you – if you’ll agree to continue our acquaintance under the protection of the castle.”
“Well, Suzanne would likely kill me if I did not accept your invitation.”
“I suppose I will have to thank her, not for killing you but for keeping us together.”
He bent in, and their lips brushed and her heart had no choice but to surrender to his embrace. Arms reached behind his head and she pulled him closer. They melded as one and time collapsed into forever-land in a flurry of unleashed passion. The kiss was everything she imagined perfection to be.
Reluctantly, he pulled away, and she saw his eyes drenched with the turbulent emotions that swam inside her core. “I take that as a definite, yes. I will stay awake all night long anticipating your arrival, just to make certain I’d not simply dreamed this moment.”
“You better not. I want you wide awake at lunch.” Ryan pecked a light kiss on her swollen lips. “Until tomorrow, Megan Fairchild.”
Suzanne was ecstatic when she heard the news. The packing began and soon both girls had their rooms stripped clean of everything they owned and cases waiting by the door. Megan disappeared into the bathroom and prepared for the day. In the shower, she tried pinching herself to be sure she wasn’t the one dreaming. She’d chosen a turquoise summer dress that respectfully rested mid-knee and dipped in a slight V-neck in the front. Matching shoes and handbag completed the ensemble. Using combs, she pinned the sides of her hair toward the back and gave the top a bit of lift so it didn’t lie flat. The blonde highlights shone extra bright today and her blue eyes radiated what her heart supposed to be real.
Megan attempted to keep a lid on her expectations. Ryan’s first responsibility was to his country – not her – and she’d not allow herself to create rifts in the royal family. She knew of responsibility and the price one pays to achieve it. Megan could not run from it while jiggling her career during the loss of her mother and her father’s almost immediate jump back into a lively social life that invaded every cherished memory of her family. His choice of women and the hole it created within had caused her to climb into a self-preserving cocoon long before her arrival in Edstrom Isle. At least the trip and Ryan had served to break that unhealthy cycle. The importance of family returned to her and forgiveness for the inconsideration her father had shown, flowed freely for the first time. Megan refused to force Ryan into a compromising situation with his family and she’d safeguard him, even if he fought her every inch of the way.
For now, it was enough to comprehend that she and Suzanne would be living in the main part of the castle with the royal family. How long the fantasy would last was uncertain, but she’d not dwell on the future today. The car arrived promptly at ten. The bellboys wheeled their luggage to the curb and the driver lifted it into the limo’s trunk. Megan paid her bill at the desk and left, bidding this first part of their vacation goodbye.
Outside, camera’s flashed as they hurried to the car. They scooted past the driver who held open the door and when he closed them inside, Suzanne squealed.
“We’re famous – or at least you are. Please drag me to the top of the ladder with you.”
“Keep your feet on the ground, Suzanne. We have ten more days to enjoy this island. We’re just going to do it from a different view point.”
The driver had taken his place in the front seat and Megan heard his slight chuckle. “What’s so funny?” she asked.
“I trust you will enjoy your stay at the castle, Miss, for you will not be able to return peacefully to stay at this hotel again.”
“Reporters are rather suffocating, aren’t they?” said Megan.
“The royal family have grown up with it, but fame overnight, such as in your case, will take adjustment.”
“I won’t be leaving the grounds without Ryan, so I’m not worried,” said Megan.
The man in the front cleared his throat as he reached toward the ignition. “His Majesty Ryannaus is his title Miss, even inside the castle.”
After the motor started, Suzanne leaned in and whispered. “A bit stuffy, isn’t he?”
“It’s his job and Suzanne don’t
