39. Nina
39
NINA
I can’t believe it worked.
Vanessa was right; Helen adored the idea from the start. The meeting lasted three hours, most of it locked into a somewhat respectful debate. Maia helped keep me level-headed for the simple reason that she became combative a few times. Her retorts were accurate, albeit abrasive, which helped my diplomacy shine. I couldn’t have done it without her.
We discussed reallocating funds and increasing the institution’s function by decreasing unnecessary profit. It helps that Vanessa and Jace are in favor since some of the secondary estates have been passed onto them. After reviewing the statistics and presenting the probable scenarios, the Court began to agree.
Maia and I take a long walk in the estate’s humongous garden to decompress and debrief. The sun begins to set, the golden hour hues brightening the flowers. Mason and Wesley trail not far behind us.
“I could do a lot of experiments here,” Maia says, bravely poking a bee perched on a marigold like it’s her friend.
“What do you mean?” I look down at my linen slippers, already stained with a little dirt. My pink toenails peek out from under the fabric.
“The garden. I’ll have to find out who’s in charge. Oh! There’s a worker; maybe she’ll know.” She dashes off toward the gardener with Mason in tow.
“You did it,” Wesley says, his beard curving with his smile. “I’m proud of you.”
A grin spreads across my face as I hold my stomach to calm my nerves. “I feel like… I’m finally making the right choices.”
It’s more than the luxury of being called a princess or staying in palaces and mansions; it’s that I can say I’m Ophelia’s daughter and believe it. I can make a true difference in the world.
I step forward with the urge to throw my arms around Wesley, but my arms freeze as a voice calls, “Princess Nina!”
My face falls with disappointment, as does his.
“I’m not sure I’ll get used to that,” I whisper, turning to the maid walking toward me. “Yes?”
She knots her hands in front of her. “Dinner is ready for you and Princess Maia.”
“Thank you. We’ll be right in.”
We stay at the mansion for another few days before taking the road trip back to Kosita. Each of those days, I had long meetings with George from the communications department about ways to introduce us to the public. We brainstormed speech ideas and locations for hours.
As soon as I climbed into the passenger seat of the black SUV, I fell asleep. I have a meeting with Aunt Beverly this afternoon about where Maia and I are going to live moving forward. As luxurious as the palace is, we don’t want to live there forever.
Suddenly, I feel Wesley’s hand on my hip, squeezing gently as he whispers, “Nina, wake up.”
I expect to hear the familiar car horns and engines of Kosita, not the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. I blink the sleep from my eyes as I sit up. “Where are we?”
“Fortuna. Maldana’s hidden gem.”
“Wha—why?”
“It’s my favorite place in the country. Wanted to show you.”
“But—they’re expecting us at two.”
Wesley shrugs, a lazy smile on his lips. “The princess got hungry.”
I watch him in disbelief for a moment. He’s not a spontaneous person—at least I thought so. I slip on my sandals and climb out of the passenger seat car, a dreamy stare lingering on the village.
When I meet him at the front of the car, he grabs my hand and guides us ahead as if lacing our fingers is completely normal. No hesitation. The path leads to Fortuna’s downtown. I feel the salty air on my skin and hear the dancing waves on the other side of the small village below.
“Tourists don’t often come here because it’s on such a big hill,” Wesley explains. “It’s difficult for a lot of people.”
Less than a block into town, I see how. My feet press into my sandals as we step downhill and I already dread having to climb back up when we leave. I wrap my free hand around Wesley’s arm, completely clinging to him.
We pass through the outdoor markets selling trinkets, clothes, and produce. People smile and nod and my stress dissipates with each second. With more household staff learning I’m princess, it’s only a matter of time until it reaches the news. But here, no one knows us. I don’t have to worry if my family or the Higher Court catch me looking at Wesley longer than I need to, standing closer than I should. Here, now, I can lean into every touch and wander every gaze.
I push all the princess and royalty stuff from mind. Wesley consumes me entirely, and I’ve never felt happier because of it. When we reach the town square, a small band plays instrumental music. He tugs my hand, twirling me into a dance with him among the other pairs.
“You’re dancing with me?” I gasp. “Hell must have frozen over.”
He looks offended. “I’ve danced with you.”
“After rejecting me first.”
“Because I wanted to do this ,” he says, pressing my hips flush against his—much firmer than our dance in Kosita. He lowers to kiss behind my ear. “And this.”
Nerves spark along my core. I can’t hide the flirtatious hint in my voice. “What else?”
I shudder at his low chuckle against my neck.
“We’re in too public of a place for me to show you.”
It’s the first time he’s entirely unguarded with me. Not just hidden behind trees or in dark kitchens, but out under the sun. I don’t know exactly what our future looks like—and two months ago, that would make me panic. All I know for sure is that I want him by my side.
In addition to the hills making Fortuna unfavored by tourists, there are fewer shops than expected. Most of the streets that Wesley and I wander through are residential neighborhoods, but the views are picturesque. I squeal at the German Shepherd puppy up ahead, sitting loyally by his owner’s side on a stoop. The owner, out smoking a cigarette, gives me permission to pet the jumping dog who happens to be in its piranha phase.
After ripping myself away before I become a dog thief, we come across a restaurant that sells french fries. Although I’d rate the food a six, petting a dog prior bumps it up to a ten out of ten.
“There’s one more thing I want you to see,” Wesley says, leading me through a park and down a set of outdoor stairs that turn into a nature trail.
“How did you find this place? Fortuna, I mean.”
He shrugs. “I had to travel for some jobs.”
Our hands find each other again as we walk in silence until the trail ends at the wide mouth of a cave. The roaring echoes are undeniably those of a waterfall. I tighten my hand around Wesley’s as we enter. Mist sprays across my legs, and I smile when I reach the curtain of water spilling into a pool below. Its power rumbles in my chest.
I wander ahead. “This is…”
A dozen words could describe its raw beauty, but I fall speechless. My eyes flutter shut as I take a few deep breaths, the fresh ocean air cleansing my lungs. I turn toward Wesley.
“Can you feel that? In your chest.” At his confusion, I step closer and instruct, “Close your eyes,” before placing my hand on his heart. “And just breathe.”
Eyes still closed, he lifts a brow and speaks in an obvious tone. “I am.”
I whack him. “ Meditating breaths.”
“It’s hard to focus on anything else with your hand on my chest.”
When I remove my hand, he traps it in place and opens his eyes. “I didn’t say to move.” He leans down and kisses me softly until I deepen it, that familiar churn of desire returning once he groans. I run my thumb over his stubble before finding the hair at his nape, tangling my fingers.
As stunning as this place is, I wish we weren’t here. I need to feel every bit of him.
We pull apart at the sound of people coming closer. Wesley leans his forehead against mine and mutters, “We should get back on the road.”
I nod. Back to reality.
The next day, Maia is off with Vanessa all day to meet her pet chickens, and I don’t get out of bed until noon.
For god’s sake, my bed frame has posts at each corner and is an extended part of the floor and ceiling. Not to mention the blissfully soft mattress. How can anyone expect to leave this bed with ease?
It takes me two hours to bathe and get dressed for nothing in between eating the food I ordered. Dad and Ruby have been on another excursion, so I don’t have to worry about running into him. I make a list of the things I need to do in the upcoming weeks, including hiring an assistant. It’s quite a perfect day.
Until Jack calls me at five o’clock.
“Hello?”
“Princess Nina, good evening. It’s Jack Costas. Do you have a minute to talk?”
I hesitate at his formality, so I play it off. “Sure. What’s up?”
“With Beck’s contract coming to a close in a few weeks, I’d like to ask how he has been as your security detail.”
My blood runs cold. Contract? “I-I’m sorry?” I stutter.
“His professionalism, Your Highness.”
I wince at my caving stomach. I never knew Wesley had a contract. He’s my bodyguard—indefinitely. Is he planning on disappearing in a few weeks just like that? A lump builds in my throat.
“Oh—um. I-I’m really sorry, Jack, but I’m getting another call from someone I’ve been trying to get in touch with,” I say, the lie spilling out smoothly. “Can we pick this up another time?”
“Yes, of course. I will call back another time.”
“Thanks, bye.” I hang up instantly and call Wesley.