Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry,” Hugo whispered against Everand’s mouth. “So sorry I ever lied or misled you.”
“My treasure, stop, please. I can’t,” Everand begged between desperate kisses. “I can’t take it.”
“What? I don’t understand.” Hugo was so confused. Everand was kissing him and begging him so sweetly to stop, but he didn’t understand anything. Why wasn’t the prince mad at him? Hadn’t he deceived him just so they could meet? He wasn’t any better than the other frauds who would do anything to get close to him.
Everand pulled away and held his face in both hands, swiping away stray tears with his thumbs. He smiled at Hugo so warmly; it made Hugo’s heart ache. “Yes, you lied, but you only did it to save your mother’s life, putting your own at risk. That’s bigger than a silly little lie. Far more forgivable than some of the nonsense other people have said in this castle. You have nothing to apologize for, and if you continue to be so amazing, I’ll have to do something insane like beg you to marry me.”
Hugo shook with a soundless laugh. He couldn’t force any noise past the lump that had formed in his throat. It took him a moment to clear it before he could finally speak. “You’re ridiculous. Your mother would definitely have me executed.”
“I wouldn’t allow it. I’d stop her. And if I couldn’t, I’d kidnap you and run off to live out in the wild with you as my husband. We’d raise rabbits and have a garden where I complain about our rabbits stealing the carrots.”
“That’s nonsense,” Hugo chided, but he still laughed, feeling lighter for telling him the truth.
“It is, and it isn’t. I’ll do anything to keep you, Hugo Baker. You make me happier than I’ve ever been, and I’m not about to let that go.”
Hugo wrapped his arms around Everand’s waist, pulling him in close. “Then don’t. However, I must talk to your mother. My conscience won’t let me continue living this charade.”
“Let me talk to her first. Soften her up. Get her to see reason. She has to know she forced you into this corner. I’ll fix this.”
A frown tugged at the corners of Hugo’s mouth. He didn’t want Everand to be involved with this. It was his problem, but he could see the wisdom in it. Everand probably knew the right words to say to get his mother to relent. A few good words from him might also help get her to consider Hugo as a true suitor for her son.
“Very well,” Hugo mumbled.
“Good. Now, let’s get you undressed and into the bath.”
Seventeen
Hugo did not allow the prince to help him take a bath, even though it was incredibly tempting. Prince Everand was also more than willing to play the role of the diligent valet, helping his lord out of his clothes. But after an unseemly amount of giggling and even more kissing, Hugo got Ev out the door so he could take a fast bath alone.
His resolve was crumbling, though. It was likely this would be his last bath without the prince if he remained in the castle much longer. For now, he was enjoying the slow romance, trying to savor every kiss and smile. He wouldn’t allow himself to believe it was all on the verge of falling apart. No, he had a shot at keeping his prince forever. He just had to figure out how he was going to convince the king and queen that he was worthy of their only son.
That was a problem for later. Today, he had the chance to spend the day with Ev without them having to run for their lives or fight Wulian soldiers.
He washed and redressed in the clothes he’d worn to the castle. It didn’t look as though they’d been cleaned while he slept, but they were neater, as if Florence had sneaked in while he was unconscious and tidied them up.
The hallway was empty when he stepped out of the room. His heart flipped as his feet turned toward the large double doors with trees carved into them to create a forest relief. He lifted his hand to knock, but before his knuckles could brush the wood, both doors were ripped open and Ev’s excited, grinning face greeted him.
“Took you long enough,” Everand teased.
“It would have taken three times as long if you’d been permitted to help me,” Hugo chided, grinning back.
“Oh, probably much longer than that.” Everand winked and stepped aside, motioning for Hugo to enter.
Hugo’s breath caught in his throat at the beauty of Everand’s chambers. They were twice the size of the rooms he’d been given and even more lavishly decorated. It was like strolling through a forest with lush greens and shades of brown. His feet sank into the carpet with every step. A hint of woodsy incense perfumed the air.