“We didn’t discuss any options, other to come here and talk to you and your grandfather.” He reached over and covered her hand with his. “There are no options off the table as far as I’m concerned. If you don’t want to be married, we’ll find a way out of it. If you do, then we’ll figure it out from there.”
She finally turned to face him. “Why do we have to decide right now? Can’t we have some time to think it over, talk it through, get to know each other better now that we’re not hiding our identities?”
Ryker rested his hand against her cheek, his thumb brushing away the remnants of tears. “I think that sounds like a good idea.”
Before he realized what they were doing, the princess was in his arms. They stood there, her cheek resting against his shoulder, for long minutes. Ryker turned his head just a bit to press a kiss against the spot where her hairline met her forehead.
“I think it’s time to go back in,” she told him, stepping away from him. “Together?”
“Together,” he confirmed, but he didn’t take her hand or have any other physical contact with her as they returned to the conference table.
“Have you reached a decision?” the king of Øyanord asked.
The princess answered for both of them. “We have. Our decision is the same as Regina’s for the time being.”
Regina? Her half-sister?
All of the others looked confused until she went on.
“We are not going to make a decision at this time. We are going to take some time to get to know each other, have a chance to completely understand the different options, and then - and only then - will we make a decision.”
Ryker admired her backbone, though he suspected she quaked just a bit underneath.
Her grandfather gave a single nod. “Very well. Because of the matter we discussed the other day, you may not have much time, but we can grant you some.”
“That’s good. Because we’re not giving you a decision right now. We haven’t made one.” She nodded to the gathered men then curtsied toward her grandfather. “We will take our leave now and be in contact when appropriate.”
As she started to walk off, Ryker bowed in the direction of both kings then followed her.
“Mr. Drasil.” King Benjamin’s voice stopped Ryker.
He turned. “Yes, sir?”
“Is this a mutual decision?”
Ryker nodded. “Yes, sir.” Then he left without being officially dismissed.
Following the princess as she walked down hallways, through a few rooms, and finally up four flights of the back stairs, Ryker didn’t say a word.
When she closed another door behind them, Ryker realized they’d reached their destination. Turning away from the living area, he saw Princess Amalia leaning against the wall with her head back against it.
“Are you all right?” He wanted to move closer to her, but didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.
“Annoyed and frustrated, with it all, but not with you.” She pushed away and led him toward another balcony. This one also held a table and chairs. She pulled one out then went to the other and sat in it, her feet coming up to rest against one of the balusters.
He took that to mean he should sit in the other chair.
“It’s annoying.”
Ryker waited for her to clarify.
“I understand why the balustrade is where it is for safety reasons, but when you’re sitting in a chair, it’s right at eye level and hard to see over which ruins a perfectly lovely view.” She slumped down even farther. “Sorry. It’s always annoyed me, but I’ve never really had anyone to complain to.”
“I get it.” He sat up as straight as he could. “I guess I’m tall enough that if I try, I can see over it.” Barely.
Princess Amalia didn’t move. “Tell me about yourself, Ryker. Who are you, really?”
He leaned forward with his arms on his knees. “I’m everything I told you in Ravenzario. The only thing I wasn’t completely honest about was my job. I didn’t contradict you when you thought security meant cyber security. That’s all.”
