Heir Untamed - By Danielle Bourdon Page 0,80
chance, wanted to give them a shot at making it together and to hell with the odds. To hell with the rules and regulations and what his parents wanted. But he was right—they did need time. Time for more canoe trips and dinners and talks about the future. They had to have a chance to date, to learn each other, to see if the spark would catch flame or if it would wither and die. It meant risking her heart, risking falling in love and then being rejected if he didn't feel the same.
It also meant allowing her a better look at what it took to be involved in the Royal family. Already she had her doubts. Chey wasn't bred for this. Maybe it would have been different if he was second or third in line to the throne—but this meant that one day, if it all worked out, she would be Queen.
Queen. She couldn't wrap her mind around it. Couldn't picture herself in Helina's role. Did she even want that kind of life? Did she want the stress, the spotlight, feeling like she was a bug under a pin? And what of the system? Would she and Sander even be allowed to marry? Chey suspected it would be a lot harder than just deciding to tie the knot.
“Will you give me a day or two to think it over?” she finally asked.
“Of course. I'll hold off telling anyone else that you're quitting until I hear what you're going to do. I'll also make sure there are no shoots scheduled so you have time to recover.”
“Thanks.” She unfolded her arms and straightened from her lean. There was a lot to consider between now and the next two days.
“You have my number. Text me if you need anything. And remember not to leave the sight of the guards,” he reminded her.
“I won't.” She tried on a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, then stepped past him for the door. Chey didn't want to touch him because she fretted she might wind up in his bed for the night and that would cloud her judgement.
She exited without looking back.
Chapter Seventeen
When Chey walked into her bedroom, the first thing she smelled was food. Elise hovered over the cart, pulling off lids to platters of roast chicken, salad and steaming vegetables.
“Elise, you're a Godsend. That smells heavenly.” Closing the door, Chey toed off her shoes and approached the small table near the window.
“Mister Mattias had your dinner delayed until you were ready and said you might appreciate a hot bath. So I ran you one.” Elise transferred the plates to the table. “Wine, water or coffee, Miss Chey?”
“Wine, please. A whole glass.” She thought drinking straight from the bottle sounded fantastic, but didn't want to scar the staff with her heathen habits. She fell into a chair and slouched, rubbing her head with her fingers.
Elise uncorked the bottle and poured, then set the glass on the table. She peered down at Chey like a hen at a newborn chick. “If you would like the bath first, I can recover all this and wait.”
“Thanks. No, I'm all right. Just a lot on my mind.” She picked up the glass, still feeling odd about people waiting on her in a private setting. At a restaurant, one expected it. Here, Chey felt conspicuous and strange.
“I'll just put the clean towels out and then I'll go,” Elise said.
“That would be great.” Chey picked at her food while Elise disappeared into the bathroom.
“It is terrible what happened to you at the ruins. I am so glad you are okay.” Elise's voice echoed off the tile.
“So am I. What a nightmare.” Chey set down her fork and picked up the wine again. She had several long sips.
“Do you have any injuries? Should I bring more ointment?”
“No thanks, Elise. I'm fine. Just a few minor scrapes. The scare was the worst part.”
“I've been to the tower room. Just once. I never wanted to go back. It is scary by itself, is it not?”
“It's not pleasant, I'll say that.” Chey set down the wine and propped her elbow on the table. She knew she needed to eat, but her appetite was waning quickly.
“There, everything is set out. Just ring if there is anything else, Miss Chey.” Elise paused at the door to smile.
“I will. See you in the morning.” Chey returned Elise's smile, though hers felt more hollow than she meant it to.
Elise departed with a quiet click of the