don’t know,” she said at last. “But it’s the only real option. You can’t forsake your country, and you need to be here for Tinny.”
“Tinny can go wherever we go.”
“But the palace is the only home Tinny has ever known. You can’t take him from his home. Nor can you walk away from your responsibilities here. You are the king. This is your country. This is your destiny.”
He cupped her face in his hands, his expression fierce, his amber eyes burning. “You are my destiny. I am sure of it. More sure of it than I’ve ever been of anything.”
She kissed him, once and again. “I love you, Zale, but you’re wrong. I can’t be your destiny, not when Raguva needs you.”
“It’s so easy for you to go?”
“No! It’s not easy, but if you relinquished your throne for me, you’d come to resent me, and I’d always feel guilty.” “There has to be another way.”
Hannah curled closer to him, her cheek pressed to his chest so she could listen to the strong, steady beat. The even steady beat soothed her, reassured her. He was a good man and a true king. “But there isn’t, darling. Is there?”
So it was decided. She’d be leaving in the morning. Zale would take her to the airport, and put her on his plane for Dallas.
Decision made, Zale called the palace requesting Chef to send dinner over, and they ate in her room, and drank a bottle of red wine and talked for hours about everything but Hannah’s departure in the morning.
At midnight they made love again and talked some more, and then somehow it was dawn, and the sun was rising from behind the mountains, turning the sky pale yellow.
Hannah lay in Zale’s arms watching the sky gradually lighten.
She felt Zale’s hand in her hair, his fingers threading through the long strands. He hadn’t spoken in hours but she could feel the emotion inside of him.
“I know I’m not in a position to be asking for favors,” she said softly, breaking the silence, “but I’d like to ask for one anyway. Can I see Tinny one more time before I go?”
Zale didn’t answer.
“Just a brief visit,” she added. “I’ll keep it light. Won’t get emotional. Won’t make a big deal about saying goodbye.”
“I don’t know, Hannah. Tinny already thinks you’re going to be his sister and he won’t understand why you’re not there anymore.”
“But won’t he already be confused as to why I’m not there?” She turned in his arms to better see his face. “I can tell Tinny I have to go to Texas to see some of my family, and I’ll tell him about Texas and ranches and cowboys.” Her eyes searched Zale’s. “Please, Zale. It would help me to leave, help me know I haven’t just walked away from Tinny as if he didn’t matter.”
Zale’s jaw flexed, his expression taut. “Fine. I’ll call Mrs. Sivka and let her know we’re taking morning tea with Tinny.”
“Thank you.”
Three hours later they were sitting down in Tinny’s suite at a small table in the living room for morning tea. The table was covered with a cheerful yellow check cloth and a bowl of daisies sat in the middle. Teacups and plates were at each of the three places and Tinny rocked excitedly back and forth in his chair, delighted that he was entertaining.
Mrs. Sivka poured the tea for them, and presented Tinny with his hot chocolate as Hannah entertained Prince Tinny with stories as she’d promised, telling him about Texas and all the animals on their ranch. He liked that they had horses and cows and chickens. He was really excited she’d had a goat.
Hannah loved Tinny’s laughter and the way he clapped his hands with excitement. But all too soon teatime was over and they were having to say their goodbyes.
Tinny gave her a big hug and kiss. Hannah hugged him back. And then she was holding Mrs. Sivka’s plump, cool hands in her own.
Mrs. Sivka’s blue eyes watered, she squeezed Hannah’s hands tightly. “I’m sorry, Your Highness.”
Hannah gulped a breath, fighting tears of her own. “Oh, Mrs. Sivka, you can’t call me that anymore. I’m just plain Hannah Smith.”
“Never plain.” Mrs. Sivka’s hands squeezed hers. “Take care of yourself.”
“I will,” Hannah assured her. “And be happy.”
Hannah’s smile faltered. “I’ll try.”
Then Zale’s hand was at her elbow and he was ushering her out the door and down the grand staircase to the waiting limousine. The drive to the royal airport was a quiet