Chapter Six

Leo

It’s early morning in Love Beach, the sky just beginning to lighten over the ocean, but back home in Lanos, it’s midday. I sit on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, nerves prickling at the thought of the call. Talking to my brother about Willa will help me arrange my thoughts, talking to Edward always helps.

The phone rings twice before I hear his familiar voice.

“Leo!” His tone is a warm, welcoming sound. “I wasn’t expecting a call from you so soon. How’s America? Working all the time or are you finally taking that much-needed break?”

I hesitate, then take a steadying breath. “It’s different here, Edward. Good different. And that’s why I’m calling there’s someone I want to tell you about.”

There’s a slight pause, then a quiet chuckle. “A woman?”

“Yes.” I can’t help but smile just thinking about her makes me happy. “Her name’s Willa Ashford. We met at the Christmas Tree lighting in Love Beach and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. However, she has no idea who I really am and I’m not sure how to tell her.”

My brother lets out a low, contemplative hum. “Falling in love incognito —how very not you, Leo. You know our parents will be delighted. Tell me about her.”

I lean back against the headboard, trying to put Willa into words. “She’s incredible, Edward. She’s open, funny, independent. She doesn’t need me to impress her and that makes everything feel so real. With her I’m not the Crown Prince of Lanos, I’m just Leo.”

“And that’s what you want her to see you as,” he replies softly. “But at some point, Leo, she’ll need to know the truth.”

I nod, feeling the weight of his words. “I know. That’s the part I’m dreading. Willa’s never wanted anything from me except my company and my honesty. If I tell her, it might ruin everything. I don’t know how she’ll react. I’m afraid it’ll feel like a betrayal.”

Edward is quiet for a moment, thinking. “It sounds to me like she’s worth the risk. You’re talking about her in a way I’ve never heard you talk about anyone before. You wouldn’t have called if this wasn’t serious.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “It is serious. I can’t remember feeling like this about anyone. It’s not just the thrill of being away from home and unrecognized. I want to be with her, Edward, but it feels selfish. Being with me means giving up privacy and freedom – at least in Lanos.”

Edward chuckles. “You’re not exactly trapped in a medieval kingdom. If she loves you, she’ll adapt. We have no rules about who you can marry if it comes to that.”

“She probably doesn’t even know Lanos exists. She’d be trading in her world for mine —a small island, a completely different life.”

“And maybe,” Edward says, his tone thoughtful, “that life could be even better than what she has now. You owe her the chance to choose for herself. Have you thought about how you’ll tell her?”

“Not exactly,” I admit. “Maybe tonight. I want her to know, but I keep finding excuses to wait. It’s easier to just live in this bubble for a little while longer.”

“Leo,” he says gently, “if she means this much to you, then the bubble isn’t enough. Not for either of you. Tell her and if she’s who you say she is, she’ll understand.”

The conviction in his voice stirs something in me. It’s hope. “Thank you, brother. Really. I needed to hear that.”

“That’s what brothers are for,” he replies warmly. “Now, when do I get to meet this mystery woman?”

I smile, picturing Willa back at home in Lanos, the two of us sharing our lives openly and freely. “Soon,” I say. “If all goes well, you’ll meet her soon.”

We talk a little longer —about Lanos, about family, the stuff that Edward is taking care of for me while I’m gone. When I end the call, I stare out the window, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over me. I know what I have to do.