14. Hailey

CHAPTER 14

HAILEY

I collapse onto the plush four-poster bed, my body sinking into the lavish silk comforter. It’s only been one day since I arrived in Werdenfeld to shadow Luca, but the exhaustion seeps into my bones. The opulent palace bedroom surrounds me — crystal chandeliers, rich tapestries, gilded furniture — yet it does nothing to lighten my mood.

I feel utterly alone.

Pain claws at my chest as I think of Millie and Mom back home. I wish I could call them, hear their comforting voices. But it’s mid-afternoon in New York, and they’re both at work.

Restless, I pad over to the window overlooking the sprawling palace grounds. Perfectly manicured hedges and sparkling fountains stretch out below, illuminated by the glow of wrought-iron lamps. It’s like a scene from a fairy tale.

If only there were a Prince Charming to complete the story.

As I gaze out, a shadowy figure striding purposefully through the gardens catches my eye. I twist my lips, wishing I were down there too.

Curiosity piqued, I make a split-second decision. If sleep is going to evade me anyway, I might as well explore. So, throwing on a light jacket over my silk pajamas, I slip out of the room.

Muted sounds of palace activity echo in the halls, but for the most part everyone is done for the day. Though I pass a few staff members, no one asks where I’m going, leaving me to assume there’s no royal secret around here for me to stumble upon.

Winding my way downstairs, I let myself out a side door. Cool night air kisses my cheeks as I step into the gardens, where the heady scent of jasmine and roses perfumes the breeze.

I follow the cobblestone path, which is lit by solar lights, feeling like a princess myself out here. The further I venture from the palace, the quieter it becomes, until the only sound is the crunch of gravel under my slippers.

Suddenly, I round a corner and collide with something solid. A surprised “oof” escapes my lips as strong hands grab my arms to steady me. I look up and find myself staring into Luca’s piercing blue eyes, mere inches from mine.

My breath catches. “I’m so sorry,” I stammer, cheeks flushing. “I didn’t mean— I was just?—”

But my jumbled words are cut off by the sound of approaching footsteps and another voice.

“Your Majesty! Forgive my intrusion…”

Luca quickly releases me and steps back. A palace staff member appears out of the darkness and drops into a deep bow before Luca, so low his nose nearly brushes the ground. Luca’s jaw clenches and a flash of irritation crosses his handsome features before he quickly schools his expression into one of cool detachment.

“What is it?” he asks, his deep baritone sending a shiver down my spine.

The staff member straightens but remains bent at the waist, eyes downcast. “I wanted to inform you that the kitchen staff is out offoie gras for the luncheon tomorrow. They wanted to know if there was an alternative you’d prefer.”

Luca’s eyes flicker to where I’m still standing, frozen in place, before he answers. “Tell them to use the smoked salmon instead.”

The staff member nods quickly, murmuring a thank-you before hurrying away. Silence settles between us once again, and Luca turns back to me. His gaze is inscrutable in the dim light.

“Couldn’t sleep?” he asks finally, his voice soft.

I shake my head, wrapping my arms around myself for warmth. His question hangs heavy in the air, and I wonder why he’s out here alone at this hour.

“And you?” I ask, unable to keep the curiosity from my voice.

He looks away, towards the dark expanse of gardens behind him. “Sleep doesn’t come easy these days.”

The vulnerability in his admission tugs at my heartstrings and I find myself stepping closer.

“I hate this,” he mutters, more to himself than to me. “The constant bowing and scraping. The ‘Your Highness’ this and ‘Your Majesty’ that. As if I’m some kind of god instead of just a man who happened to be born into this role.”

“It wasn’t like this… before?”

“No.” He sighs at the ground. “Of course, the staff was always available should I need something, but my father was the priority. Now…”

“It’s you.” I pause. “I think they just want to make sure you have everything you need. You’re their new leader, and…” I trail off, realizing that I don’t actually know what I’m talking about here. I’m grasping at straws.

He rakes a hand through his golden hair, disheveling it in a way that makes my fingers itch to smooth it back into place. When his gaze meets mine again, there’s a vulnerability there that catches me off guard.

“Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be normal. To have people look me in the eye and speak to me like an equal, instead of groveling at my feet.”

“Haven’t you ever experienced that?”

“Once.” Something flashes in his eyes, and I know what he’s referring to.

Our time in New York. When he was with me, no one recognized him. And I certainly didn’t treat him like he was something special.

My heart aches for him, this man who seems to have everything and yet covets the simplest of human experiences: the ability to just exist.

I know I should keep things professional, maintain the careful distance between us. But seeing him like this — raw and exposed — I can’t help but reach out and lay a comforting hand on his arm.

“For what it’s worth,” I say softly, “I see you, Luca. Not the crown prince or the future king. Just you.”

His eyes widen slightly at my touch, but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he covers my hand with his own, his skin warm and slightly rough against mine.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “I know this assignment can’t be easy for you, being so far from home and thrust into this unfamiliar world. But I want you to know that I’m grateful for your presence. Your perspective.”

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at his proximity. “Are you sure you’re okay with me shadowing you? I know it’s a lot to ask, having someone constantly observing and documenting your life. If it ever becomes too much, just say the word and I can have my editor send someone else.”

Luca shakes his head firmly. “No. It has to be you.” His gaze intensifies, sending a shiver down my spine. “You’re the only journalist I trust to tell my story honestly. To see beyond the title and the trappings of royalty, to the man beneath.”

I’m at once flattered and terrified by his faith in me. This assignment just became even more high-stakes than I realized it would be.

Even as I marvel at the trust Luca has placed in me, a sliver of doubt worms its way into my mind. Am I truly prepared for the cost of this assignment? With each passing moment, I find myself more drawn to his magnetic presence, to the vulnerability he reveals beneath his polished veneer.

It’s a dangerous game I’m playing, one with no clear rules or boundaries. Luca has already made it abundantly clear that a relationship between us is off the table. He’s the future king, with duties and obligations that far outweigh any personal desires. And I’m just a journalist, here to document his story, not become a part of it.

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I can’t let my growing feelings for Luca cloud my judgment or compromise my integrity as a journalist. I have to maintain a professional distance, no matter how much my soul yearns to close the gap between us.

“I’m honored by your trust,” I manage to say. “I promise I’ll do everything in my power to tell your story with honesty and respect.”

He nods, a ghost of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I know you will. That’s why it has to be you.”

With those words, he abruptly turns and walks away, leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts. I watch his retreating form until he disappears into the shadows of the palace, my heart a riot of conflicting emotions.

I can only hope that I have the strength to see this assignment through without losing myself in the process.