Twisted-Games

BRIDGET
AFTER OUR NIGHT IN THE GAZEBO, RHYS AND I DIDN’T GET ANY MORE TIME
alone during the tour. But when we returned to Athenberg a few days later,
we managed to sneak in trysts despite my packed schedule.
The guesthouse at midnight, after everyone had gone to sleep. The supply
closet on the third floor of the staff quarters during lunch hour. My favorite
rooftop above the kitchen. No place was off-limits.
It was risky, dangerous, and out of character for both of us, given how
practical we usually were, but we couldn’t have stopped if we wanted to.
We’d waited too long and needed it too much.
It was a crazy ride that would eventually have to end, and while we never
talked about the future, we’d come to a silent agreement to enjoy every
second we could.
But, as much as I wanted to spend all my days and nights with Rhys, I
had other responsibilities, and three weeks after my return to Athenberg, I
found myself in my grandfather’s office, waiting for Erhall to finish speaking
so I could present my agenda items.
“Let me guess. You have another citizen issue you’d like to bring up.
Your Highness,” Erhall added tightly, no doubt remembering my grandfather
was also in the room.
I responded with a serene smile. “Yes. That is what we do, isn’t it? Help
the citizens of Eldorra?”
Erhall, Edvard, Andreas, and I sat around Edvard’s desk for the king’s
weekly meeting with the Speaker. It was my third such meeting since I
returned from my goodwill tour, which had been a smash success. Henrik ran
a glowing profile of me in the Eldorran Herald, and my public approval