elieve her eyes-he was really standing in front of her, looking more handsome than ever in his grey waistc

ou get back

n't had a chance to visit. My fat

ing had summoned him back was clear-it was time for the prince

pression. He rose, concern softening h

d gently, hol

asked, her voice tremb

ed. We'll elope once this is a

nobility?" Her voice cracked

her close. She leaned into his warm

g to be oka

cal nobles. Her presence was demanded, as always. Her parents-the Earl and Countess Robbins-were widely respected i

family without wealth was a family doomed to fade. Their persistence in marrying Danica to s

lt like she w

Not for status. Not for alliances. She wanted potential. Connection. Love

"little Dani," the girl with ribbons in her hair who needed to be guided and decided fo

o escape. To breathe. To find herself. Beca

ed into meaningless noise. She absentmindedly twirled a strand of her dark hair around her finger and stared blankl

y. "I've been calling you for

She sat up straighter, her gaze shifting to he

his son for your hand. Do

ell over

spoken, never shared a single conversation

k of my son that way. You haven't met him, y

plied, firm yet respectful. "I did not

Danielle clenched her fists beneath the

pinion mattered?" the Du

e Danica could respond, the Ear

ed. "I will not tolerate you disrespectin

ne wen

ver turned him down-certainly not like thi

ook forward to seeing what kind of wedding your da

he stood and fled to her room, her heart racing. Once

ne, and she was determined to grow it in the U.S. She drew what she dreamed

choed on

n?" came a fa

aintly. "If you're here to scold me

d of you. I'm your big sis, remember? We all love you. That's

y here? You don't usually come with pep talks. You're either fitting to s

Well... what if I told you this plan is diffe

ed her eyes.

. "What I'm trying to say is... are you ready to

" Danic