I thought about him every waking second of the day since we’d been apart, but seeing him now, the longing was magnified.

“Long live the King!”Įveryone, including me, repeated the phrase, “Long live the King” as we watched Elias walk into the room. “Elias Francis, crowned King of France,” the man announced. Just when I was thinking about bailing on this entire thing, the soft jazz music the band was playing stopped and a trumpet rang out as the doors at the end of the hall opened. What did that even mean? Was he talking about my reaction to Elias and Emily? My stomach turned at the thought. I turned, a frown on my face, as I watched him. “That’ll make all of this that much more interesting.” He winked and walked away, stopping at the bar a few feet from where I was. “I’m never sure what to do in these situations.” His mouth lifted slightly, as if he was reading my mind. “Prince Aramis.” I bowed mine as well, unsure of whether or not I was to curtsy to him as well. “Adeline.” He bowed his head slightly as he reached me. He looked so much like his older brother that it took a moment for my heart to settle. I watched Prince Aramis walking in my direction, his gaze on mine. I felt that deep in my core, and it was with the determination of getting her that I walked all the way to the Hall of Mirrors, where the celebration was taking place. I put them both on, looked in the mirror beside me, and saw all of the things haunting me inside my eyes. Pierre was waiting just outside the door with my crown and royal cape. I finished dressing and walked out of the lavish room. I felt haunted by those things, not inspired. He said he felt closer to his roots, to the Sun God, and it served as a reminder of why he was here and what he was to accomplish. I’d never liked staying in Versailles and had never envisioned myself sleeping in the king’s bedchambers. He gave a nod and walked away, leaving me in the chambers by myself. If Addie won’t do it, we’ll figure out another way.” “I’ll start a list of names in case she says no.” Pierre headed to the door. “I know.” I took a breath and exhaled it. She’d be giving up a lot if she agrees to this.” “Her life is in London and unlike Emily, Adeline has a company to run. That’s what you’d be asking of her,” Pierre said.

“She’d have to uproot her entire life for you. “I’ll have to ask her tonight.” I shrugged on the jacket. “Somebody had to say something.” Pierre handed over my jacket. When the doors slammed shut behind them, I let out a breath and looked at Pierre.

The stinkful king