“It’s for your throat.” He claims a nearby chair, and then his face falls. “I apologize for my absence yesterday. Father said it was urgent, but when I arrived, Mother said she didn’t call for me.”
I stare at my new friend, torn. It will destroy him if he discovers what his father did to Alex. And worse, the knowledge could ruin their friendship.
“Are you all right?” Frederick finally asks, tilting his head to the side. “You seem lost this morning.”
I lower my eyes. “I’m a little tired, that’s all.”
“Father said you didn’t come home last night.”
I whip my head up, but he only smiles. “You’ve created quite the scandal, princess.”
“Alex took me sailing yesterday, and it was late when we returned. I stayed at the hotel.”
He raises his brows.
I bite my lip, trying not to smile. “I don’t think his housekeeper likes me very much.”
Frederick tips his head back and laughs, delighted. Then he studies me. “Alex is treating you well?”
I nod.
“And you’re treating him well?” he asks mock sternly.
“I don’t know,” I say softly. “I can’t stay in Valsta much longer. When Alaric returns, I have to go home.”
Frederick rises, pressing a reassuring hand to my shoulder before he goes. “Don’t despair. These things always have a way of working out.”
I hope he’s right, but I don’t see how.
“Frederick,” I say before he walks out the door. “I think I’m going to return to a room in the hotel.”
He holds his hand over his heart as if wounded. “You’re leaving me?”
“I’m not going very far,” I point out.
“It’s fine,” he says with a knowing smile. “I’ll move your things over today if you’d like.”
“Thank you, Frederick,” I say as he leaves.
At least that’s settled. I won’t have to spend another night under the same roof as Lord Cavinder.
* * *
By the endof the last performance, I’m dead on my feet, and my throat is raw. I’ve only seen Alex a few times throughout the day, and he was always surrounded by people.
I walk down the hall toward my dressing room, covering a yawn with my hand. Before I reach the door, Alex turns the corner.
He stops, our eyes meeting as he casually slides his hands into his pockets.
The secret smile he gives me is an arrow to my heart.
“Good evening, princess,” he says when he joins me. “As always, your performance was excellent.”
I glance around, ensuring we’re alone, and then I wrap my arms tightly around his waist.
Alex laughs, immediately returning the embrace. “What is this?”
“I missed you,” I say against his waistcoat, telling myself I won’t cry.