Don't Tell (Don't 1)

“Molly, you can ask. I brought it up. The cause of death was inconclusive. My mother swears it was the stress of running the country.”

“No one knows?”

He shook his head. “He dropped dead after a morning swim in the pool. He was rushed to the hospital, but they were never able to revive him.”

“Oh my God, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you.”

“And that’s how you became king?”

“It is. I was sworn in that afternoon and coronated a month later. I ran the country at twenty-seven and didn’t have a fucking clue what I was doing.”

“Galona is an incredible country, Damon. Your family must be proud. The circumstances that led to your ascension make it even more impressive.”

He waved me off. “My reign has been about finding the balance between the royal shackles my father prescribed to and the reality of living in a modern society. If I want my girlfriend to move in, she should be able to move in. I don’t care about Sutcliffe’s list of rules. That’s the part of the crown I despise.”

“So I’m a political statement about the old ways and customs?”

“In some ways, yes. You are. And even that pisses me off.”

“But on the ship, we can do whatever we want? No customs. No politics.”

He nodded. “Everything we want.”

“Can we go back to the room?”

“I’ll have them bring us dessert.”

I smiled as he led me away from the table. “But you had your dessert before dinner.”

He chuckled. “I think I’m going to have some more.”

27

Damon

I squeezed Molly’s hand when we drove through the palace tunnel. I didn’t know what was in store for us, but I was determined not to let her slip away because of tradition. A modern monarchy was essential now more than ever.

“I can’t believe this is where I’m going to live.”

The car slowed. Georgan put the car in park.

“It is.”

As soon as we were inside the palace, Sutcliffe met us in the foyer.

“Your majesty.” He bowed.

“I’m headed to the residence to change. We can meet in a few minutes,” I explained.

“The royal study, sir?”

“That will be fine.” I tugged Molly along behind me into the elevators.

“He didn’t look happy.” She turned to me.

I shook my head. “He never is. Part of his job I’m afraid. I give him problems and he has to provide solutions.” I brushed the hair from her shoulder. “I thought about the meeting on the flight home and I’d like for you to attend.”