“I know. And I do understand.”
He stiffened when Cleo took his hand in hers and brought it up to her lips to kiss it. The look on his face was priceless. She’d completely shocked him.
“Your highness...”
“I like you, Theon. So much. Despite any harsh words thrown between us, I know your heart is true.”
He swallowed hard. “I feel the same way toward you.”
“I know you think I’m a spoiled brat who only wants things her way.”
“I never said that. And I don’t think that. You are a...well, I think you’re kind of incredible. Stubborn isn’t always a bad thing. And your love for your sister is admirable.”
Cleo smiled before it faded. “I don’t want to marry Aron. Ever.”
He looked down at her fingers now laced with his. “I know.”
“What I want isn’t allowed.”
Theon’s gaze moved back up to burn into hers. “The feeling is mutual.”
Oh, how she wished things were simpler. And oh, how she wished she was talking about wanting Theon.
She did want him. But she wanted to save her sister’s life even more.
Cleo went up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss against Theon’s cheek. “I know you’re just trying to protect me.”
He touched his face, desire darkening his gaze. “There’s nothing else I want more than to keep you safe.”
She smiled up at him. “Nothing at all?”
He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. “You’re making this very difficult for me.”
“Apologies; I’m teasing you.”
“Very well, too.”
“My father said that I act overly dramatic to gain attention.” She bit her bottom lip. Was that really how the king had always viewed her? No wonder when she’d asked for something so important, he’d found it easy to turn her down.
“I don’t see you that way at all.” Theon shook his head. “You’re a girl who views the world in a certain way. You want what you want. And if obstacles are presented to you, you try to find a way around them. Or through them.”
She looked up at him with gratitude. Considering what a short time they’d known each other, he saw her as she would like to be seen. She could only hope it was the truth. “Thank you for trying to protect me, even if occasionally it must mean that I can’t have what I want.”
“It’s my honor to protect you. Sleep well.” With a last searching look, Theon turned from her and moved down the hall.
Cleo went into her room, prepared for bed, and went to sleep.
And then, an hour before sunrise, she rose, dressed, and slipped out of her room, past the sleeping maid who was stationed by her door, waiting for her to awaken.
She’d lied to Theon when she said she planned to leave in two days. Emilia didn’t have that kind of time. Cleo had made her decision to go right away, even if it had to be by herself. She had some money with her. She would hire someone else to be her guide. Once she was past the palace walls, she’d plan her next step.
“Morning, princess.”
She froze.
For a split second she was certain it was Theon who’d discovered her ruse. But he didn’t know her quite well enough to know when she was lying.
However, somebody else did.