Page 54 of Heavy Crown

“Jet lag,” he says. “You skated a lot as a kid? Compete?”

“Yeah, I competed. Loved it. The rest of my life was basically the farm. My parents even took me to see Stars on Ice.”

He squints in confusion. “What’s that?”

“Famous skaters performing.”

“Who’s your favorite?”

“Oh gosh.” I roll to the bench and plop onto the seat beside him. “Virtue and Moir. Ice dancing. So fast and precise. And just, like, gorgeous. I was desperate for them to be dating in real life.” I laugh. “Who doesn’t love a fairy tale?”

“Indeed,” Alex says, and his gaze is filled with amusement. “Anyone else?”

While I undo my second Rollerblade, I consider my options. “Kurt Browning. Oldie but a goodie. Excellent storyteller.”

“If I come round tomorrow night, will you show me some of your favorites?”

I glance at him in surprise. “Really? You want to watch figure skating with me?”

“You object?” His eyebrows lift, and there’s a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“No,” I say. “Surprised you’d want to watch it.”

“My interests are wide and varied.” He waves a hand. “And if it’s something you love, I’d like to understand it.”

Alex wants to understand something I love. He wants to spend time with me watching figure skating because it’s one of my passions. Two of the things I love most—baking and skating—and he’s willing to try out both. Is he going to buy me a horse next because I mentioned I missed horse riding? The urge to ask him how he’s single when he’s so freaking awesome rises to my tongue.

“Are you sure I didn’t go over the cliff two weeks ago?” I shove my Rollerblades back in the box and seal it up.

“I’m sure. Why do you ask?”

We rise, and Alex hits the button to put the courts back in order. I can’t tell him my comment has to do with his perfection. Talk about embarrassing.

“You don’t have to walk me home,” I say. “If it’s safe enough for the future king to walk alone on the estate, I’m sure I’ll be fine too.”

He shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants and keeps pace with me. “Still, I’d worry. I’ll walk you.”

We head back to my place, and when we get there, Alex says, “I just realized you don’t have a computer. I’ll bring my laptop tomorrow night, and you can show me all your favorites.”

“Alex,” I say on impulse at the door. “I want to know you. The same way you’re beginning to know me. Will you show me something you love tomorrow too? Only seems fair.”

He searches my face for a beat, but I can’t read his expression. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He leans forward, and his lips linger on my temple. He breathes me in, and my fingers, of their own accord, curl into his shirt. Then he steps back, and he runs his hand along the length of my hair before he lets me go to disappear around the corner.

twenty-one

Alex

I’m back in the king’s office, but this time I’m not in trouble. Or at least not the kind they’re aware of. A marriage contract sits on the edge of my father’s desk, and my mother is at his shoulder, reading her own copy. I haven’t picked it up—a small act of defiance, which is silly because I agreed to this weeks ago. Didn’t have a problem with an arranged marriage. A means to an end. I need a wife to become king, so I’ll get a wife. Simple.

I didn’t see Rory coming. Had no idea she’d tip everything I used to believe on its head.

Desmond clears his throat beside me as he turns the page of his contract. Not subtle, but effective. I slide the contract off the desk and pretend to read it over. I should care—I should really, really care what’s on these pieces of paper. For the rest of my life, I’ll be bound by these words and clauses. But I skim over them like they’re pebbles in an ocean. I can’t force myself to believe in their weight and permanence.

Last night, I was in Rory’s cottage apartment watching figure skating videos through the ages until the wee hours of the morning. Sitting next to her on a couch viewing a bunch of men and women in ridiculously tight, sparkly costumes should have been my worst nightmare.

Not even close.

Her enthusiasm and explanations will be added to my life’s highlight reel. Listening to her espouse on footwork or a lift or the chemistry between the skaters amused me more than any conversation I had with anyone on my European wife tour.