Twisted Games (Twisted, #2)(51)

“Yes?” He opened the now-empty fridge and gave it a cursory scan before closing the door.

“I have a proposition for you.”

He tensed, and I couldn’t hold back a bitter smile.

“Not that kind of proposition,” I said. “And before I say it, I want you to know, it has nothing to do with…recent events.” I hoped I wasn’t making a fool of myself, but if I was, so be it. If I wanted something, I needed to voice it. Otherwise, I had no one to blame except myself when I was wracked with regrets over what-ifs. “You’re a good bodyguard, and I’m already going through enough changes with Nikolai’s abdication. I would like someone by my side who I’m comfortable with during the transition.”

Rhys was so still he resembled a statue.

“If I put in the request, I think the palace would be amenable to extending your contract until I’m more comfortable in my new role.” I took a deep breath. “It would mean you’d have to move to Eldorra temporarily, and I understand if that would be too much. But I wanted to give you the option. In case you wanted to stay.”

I hadn’t lied when I’d said it had nothing to do with last night. The idea had been brewing for weeks, and I’d kept putting it off. But we were getting down to the wire, and if I didn’t speak up now, it would never happen.

Rhys finally blinked. “When do you need an answer by?”

I fought back another wave of disappointment. Of course he needed to think about it. It was a huge commitment. But still, I’d thought…

“Within the next week, before your contract officially ends.”

He nodded, his expression neutral. “I’ll let you know my answer before the end of the week. Thank you for the opportunity.” Rhys left the kitchen, and I stared at the spot where he’d been standing.

That was it.

No smile, no hint as to whether he was happy or surprised or uncomfortable. Just I’ll let you know my answer before the end of the week, like we were nothing more than professional acquaintances.

I tried eating another bite of toast before I gave up and buried my face in my hands.

Bridget von Ascheberg, what have you done?





Rhys and I didn’t speak during our long car ride to the airport or the flight itself. Things between us were so strained I almost wished last night hadn’t happened, but I couldn’t bring myself to regret it.

The aftermath wasn’t pretty, but the moment had been beautiful.

Bucket list number four.

It’d been so much more than a bucket list item, but that would be my secret to keep.

“You don’t have to, but…can you join me tomorrow?” I asked as Rhys set my suitcase down in my suite. We’d landed in New York a few hours ago, and we were staying at The Plaza until I left for Eldorra in two days. Nikolai would announce his abdication tomorrow, and I had my press conference after that. The thought made me slightly sick to my stomach. “For the speech.”

For the first time that day, Rhys’s face softened. “Of course, princess.”

It was funny how much I’d hated the nickname at first, but now it made my heart flutter.

Later that night, I tried to sleep, but my mind raced with a million thoughts and worries. Costa Rica, Rhys, whether he would stay on as my bodyguard, the public’s reaction to Nikolai’s abdication and engagement to Sabrina, my grandfather’s health, my debut as crown princess, my move back to Eldorra…

I squeezed my eyes shut. Breathe. Just breathe.

Eventually, I fell into a restless sleep, plagued by nightmares of getting crushed beneath a giant crown in front of the palace while everyone pointed and laughed.

The next morning, I woke up earlier than planned to get ready for my press conference and cover the dark circles beneath my eyes with makeup. I skipped breakfast, not trusting myself to hold the food down, but when Rhys showed up at seven o’clock sharp as promised, he insisted on ordering eggs and a smoothie from room service. No coffee. He said it would help with my anxiety, and surprisingly, it did.

Nikolai’s speech started at eight, and we watched in silence as my brother—clad in his military dress uniform, his face taut but determined—delivered the words that would change Eldorran history forever.

“…I hereby announce that I am abdicating my title of Crown Prince of Eldorra and removing myself from the royal line of succession. This decision did not come easy…”

The audience’s gasps were audible even through the screen, but Nikolai forged on.

Most important decision of my life…

My love for the country…

Succeeded by my sister, Princess Bridget…

I sat stock-still the entire time. I’d known the abdication was coming, but it was surreal to see and hear Nikolai announce it on-screen.

After he ended his speech, the camera switched to a visibly stunned news anchor, but Rhys turned off the TV before I heard what the anchor had to say.

“Do you need a moment?” He radiated such natural confidence and authority it almost soothed frazzled nerves.

Almost.

I had my own press conference coming up soon, and I wanted to throw up.

Yes. Preferably a million moments.

“No.” I cleared my throat and repeated in a stronger voice, “No. Let’s go.”

I checked my hair and clothes one last time before we exited my suite. Everything a royal family member said and wore in public had hidden symbolism, and I’d dressed for battle today in a sleek Chanel suit, heels, and a subtle ruby, gold, and diamond brooch that reflected Eldorra’s flag colors.