“I guess this all explains your hesitancy with the application.”
“Bingo.”
He watched her take a sip of her drink, then another, before glancing up at him where he rested against the counter patiently.
“So, I ran away because I’m pretty much being forced to marry before I am ready. And if I didn’t choose someone at that party to become engaged to, then my parents were going to choose the next future king for me.”
“And I’m guessing that Lord Donoveaux is their first choice.”
Kerry tapped the side of her nose with her finger at his statement, the silent confirmation that he needed.
“I’ve worked my entire life tirelessly to do what was best for my parents, best for the people, and best for the crown. But never once did I do anything for myself; do something that I wanted.
“But I tried. I tried so hard, even forming a charity for mental health that would be having their first benefit next weekend, and my parents didn’t even care. I’m pretty certain my father doesn’t even know about any of the charities I work for and run.
“I just wanted to find someone on my own time. I think it’s ridiculous that I have to be married before the coronation period begins or the crown passes to the next heir.”
Landon listened carefully to the words of hurt as she expelled them. None of it seemed real, more like one of those romantic comedy movies the Connelly women liked to go on and on about. But to hear that the scenario was affecting Kerry’s life was a hard pill to swallow.
“Would that be so bad. . .if the crown was passed over.”
“Maybe? I don’t know,” she replied, swirling her finger over the condensation on the glass. “Being a ruler is all I know. Being a future queen is all I’ve ever been taught. I don’t know how to do anything else.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
Sarcastically chuckling, Kerry brought the glass to her lips to take another sip of her drink. “I wish it were false. I didn’t even know what I’d put as previous job experiences other than sipping tea, walking in four-inch heels while wearing a ball gown that weighed more than me, and public speaking. Which, by the way, I absolutely despise.”
“So, what was it that actually caused you to leave?” he asked curiously. That was the part that he didn’t understand. She was in a predicament, but it wasn’t something that he didn’t think couldn’t be rationally discussed.
“I had two signs. The first was a small picture I had taken the last time I had visited Carson and it made me miss this place so much. This is the only place I have ever just truly been myself. This is my home just as much as my country.”
“And the other reason?”
“I overheard Lord Donoveaux speaking with some of his colleagues that he had the marriage in the bag and that he planned to make sure I was compliant.”
Landon’s blood boiled at the thought of that man laying a hand on her, even considering being in her presence was more than the man deserved.
“I stand by my proclamation that he is a douche.”
“I agree. Anyway, after I heard that, I walked up to him and asked him to join me on the patio. He agreed, obviously. Once we were out there together, he tried to make a move, like he had so many times before, except I kneed him in his. . .sensitive region, then did the same to his nose as he hunched over.”
“That’s my girl,” Landon claimed without a second thought, mirroring her smirk at his declaration.
“While he was writhing in pain, I dashed through the back halls where I found my assistant Mary and she helped me escape through the servant area about ten minutes later. I stole the car that had been waiting for Lord Donoveaux, which was actually quite brilliant on my part.
“Mary helped me book a commercial flight and then a few hours later, here I am, running away and trying to figure out what I want in life.”
Hearing about the help she received, Landon began to worry for her friend. He mentioned as much and Kerry immediately searched through her bag for an ancient flip phone.
“She says everything is quiet in the palace, but they’re very suspicious. I’m afraid for her, treason is a huge crime in our country and she promised that she wouldn’t disclose my location, but if it came down to it, I hope that she knows to protect herself first.”
“You’re a good friend, Kerry.”
“I’m the worst friend. I asked a girl that I’ve known since I was a toddler to lie for me, and if she’s found to be lying by my parents, she could be kicked out of the country.”
“You’re a good friend because if you had even the slightest inkling from her that she was in trouble, you’d be back in your country in a heartbeat.”
Kerry seemed to mull over his words and then finally nodded in agreement.