“Good night, princess.”
“Good night, Mr. Larsen.”
Snippets of memories crowded my brain, and I pressed my face into the blanket draped over the couch, muffling my sobs.
“Your Highness?” Elin’s voice floated through the door, followed by a knock. “Can I come in?”
No. I would be happy if I never talked to you again.
But I had responsibilities to fulfill, and an engagement to plan.
I forced my sobs to slow until they tapered off.
Deep, controlled breaths. Head tilted up. Tensed muscles. It was a trick I’d learned that had come in handy quite a few times over the years.
“One moment,” I said after I got myself under control. I pushed myself off the floor and splashed water on my face before fixing my hair and clothes. I opened the door, my spine stiff. “What is it?”
If Elin noticed any lingering redness around my eyes or nose, she didn’t mention it. “I saw Mr. Larsen leave.”
My chin wobbled for a split second before I pressed my lips together. “Yes.”
“So, it’s done.” She regarded me with a searching look.
I responded with a short nod.
“Good. It’s the right thing to do, Your Highness,” she said in a far gentler tone than I was used to. “You’ll see. Now.” She snapped back to her usual brisk self. “Shall we go over the plans for Lord Holstein’s proposal?”
“Sure,” I said hollowly. “Let’s go over the plans for the proposal.”