Arianna & Finn (Royals of Valleria #3) (12 page)

“I know, but once you’ve thought about it, you’ll see it the best thing for everyone.”

“Perhaps.”

He leaned in to kiss her and again she felt heat but no spark. When he pulled back, he gave her a smile and wished her good night.

She entered her room and let out a sigh, glad the evening was over. She knew she wouldn’t sleep just yet - there was too much on her mind - so she decided to run a bath. As she made her way to through the bedroom, however, she let out a gasp of surprise.

She wasn’t alone.

***

When Finn made it to the sitting room, where he was to meet Alex before dinner, it was to find Alex already nursing a glass of wine.

“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting, Alex,” Finn said as he went to fix himself a glass of something stronger than wine; he needed something to take the edge off his thoughts, which were currently consumed with Arianna.

“You didn’t keep me waiting. I came down early,” Alex said from his perch on a chair by the fire.

“Oh?” Finn said as he took a seat across from him, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he did so. “Checking on your sister?”

Alex quirked an eyebrow. “Something like that. You know she’s having dinner with Henry?”

Finn nodded. “She mentioned it to me earlier.”

“And what do you think about the pair of them?”

Finn swirled the amber liquid of his scotch around, watching as it played against the light of the fire and the crystal of the glass and ice. “May I speak plainly, Alex?”

“Please do.”

Finn dismissed the servants in the room, who also closed the door behind them when they left.

“You must have some fervent opinions to dismiss your staff before speaking them. Don’t you trust them?”

“No,” he said simply and watched surprise flicker on Alex’s face. “They’re Henry’s servants, not mine.”

“I see.”

“Tell me, Alex. What information are you willing to trade your sister for?”

Alex stood, fury flashing on his face. “How dare you ask me that?”

“How dare you trade your sister’s happiness?” Finn stood as well, meeting him face-to-face.

“I would never do that. I’ve been trying to talk her out of this.”

Finn staggered back. “What? You don’t want this marriage?”

“I want my sister to be happy. She deserves it. She hasn’t had the easiest life, and she thinks she’s got to sacrifice herself to prove something.”

Finn had come here to confront Alex, but perhaps now they could be allies instead. “Sit down. Please,” Finn added.

Alex sat back down a moment later and Finn followed. “I apologize. I thought you were the impetus behind all this. Arianna deserves better than a marriage of convenience.”

“How do you know what my sister deserves?”

“I spent the day with her. That’s not a lifetime, I know, but she’s a remarkable woman. Anyone like that deserves the best.”
Which didn’t include him
.

“At least on that, we agree.”

“My brother has been tight-lipped, always is with me. He only told me about his proposal this afternoon after Arianna and I returned. Tell me what information you need. Perhaps we can find another way to help you and Valleria, without a wedding needing to take place.”

Alex drank another sip of wine, giving himself more time before answering,. “It’s an interesting idea. However, you told me yourself that you aren’t involved in state business. How could you possibly have the information I need?”

“I probably don’t,” Finn answered honestly. “But what I do have are connections. I’ll do whatever I can in my power to help you and your sister.”

“And go against the wishes of your brother and your own country?”

“I would never go against or sell out my country,” Finn said with a fervency that couldn’t be denied. “But what Henry wants isn’t right. Arianna wouldn’t be a wife to him, she’d be no more than a piece of furniture.”

“That’s a very harsh statement to make.”

“It’s harder still to make it when speaking of one’s own brother.”

They remained silent for a minute, while each thought through what to do next.

Alex spoke first. “You like my sister, don’t you?”

“Of course. She’s a wonderful woman. I can’t imagine anyone not liking her.”

“Are you also in love with her?”

Finn’s gut clenched. Was that true? Had he fallen in love with her? “I don’t know about that.”

“I do, even if you don’t realize it yet. You have the same tortured look on your face that I had on mine a few months ago.”

Finn’s lips lifted in a half-smile. “Perhaps, but I know your sister also deserves better than the likes of me.”

Alex sat back in his chair. “You know, for a prince, you’re not overly confident, are you?”

Finn huffed a laugh. “I’m also a second son. You may not know how that feels, but you can guess. Our family’s not like yours. If my brother could exile me and get away with it, he would.”

“That’s very drastic.”

“That’s truth. I work with my hands most days. I’m savvy with the financial markets, so I’ll never want for money, but my life isn’t going to be a formal one in a palace at this point. It’ll be out in the countryside, getting my hands dirty.”

“Is that what you wish for, then?”

“I don’t wish for anything anymore.”
Except her
. “I just do what I think is best. I think I can help you.”

Alex finished off his glass and put it down on a side table. “I think you can help us, too. All right. Do you remember the news about a month ago regarding Gardar Rus?”

“You mean when Valleria had Vlad, the leader of Gardar Rus, one of the largest countries in the world, arrested? I remember it.”

“The International Police Force arrested him. We just provided them with some evidence,” Alex clarified.

“What really happened?”

“We received word that Gardar Rus was planning to invade three of its neighbors: Estoria, Byelorus, and Litva. Those three asked for our help.”

“Military help?”

“Diplomatic help, actually.”

“Vlad was never known for diplomacy.”

“We knew that. However, we were approached to lead the diplomatic mission. Truthfully, the opportunity was also beneficial to show the world Valleria was still powerful.”

“There was doubt about that?”

“You really aren’t involved in politics at all, are you?”

Finn shrugged. “I told you.”

“So you did. Well, I won’t go into specifics except to say that security at the Vallerian Royal Palace was breached. Rebecca, who’s now my fiancée, was kidnapped. One of my brothers, Marcello, is head our national security and defense and took the breach very personally. He offered to go on the diplomatic mission to Gardar Rus, to help restore our reputation and his own.”

“It was a setup, wasn’t it?”

Alex nodded. “We expected that going in, though, so Marcello was prepared. What we weren’t prepared for was the treachery of two of our supposed allies.”

“Which ones?”

“Byelorus and Litva. They formed an alliance with Gardar Rus to destroy and take over Valleria and Estoria. Marcello and Estoria’s security head managed to thwart their plans in the end, but it was dicey.”

Finn could tell from Alex’s voice that Marcello must have had a close call. He wondered what it would be like to have a brother who loved him as much as Alex seemed to love his. “So what information do you think Henry can get for you?”

“During the confrontation in Gardar Rus, someone let slip that another country was also intent on destroying us, specifically Valleria, and wanted us to suffer even more. We never learned who it was, and the prisoners we captured that day haven’t said anything during the multiple interrogations we’ve held.”

“And you think Henry knows who that country is?”

“That’s what he has told us. Whether or not I should believe him is another story. He hasn’t shown any proof, yet demanded my sister in return for it. My father, nor will I, go for that kind of deal, no matter what my sister decides.”

“Would she go against your wishes?”

“No, she wouldn’t. At least, I don’t think she would.”

Finn finished his scotch in one long gulp and put the glass down. “I don’t know if Henry’s telling the truth or not, but I can find out.”

“How?”

“I’ve got an idea, but let’s discuss the details over dinner.” Finn stood and held out his hand to Alex. “You won’t regret trusting me, Alex.”

Alex stood and shook Finn’s hand. “I don’t believe I’ll regret it, either.” Alex gave him a quick slap on the shoulder and they headed into dinner.

Finn wondered if Arianna and Henry had started dinner yet. Finn also wondered what she was wearing, and how she was feeling. He wondered if her hair was up or flowing down and free.

With a sigh, Finn wondered if Alex as right and he was in love for the first time, and then wondered what the hell he could do about it. He only knew he had to see her tonight, and hoped she wasn’t spending the night with Henry.

In her room, Arianna gasped, then staggered in relief as Finn stepped out of the shadows.

“Finn, what are you doing here?”

“I had to see you,” he said as he stalked closer. The only light in the room was from the bathroom, which Arianna had left on before heading down to dinner. To Arianna, his bright green eyes were like a beacon in the dark, drawing her closer.

“I put a table in front of the secret door. How did you get past it?”

“It wasn’t that heavy, Arianna. It moved easily when the door opened.”

“Oh, well, you still should have waited before entering. What if I hadn’t been alone?” she asked boldly and he halted his progress across the room.

“Then there would have been a problem, wouldn’t there?”

Arianna sighed. “Finn, please. I’d like to be alone tonight.”

“All right.”

“Really? You’re leaving?”

“Isn’t that what you want?”

“Yes, but I didn’t think you’d agree to it so quickly.”

Finn stepped closer and brushed his knuckles down her cheek. “I’ll always give you what you want, Arianna, if it’s in my power to do so. You look beautiful, by the way. Stunning and unbearably sensual.”

“I do?”

“Oh, yes. I’d like to peel that dress from you and lick each inch of your skin.”

She swallowed, her skin heating from just his words.

“But I won’t.” He sighed and stepped back.

“You won’t?” She hoped the disappointment wasn’t evident in her voice.

“Not unless you ask me to. I would like to talk to you, though. Will you sit with me? Please?”

“Oh, well, yes, of course.” She put her small purse on a side table and made her way over to the chairs near the window, flicking on a few of the lamps along the way. Finn poured them each a glass of water and joined her.

“Thank you,” she said as she accepted the glass. “What did you want to talk about?”

“How was dinner?”

“It was fine. Nice. It was nice.”

“Boring, you mean.”

“No,” she bristled. “It was a nice evening. There’s nothing wrong with nice evenings.”

“No, I suppose there isn’t. I suppose some girls like that sort of evening.”

“Yes, they do.” Arianna wasn’t sure why she was getting so defensive. “Why do you care?”

“I’m not sure,” he murmured and looked down at the glass in his hands. “I care about you, that’s all I’m sure of right now.”

“You care about me?” It was the grandest declaration she’d heard in a very long time. Even the last man, Huck, whom she had almost lost everything for, had never said anything so simple, yet moving. He had been all about the grand gestures, and she had fallen for each one. A little like Henry, she realized.

“I do care about you, Arianna, but that doesn’t matter if you don’t feel the same about me. I didn’t even mean to tell you, really.”

“Your feelings matter.”

“Not really. Definitely not right now, anyway. Listen, that’s not why I came. I spoke to Alex at dinner.”

“I assumed you would speak to each other. Dinner without talking makes a very long and dull few hours.”

“I meant, Alex told me everything,” he said as he put down his glass.

Arianna stiffened. Had Alex told her about Huck? “What do you mean?”

“He told me why you’re really considering this sham of a marriage.”

Arianna sat up straighter. “A marriage of convenience doesn’t have to be a sham. Not everyone has a passionate, love-filled relationship.”

“Baby, you ooze passion from every pore. There’s no way you could be happy with that kind of marriage.”

“Oh? And I suppose you’ll say I’d be happier with you?”

“No.”

Arianna blinked. “No?”

“No, I don’t think you’d be happier with me. I don’t have enough to offer you.”

“What do you mean?”

Finn shook his head. “Look that’s not why I came here. I came up with a plan that I think can work. I think I can find out what Alex needs without you needing to marry Henry to get it.”

She opened her mouth to speak and then shut it again.

“I know it might be a shock. If you still want to see Henry, we know we can’t stop you.” Why did Finn sound so resigned?

“But if you don’t really want to do this,” he continued, “then you don’t have to. You don’t even have to consider it anymore.”

“I am still considering it, even after what you just said.”

“For God’s sake, why?” he burst out as he stood and began pacing.

“I need to do this.”

“Explain it to me. Please.”

“I don’t owe you any explanations.” As soon as she said it, she regretted it. Finn shut down, the anger and passion in his eyes dissipating in one quick pop.

“You’re right. You don’t. I’m sorry to bother you. I won’t take up any more of your time.” He began to stride quickly towards the door, but Arianna didn’t want him to leave.

“Stop. Finn, wait,” she said as she stood and walked after him as fast as she could in heels and a long silk dress.

He stopped with his hand on the door. “You’re right. I should use the secret passage I came through. No one should see me leaving your room.” As he walked past her to get to the secret door, she grabbed his arm.

“No, that’s not what I meant. Please stay. I didn’t mean to be so abrupt.”

His face was turned away from her, as though he couldn’t bear to look at her. “You’re right. You don’t owe me anything.” He tried to shake her hand free.

“Oh, will you just stop? Please. I’m sorry. I’d like to explain. It’s just that, well, I haven’t talked about this in years. I don’t know where to start.”

He finally turned to face her, his mask still in place. She didn’t like him like this; he seemed a fake shell of his real self. Arianna wondered if that’s what she looked like, as she tried to hide her true self every day.

“Please sit down,” she said softly. He nodded and they both walked back to the chairs and sat down. “I suppose the best place to start is with Huck.”

“Huck?”

“Well, that’s not his real name. That’s just the name he used with me. I don’t even remember his real name anymore.”

“But you remember Huck?”

She sighed. “It’s hard to forget.”

“Tell me,” he said gently and held her hand.

“I met Huck when I was much younger and still at university. I hadn’t had much luck with boys at that point - because of the princess thing - and he was the first one to pay any real attention to me.”

“Were all the boys at your school blind? You’re fucking gorgeous.”

She smiled even though the bad memories were swirling inside her. “Thank you,” she said with a squeeze of his hand. “But when you’re a princess, people automatically think you’re off limits. Since some of my brothers were attending university with me, it made it even more difficult.”

“Did they chase them off?”

“A little bit, but it was more that they were around in the first place. I told you I was the middle child in the family; I always had older siblings and younger ones around me. Don’t get me wrong,” she said quickly. “I love them very much, but they weren’t the best for a girl wanting a social life.”

“How did Huck get past the defenses?”

“We were in the same class, and ended up being assigned to a group project together. We were forced to work together, and my brothers couldn’t say anything about that.”

“He asked you out?”

“Yes, eventually. He became a sort of friend first, and even my brothers got used to seeing us together studying. Once they got to know him better, they didn’t deter us when he finally asked me out.”

She could still remember how excited she was, and embarrassed; not many women had their first dates in college.

“He was my first everything.”

“Everything?”

She nodded. “First date, first kiss, first boyfriend, first lover.” She wasn’t sure why she was sharing this with Finn, but it felt right, and she felt safe with him.

“He took advantage of you, didn’t he?” Finn asked as his hold tightened on her hand.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“I don’t mean this in a bad way, baby, but you looked like an easy target.”

“I know you don’t, and you’re right. I was. Too easy.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“You speak the truth, Finn. It’s one of the things I like about you.” At his startled expression, she smiled. “Yes, I do like you, Finn.”

“That was news to me. Very pleasant news, though,” he said and kissed her hand. “How did he hurt you?”

“He betrayed me, my family, and my country in the end. We were together for about two years. He had even met my father by that point. Papa didn’t approve of him, exactly, but he didn’t force me to break up with him. I wish he had.”

She wondered how much to say about the next part of the story. “About the same time I was with Huck, one of my older brothers, Marcello, began seeing a woman, too. He’d actually gone deep undercover with the woman, who was a secret agent from America named Julia. I can’t give you the details of that. I hope you understand.”

“Of course I do. I wouldn’t want you to be in an uncomfortable position.”

She nodded. “Well, what I can tell you is that Julia betrayed Marcello. She was a double agent, not even working for America, when she sold Marcello out. He managed to make it out alive, and he completed the mission to boot, but he was injured. Only a few of us know about that.”

She paused, gathering her courage for what she had to say next. “It was my fault. I’m the one who almost got Marcello killed.”

“What? How?”

“It was Huck. He was working with Julia, and we never knew. Huck used what he found out about the royal family, palace, security, you name it, and passed it along to Julia. She used that information to position herself as a candidate for Marcello’s dangerous mission. It worked.”

“I don’t understand. What was their end game?”

“Valleria. They wanted to destroy us, though I have no idea why.”

They remained silent for a few minutes, while Finn thought it all through. She knew it was a lot to take in all at once. “How did you figure out they were connected?”

“When Marcello came back unharmed, Huck became erratic and unreasonable. He spent quite a lot of time at the palace at that point, since my duties as princess had increased once I graduated, and our Royal Protection agents found him more than once trying to break into locked rooms and offices.”

“What was his excuse?”

“That he’d left something inside or got the wrong door. It was always something. He made one of these excuses in front of Marcello once, and that was all it took. Apparently, Julia had used the exact same phrase during their undercover stretch. He made the connection.”