Royally Lost (12 page)

18

Nikolai
sat in the back corner of the internet café. While Becca and Dylan negotiated with their father to stay in Nuremberg, he decided to check in on his real life.

For the most part, he’d avoided the press, but things had slowly been escalating with the paparazzi on his tail. He didn’t like the comments the photographer made yesterday. It was time to find out what was really happening in Mondovia. He started broad and typed his name into the search engine.

A long trail of news stories popped onto the screen. He knew about the couple of gossip rag covers, but he had no idea the news of his disappearance had gone viral.

He scrolled down the news feed, scanning the articles. The palace confirmed that Nikolai was on holiday, but offered nothing more. It must have pained his parents to admit that much. There were reports of all the official events he’d stood up and how the palace had to scramble to send someone else, a lesser important dignitary, in his place.

There were more pictures taken by the paparazzi that he hadn’t seen. Of him leaving the lot where his motorbike had been impounded in Melk, of him and Becca goofing off at the lake, jumping off the rocks, and kissing in the water. He rubbed his hand through his hair.

He really didn’t want to bring sweet Becca into his mess. She had no idea how nasty it could get.

Then another headline caught his eye.
Princess Alexandra Goes Missing
. Nikolai’s heart nearly stopped. He clicked on the article, desperate to know it was all lies, but it wasn’t. The photographer yesterday had told the truth.

He leaned close to the monitor and read.

Princess Alexandra mysteriously disappeared Thursday night from the king’s box at the Teatro Massimo’s opening night performance of
Rigoletto
. For three hours, security locked down the opera house and scoured over every inch. Buildings within a five-block radius were also checked. Three hours later, the princess was located at a nearby mall eating gelato.

Nikolai wanted to wring Alexi’s neck. What the heck was she thinking? Anything could have happened. But then he realized he was most likely the reason she took off. What had he started? He’d have a serious chat with Alexi when he returned. It was one thing for him to run off, but entirely different for her. She was still young and not nearly as aware of the risks.

He knew he needed to get home soon and calm this maelstrom he’d created, but he also couldn’t give up the chance to spend a couple more days with Becca. Once he went back, he’d be back for good and would literally turn his life over to the crown. His gut ached at the thought.

Becca was the best thing that had happened to him in a long time. It made no sense, and yet deep down, it made all the sense in the world. She brought a lightness to his life that hadn’t been there before. She saw the world through fresh eyes, gorgeous deep brown eyes that he lost himself in.

But once he said good-bye to her, it would likely be forever.

After lunch, Becca was finally able to meet up with Nikolai. He whisked her away to a park filled with lush gardens, soft grass, and a lake with small sailboats whipping about. They sat under a large shade tree.

Becca’s heart ached. She leaned against Nikolai’s chest, warm in his embrace. “I can’t believe we have to say good-bye.”

Nikolai kissed her hair. “I really thought we’d get a couple more days together. I can’t get my head around the fact that I’ll never see you again.”

“Don’t say that. You’re going to make me cry.” Her throat tightened as she fought to hold back a flood of tears.

“Please don’t.” He stroked her hair. “You’ll be starting university in a few weeks. That will keep you busy. You’ll forget all about me in a matter of days.”

“How can you say that? I’ll never forget you. Ever. And I’m not even looking forward to college. I don’t know what I want to do with my life. College seems like such a waste when I have no direction. I feel so lost.”

They stared out at the shimmering lake. After a minute, Becca broke the silence. “There must be some way to see each other, isn’t there?”

He didn’t say anything, but she already knew the answer. They would try for a while, but the reality was that they were from different parts of the world, with very different lives.

Becca continued. “You have all my info in your new phone. We can call each other and email.” She held his hand in hers and trailed her fingers over his palm, trying to remember every detail about him.

Nikolai sighed, sounding defeated. “We can try, but I’m afraid that as soon as I return to Mondovia, my parents will either put me on lockdown, or ship me off to boot camp before I create any more media problems. In either case, I won’t have much access to a phone for a while. I’m afraid that I won’t be leaving Mondovia again for a very long time.”

He pulled her close and didn’t speak. She shared his anguish.

“How can they be so cruel? Don’t they realize this is your life?” His parents were taking away every option of them seeing each other again. Even if she could figure out a way to return to Europe, he’d be far from her reach.

“No, they don’t see it that way. They’ve dedicated their lives in service to the crown. They expect me to do the same.”

“That is so wrong. You have to do something. You can’t let them force you to do things you don’t want.”

“Right. And how should I do that? Run off again, get myself an apartment, and try to find a job?”

“Sure, why not?”

“For starters, I don’t have too many skills other than shaking hands, playing polo, and fencing.”

“If you could do anything, what would it be?”

Nikolai played with a lock of her hair. “I’d love to live a normal life for a while, and travel on my own without advisors and security. When I took off, which I had to do because I was suffocating, I met you.”

He caressed her arm with the pad of his thumb. His sad blue eyes gazed into hers. “Beautiful, feisty Becca getting lost in foreign countries and not even worried about it. You are so fearless. I couldn’t have wished in a million years to meet someone as perfect as you.”

Becca shook her head in disbelief. Nikolai lifted her face to his.

“I thought I was running away, but it turns out I was running to you. Becca, you’ve made my life worth living again and now I have to leave you. This is killing me. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Ever.” He held her tighter and kissed her temple.

“How can you say that when you’ve been surrounded by so many girls from titled families?”

“It’s probably because of that. Anytime I meet a girl, I never know if she is scheming to become the next princess of Mondovia or if she just wants to kiss a prince. You’re the real deal, Becca.”

Becca wanted to weep with joy. She didn’t know he felt so strongly, which made saying good-bye even worse. “I must say, I rather like kissing a prince.”

She tilted her face up and he obliged her. She’d never been so happy and sad at the same time. Nikolai was unlike any guy she’d ever met. He wasn’t an immature kid who thought more about garage bands and souped-up cars than he did about his girlfriend. Nikolai had humor and a generous spirit. Even though he lied about his identity, she understood now how difficult it must be for him to have the world think of him only as a crown prince.

After a short ride back to the boat, Becca tried to hold herself together as Nikolai led her toward the dock and the
Bolero
. Neither trusted themselves to speak. They’d decided to say good-bye here, tonight, and put each other out of their misery. She would be disembarking early the next morning and there would be too much chaos for more than a quick farewell.

They stopped near a light pole. Nikolai faced her, linking his fingers with hers. “God, Becca. I can’t imagine tomorrow without you,” he whispered and leaned his forehead against hers.

Becca fought back her tears. This was it. In another few minutes he’d be gone and she’d never set eyes on him again. He’d changed her life so much in less than a week.

“Oh, Nikolai, I don’t want to leave you.” She released his hands and hugged him, afraid she’d forget the touch of his body, his musky scent, and the feel of his strong arms around her.

He cradled her head against his chest then tilted her chin up and kissed her tenderly.

She sighed against him. “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but I’m going to. I’ve felt it for a while, but kept pretending it wasn’t real. If I don’t say this now, I may never get another chance.

“I love you, Nikolai. I really do.” She kissed his lips. “I hope that doesn’t freak you out.”

Nikolai gazed at her with adoring eyes and held her face in his hands. “Oh, Becca, I was afraid it was only me. I love you, too.” He kissed her again, and then pulled her into the comfort of his arms.

Tears rolled freely from her eyes, dampening his shirt. He loved her, too! With this revelation, her pain multiplied. This was like an old fairy tale played out in modern times. The prince falls in love with a commoner, and they are ripped apart. Only this was worse, because it was happening to her.

With her face pressed against his chest, she could feel the beat of his heart. His chin rested against her cheek. The end of their world was coming and she couldn’t stop it.

“Becca!” She heard her name called in the distance. Panic struck. She wasn’t ready to say good-bye. “Nikolai, I can’t go yet. It’s too soon.”

“I know,” he whispered in her ear and held her close.

“Becca!” She recognized Dylan’s voice.

She didn’t want her brother to see her a sloppy, emotional mess. She looked at Nikolai with damp eyes. “He’s not going to go away.”

“It’s going to be okay,” Nikolai said, wiping away her tears.

She called out. “Yeah, Dylan, I’m coming. Just give me a sec.” She sniffled and tried to dry her cheeks. Nikolai gazed at her with such love. How could he be so strong when his future would be so bleak?

“Hey, guys,” Dylan said. “Oh, sorry.” He sobered when he saw Nikolai’s pained expression and Becca’s tearstained face.

“Hi, Dylan,” Nikolai said in a subdued voice.

“What’s up?” Becca asked, drawing a calming breath.

“Dad got a call from his office. They’ve been trying to reach him for a couple of days. Apparently some important negotiations are falling apart, and they need him back at work right away.”

“We’re leaving tonight?” Could things get any worse?

“No, tomorrow. I wanted to make sure you knew in case you were hoping to meet up in Munich.”

“So instead of going to Munich, we’re going home?”

“That’s the plan. Except Vicky couldn’t get all of us on the same flight at such last-minute notice. She and Dad leave here first thing. You and I don’t fly out until the afternoon.”

“Then I could see you tomorrow for a while after all,” Nikolai said.

More time together was definitely good news, but it was far from good enough. It was like pouring salt in the inevitable wound of saying good-bye. She forced a weak smile.

“You knew you’d have to say good-bye eventually,” Dylan said.

“I know. It just sucks.” She had a connection with Nikolai that she couldn’t bear to break. “What time do we fly out tomorrow?”

“Four twenty in the afternoon. Why?”

Becca chewed on her bottom lip and glanced from her brother to Nikolai and back. “What if we missed the plane?”

Dylan stared at her. “Are you serious?”

“Dead serious,” she said.

Her brother broke into a huge grin. “Now that’s my kind of thinking! Becca, you make me proud.” He fist-bumped her.

“What are you saying?” Nikolai narrowed his eyes.

She turned to him. “I’m saying that we could spend more time together if you still want to.”

“Really? Because you shouldn’t tease a guy like that.”

“What are they going to do about it? They won’t know we aren’t on the plane until they get home.”

Dylan laughed. “You are evil, little sister.”

Becca shrugged. “Life’s too short not to have fun, right?”

“I think your brother and I have been a bad influence, but I’m not going to talk you out of it.”

“I can’t believe we’re really going to miss our plane on purpose!”

Nikolai pulled her in for a hug. “This is the best news ever. So when will you leave?”

“I don’t know. What do you think, Dylan?”

“You know what they say: go big or go home. I say we stick to our original plan. I’ll go to Amsterdam and you can go wherever it was you wanted to go. We can have the airline tickets rebooked for three days from tomorrow. I’ll put it on my credit card.”

“And I have mine, too, if we need it. This is totally going to work.”

“I’ve got to go call my friends and see if I can still join them. I’ll catch you later.” Dylan walked away with a bounce in his step.

Relief washed over Becca. She gazed at Nikolai, so amazed she had just won a few more days with him. “I don’t have to leave you, yet.” They both grinned like a couple of idiots.

“No, you don’t. Still want to go to Prague?” he asked.

“Sounds perfect.”

19

The
next morning, tour buses and shuttle vans pulled in and out of the drive next to the pier, carrying all of the
Bolero
passengers to their next destinations. Vicky fretted over Becca while the cab driver loaded all of Becca’s and Dylan’s luggage to be flown home with her dad and Vicky.

“You have everything you need for the day and the flight home in your carry-on? I figured it would be easier for you and Dylan to navigate the airport if you didn’t have to deal with all your other luggage, too,” Vicky said.

“I’m good. I have everything I need.” Becca’s bag held a change of clothes, a hoodie, and a few necessities.

“Passport? That’s the most important thing, that and your money. Keep it with you at all times,” Vicky reminded her.

“Got it. I will.” Becca patted her handbag, wishing they would hurry up and leave.

Her father sported a jacket and dress slacks as he transitioned back to the business world.

“Dylan, don’t be late to the airport. Be sure to leave with plenty of time,” he said.

“Yeah, Dad. We’ve got it under control.”

Becca stifled a giggle. Dylan was sort of telling the truth. They had it under control. Their control, not their dad’s.

“I feel terrible that I couldn’t get us all on the same flight, but we were lucky to get out this fast.”

For a split second, Vicky’s hovering concern reminded Becca of her mom. A twinge of nostalgia stabbed at her heart. She brushed it away, and let herself appreciate Vicky just a little bit for taking care of things.

“What are you going to do until you have to leave for the airport?” Vicky asked.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe have lunch in a nice café or go through those outdoor shops we saw yesterday.” Becca resisted the urge to scan their surroundings to see if Nikolai was here already and waiting for her.

“That sounds nice. Keep Dylan near you so you don’t get lost.”

Becca smiled weakly. Would they hurry up and leave already?

“All right then,” her dad said abruptly. “Vicky, I don’t want to miss our flight, we’d best get going.” Her dad nodded and climbed into the car.

“We’ll see you at the airport tomorrow morning.” Vicky startled Becca with an affectionate hug, something she never did, and then disappeared into the taxi. Becca’s own father didn’t bother to hug her, which justified her decision to lie and take off with Nikolai even more.

Becca and Dylan stepped back as the cab pulled away. “I can’t believe they’re leaving us alone in a foreign country.”

Dylan laughed. “Probably the last time they ever will.”

The taxi turned the corner. Becca scanned the area for Nikolai, but didn’t see him in the dispersing crowds. What if he’d been delayed again? What if he didn’t show up at all?

A quick shot of panic struck, but then Becca spied him crossing the parking lot looking all tall, blond, and gorgeous. He wore an easy smile and again she wondered how she could be so lucky to fall in love with such an amazing guy.

“Good morning.” He kissed her.

“Morning.” Her stomach danced with excitement.

Dylan lifted his backpack onto his shoulder. “Is this awesome, or what?”

“Awesome doesn’t begin to describe it,” Nikolai answered with a grin.

“So are we all set? You’ll have Becca back here in three days?”

“We’ll be here,” Nikolai reassured him. “Isn’t your father going to be terribly angry when he realizes you two had this preplanned?”

“Oh yeah, he’ll go ballistic. So, Becca. Don’t answer their calls unless you want to deal with the drama. I’m used to dealing with the big blowhole. Also, I’ll text you once I have the flight info. I’ll meet you at the airport for the flight home.”

“Perfect,” she said.

“I’ve got my phone, so call if you need to. And if this guy does anything even remotely out of line, let me know. I’ll come to Prague and kick his royal ass.”

Becca rolled her eyes. “Ignore him, Nikolai. Can we go now?” she asked, anxious to put miles behind them.

“Whenever you’re ready,” Nikolai said.

“I’ve been ready since last night.”

Dylan adjusted his backpack. “Have fun and I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks, Dylan.” She gave him a quick hug and couldn’t help but feel a little jittery that her brother was leaving her alone with a guy neither of them knew very well.

Dylan smiled and ambled off to meet up with his friends and catch a train to Amsterdam.

Nikolai slid his arm around Becca and led her to his cycle. He flashed his sexy eyes at her as he strapped her bag next to his on the back of the bike.

Her stomach fluttered. What would the next days bring?

“Check this out.” He pushed a new edition of the gossip magazine in her hands.

Becca’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God!”

She stared at a cover picture of her and Nikolai kissing at the lake—in their underwear.

“Now you’re famous, too.” He raised an eyebrow, took the magazine away, and stuffed it back in his pack.

She stood, shocked from seeing her image on a magazine cover with none other than the Prince of Mondovia.

“I couldn’t resist showing it to you before we took off. Here. I picked up a second helmet for the trip. I need to keep you safe and I figured we should both keep our faces hidden.”

Becca pulled on the bulky helmet, climbed on behind him, and settled into the seat as he started the engine. She wrapped her arms around Nikolai, still stunned and giddy to be riding off with her prince.

It wasn’t yet noon as Nikolai crossed over a stone bridge into the Prague city center. The two-hour ride had gone fast. He still couldn’t believe how perfectly things worked out.

He maneuvered the motorbike onto the main boulevard, Wenceslas Square. He’d done some research last night on the main attractions in Prague, and this was one of them. The square seemed a good spot for them to take a break and get their bearings.

Upscale hotels, restaurants, clubs, and stores lined the famous road. He drove to the end where an enormous statue of a man on horseback overlooked the square. He turned onto a side street that boasted more moderate pubs and shops, and parked.

Becca hopped off the bike and struggled removing her helmet.

“Let me.” Nikolai nudged her hands away and worked the chin strap, his fingers brushing against her soft skin. “There you go.”

She pulled the helmet off. “That was fun!” she said, her hair mussed and eyes bright.

He laughed. “It was. I thought we could stop here, grab something to eat, and figure out what we want to do next.” He unstrapped their backpacks to bring along with the helmets.

“This is so beautiful,” she said of the centuries-old buildings, ancient streetlamps, and cobblestone roads.

“Isn’t it just like every other city you’ve seen this week?” He loved her unrestrained joy over the smallest things.

“I guess so, but now I’m here because I really want to be.” Her amber eyes gazed at him.

Nikolai leaned over and kissed her. “Good.” He’d been shocked when she’d decided at the last minute to ditch her flight and come to Prague. He felt responsible for her disobeying her father and hoped she wouldn’t end up in too much trouble.

They selected a little restaurant with outdoor tables. He led her inside, away from prying eyes. “Now that it’s not only my face, but yours, too, hitting all the newspapers, we need to be more careful.”

On a wall in the entryway, a rack displayed tourist brochures and information. Nikolai selected a map, and after ordering lunch, spread it across the table.

“You don’t expect me to read that, do you?” Becca eyed the map.

“No. I’ll handle all the navigating.” He winked. “I want to figure out which hostel we should try.” He consulted a slip of paper with the address of three hostels that weren’t too far away. They ordered chicken kebabs with roasted potatoes, and sodas.

Becca fetched the magazine from his pack. “I can’t believe we’re on the cover. Look, you can even see my freckles.”

Nikolai grinned. Becca looked sexy as hell in the photo. “Now I’ll have a picture of you in your underwear to enjoy forever.”

Becca’s cheeks turned rosy. “Thank God my dad didn’t see this. I can’t even imagine what he’d think. He’d probably never believe it. Then again, once he gets Dylan’s message that we aren’t going to be on the next flight, he’ll probably have a coronary.”

“What do you think he’ll do?”

“Probably the world’s longest lecture and guilt trip. ‘I expected better from you.’ Stuff like that.”

Nikolai knew he’d get even more grief when his parents saw this new round of photos. It was bad enough to run off, but now pictures of him in nothing more than underwear and a beautiful girl in his arms . . . that would raise a whole new level of disapproval. This was one more reason he was so reluctant to go back, but his money was running low, and if he kept getting recognized, so would his time with Becca.

“So what does the headline say?” she asked, struggling to decipher the German language printed on the magazine cover.

He cringed.

“What? Tell me. It can’t be that bad.”

He shook his head and recited the headline. “Loosely translated, it says ‘Heir He Is, Naughty Nikolai!’”

“It does not!”

“Sadly, it does.”

“What are your parents going to think, or better yet, what will the king say?” She giggled.

Nikolai wished it were funny, but it really wasn’t. “I assure you they won’t be laughing.” He felt his parents’ leash tightening.

“Read some more.”

He sighed, picked up the magazine, and read aloud.

“‘The palace remains silent about the missing prince, but insiders say fury reigns. Prince Nikolai, the newly crowned Mondovian bad boy, has been spotted time and again celebrating an impromptu holiday. The question now is where will he pop up next? Who is the mystery girl? And when will the king put an end to Nikolai’s uncharacteristic folly?’”

He tossed the magazine down.

“Yikes.” Becca reached for his hand. “I’m sorry.”

“It was bound to happen eventually. I just loved being anonymous for a while.” He squeezed her hand.

“Now that we’re in a different city and not even near the Danube, we should be safe, don’t you think?”

“I hope so.” But the oppressive weight of the monarchy grew near. He just needed three more days with Becca, and then he’d force himself home and beg forgiveness.

After lunch they rode to the hostel closest to Old Town, but there were no vacancies. They discovered the second hostel tucked in a neighborhood near old mansions and government buildings.

Nikolai stopped at a crossroad and did a double take. His chest tightened.

He tapped Becca’s leg and pointed across the street. They both raised the face guards on their helmets so they could talk to each other.

She spoke. “Is that . . .”

He finished for her. “The Mondovian Embassy.”