Page 29 of My Valiant Princess

Dylan edged closer to Allegra, and she welcomed his silent support. She tried to think back, but her parents had always been distant. She’d thought their lack of attention was because of their busy schedules.

“Was it true?” she asked.

“Not exactly. The king’s younger brother had an affair, and you were that child,” Maria said. “The king’s brother and his lover were murdered, but with his dying breath, your father asked the king to raise you.”

“Who knew about this?” Allegra asked, trying to make sense of everything.

“Few,” Andreas said. “Gabriel told us when he informed us we couldn’t let you take over as the ruler because you weren’t of royal blood.”

“But it sounds as if I was a baby when I came to the chateau,” Allegra said. “What changed?”

Maria snapped her fingers. “That might’ve been when someone tried to shoot Pierre. Your father, or rather your uncle, had continual clashes with him. They disagreed on the direction the kingdom should take to secure the future. The king wanted Pierre to marry. Pierre refused because he didn’t like the candidates, and there was the failed assassination attempt.”

“You’re implying my brother didn’t trust his father,” Allegra said.

Andreas nodded. “That was the impression I received.”

“Well, I’m here and have restored the runes to their rightful place.”

A burst of color greeted her words, a sense of approval wafting through the chamber.

“You’re also wearing the ruler’s ring,” Maria said with a smile.

Andreas nodded. “You will be good for the kingdom.”

“Why didn’t you stop Gabriel and the others?” Dylan asked.

“Two against four. We could only support the princess and vote against the rest of the council. When you disappeared, we feared the worst,” Andreas said. “We’re glad you’re back. We will support you as always.”

Allegra inclined her head. “Thank you.”

“Can we do anything else to help?” Maria asked.

“We will meet here tomorrow,” Allegra said. “It’s time to plan for Val-des-Loups’ future.”

“We are at your disposal.” Andreas bowed while Maria dipped in a curtsy. They left, leaving her alone with Dylan.

“You are amazing,” Dylan said.

The room glowed for an instant as if agreeing, and he grinned.

Allegra sighed and closed the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, putting every one of her emotions and feelings into the kiss. When their lips finally parted, he sent her a quizzical look.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I’ll miss you when you go home,” she said, a physical ache in her chest at the thought of parting.

He cocked his head. “Who mentioned going home? I thought I’d stick around and make myself useful. I talked to my boss, Rory, before we left and told him how I felt about you. He informed me I’d be a fool to let you go, and he’d ended up in Middlemarch because he’d followed his heart and Anita. I agreed with his assessment.”

Allegra blinked as a slow grin spread across his face. “You’re staying? But what about Esther? Your home? I thought you had commitments.”

“Allegra.” He brushed the hair away from her face. “You’re here, and you’ve become important to me. Esther will understand. I want to be with you, and we can visit Middlemarch as often as we want. I hope to share your bed and love you—if you’re agreeable.”

“Yes!” she shrieked, happiness filling her. “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

“Thank goodness for that.” Dylan winked at her. “Let’s seal our agreement with a kiss.” He dipped his head and kissed her long and deep, and the chamber pulsed in a storm of vivid color while the princess embraced her man.