Betraying the Prince

Betraying the Prince by Debra Kayn

Breathless Press Calgary, Alberta www.breathlesspress.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Betraying the Prince Copyright© 2011 Debra Kayn ISBN: 978-1-926930-63-3 Cover Artist: Justyn Perry Editor: Spencer Freeman All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

To Spencer – Thank you for making this story shine. You made every step enjoyable and easy. To hubs – Who makes me believe I can dance. To MLJJ – Dream big. Dream often.

Chapter One

“Hurry, Celina, I beg you. Prince Joqua summoned you five minutes ago.” Danika urged her older sister toward the curtained doorway. “The prince is going to be angry if you don’t start moving.” Celina guessed what awaited her beyond the door. She scowled at Danika. If only her mother had obeyed her wedding vows instead of running off with an American, she wouldn’t be here waiting to pay the price for her mother’s mistakes. Damn you, Mama. “Quit it, Danika. I’ll go when I want to go.” Celina lifted an eyebrow at her sister, daring her to push her too far. Danika bowed her head and stepped back. Turning toward the door, Celina took a deep breath and closed her eyes. I will be strong. Her papa must realize his idea verged on insanity. “Celina, I hear you breathing on the other side of the curtain. Come in now before I’m even more displeased with you.” The tinkle of bracelets worn on Celina’s slender wrists gave way to her arrival. She swept the curtain aside and strode into the room. Give me the strength to show Papa this is a bad idea. 1

Betraying the Prince The prince lounged on a heap of vibrant colored floor pillows, surrounded by a select few of his wives. She ignored the women and kept her gaze glued on her father. “You wanted to see me, Papa?” She stepped forward in a challenge. A low growl came from Prince Joqua, but his regal facial features never changed. He ordered his wives to leave him at once and waited until they exited to talk with his daughter. “Sit beside me, Celina, so that I might speak with you without getting a crick in my neck.” He patted one of the large pillows beside him. “As you wish, Papa.” Celina took her place beside her father and demurely batted her green eyes at him. “Stop the flirting, Celina. It will not get you out of fulfilling my wishes. What I have to say to you is very important. I do not wish for you to take this lightly.” Prince Joqua gave his daughter a warning look. “You are getting too old to play this game, and that is the reason why I have decided—” “I will not do it, Papa.” “Celina!” “I won’t, and if you love me—” “Don’t go there. I love you as if you were my own flesh and blood, and that’s why I’m doing this. I’ve sheltered you too long. You’re a woman. It’s time to set things right.” He pushed himself off the pillows and stood, looking much younger than his sixty-two years. “I have made all the arrangements. In two days, you will travel to America with Mr. Randall. You remember Mr. Randall?” Celina did not answer. She clenched her teeth together and raised her chin. She wouldn’t go. Papa will have to stone me first. “You will stay with Mr. Randall, and he will teach you the ways of an American.” “I am not American.” Prince Joqua’s breath hissed out between his teeth. Celina crossed her arms. No matter how much he tried to convince her that he only cared about her well being, she didn’t believe for a second that he cared enough to listen to her opinion. She was a princess. A woman. “Your mother wanted you to be an American.” She flinched. His words hurt, and cut deep. She hugged her waist and doubled over. Burning pain radiated from somewhere deep inside her and left a bitter taste in her mouth. 2

Debra Kayn “I’m nothing like my mother,” Celina snapped. She bowed her head. Angry tears pushed at the corners of her eyelids. Prince Joqua leaned over Celina and lifted her by the arms. She stood, and he ran his fingers under her eyes and wiped the moisture away. “You are more like your mother than you realize, and that is exactly the reason why I want you to have the life you deserve. You were not born to serve an Antakian male.” Prince Joqua held her face between his hands and forced her to look in his dark brown eyes. “She was a traitor,” Celina spat. “No, she was your mother. An American woman not brought up in the way of life she found herself. Not like an Antakian woman is brought up knowing her place.” He refused to let her duck her head. “You cannot place blame on your mama.” “But I was brought up as an Antakian, Papa. It’s all I know. Please—” “My mind is made up.” “But—” “No.” Prince Joqua kissed both of Celina’s cheeks, softening the harsh words he obviously forced himself to say. At twenty-two years of age, she should be married, not living under the prince’s watch. “Out with you now.” He nodded toward the door.

***

The door to the girls’ room slammed shut with such force it rattled the window. The other four young women in the room ranging from twelve to twenty years old stopped to witness Celina’s rage. Her chest heaved, and her breath came out in ragged gasps. The nerve of Papa sending her away from the only home she knew. The only people she called family. “It’s true, then. Our papa is sending you across the ocean to America?” Nari threw a smug look to her sisters. “Shut up, Nari.” Danika glared at her sister and hurried to Celina’s side. Celina looked at her sisters, each one beautiful with their long black hair, mocha skin, and exotic features proving their paternity. They were all special to her. Except Nari, who never let Celina forget she carried no blood of the Prince of Antaka in her body—while each of the other girls were truly their papa’s daughters, Celina was burdened with a bland complexion and dirty blonde hair. 3

Betraying the Prince “What did Papa say?” Danika placed her arm around Celina. “I leave in two days.” “No…” Tressa joined Danika in consoling Celina. “We will never see you again.” All the sisters, minus Nari, wailed and damned their father for doing this horrid thing to her. Here, entwined between her sisters, she found acceptance and vindication. “I’ll run away.” Celina swiped at her cheeks. The girls gasped and stepped back from Celina.  Going by their reaction, they acted as if she’d murdered someone instead of giving them hope they’d see her again. Celina shook her head. “Not here. When I get to America. Papa is too cruel. I’ll not become a sheep to any American wolf. They do not understand how to take care of an Antakian woman. They are… abusers and liars.” “But if Papa hears what you have done, he will cut off your foot in front of fifty witnesses.” Danika latched on to Celina’s arm. She bit her lip and cocked her head to the side. “I don’t believe there is a law about running back to Antaka, only away from the prince. He’s already pushed me away.” A shudder rolled down her spine, and she hugged Danika to her chest. “But the stories we have heard, they must be true.” “We must have hope. Punishments like in those stories haven’t happened in a long, long time.” Celina straightened her spine. At least not since Mama betrayed the prince. Damn her. “I’ll find a way to come back. I swear on my life.” Celina kissed each of her sisters’ lips and sealed the promise. The morning of Celina’s departure, she woke up early to visit the holy grounds. She pushed through the gate that sectioned the cemetery off from the rest of the palace yard. She looked around, her gaze memorizing the prestige grounds. She’d miss the mix of sand and pebbles beneath her feet, and the endless sun that rarely went down. Her vision grew blurry and she blinked hard. Very few people mingled outside at this hour, and she tried to take advantage of the quiet time in the early morning when she could lose herself in her thoughts without one of her sisters bothering her. Across the yard, the dew still clung precociously to the blooms on the many flowered decorations adorning the graves. She inhaled deeply. The salt off the sea hovered in the air, reminding her there 4

Debra Kayn would be no other place that would ever compare to the small island of Antaka. Celina followed the nearest path and weaved between the markers atop the graves. She veered off to the back area, among graves unblessed by the prince, with one thing on her mind—to try to find her mother’s grave for the first time. For years, she sought this peaceful area, but her anger and refusal to accept an American mother kept her from hunting out her grave. To do so would be showing her too much attention. Attention a woman who betrayed the prince didn’t deserve. This morning was different. It might be the last time she ever sets foot on Antaka, and she had to see the grave for herself. A smooth, flat piece of copper identified each gravesite. She held her hand to her chest. Her heart raced underneath her palm. She must hurry or she’d change her mind. After she checked each grave, she still didn’t have any proof. She walked back through again, not willing to give up. She looked everywhere, and yet, no grave marked her mother’s place amongst the dead. Her shoulders drooped. Where did you lay her to rest, Papa? More people began to arrive for their daily visit with their deceased loved ones inside the holy grounds. Not wanting to talk with anyone, Celina cut behind the caretaker’s shed to escape notice. She pushed back the giant lilac bush overgrowing against the corner of the building and slid between the shrub and wall. She leaned over and squeezed below the branches. A familiar name scrolled across a marble tile beneath her feet brought her to a stop. She gasped. Natalia Rodriguez. It couldn’t be.  Why would her mother’s grave lay in the area of those blessed by the prince? Death by stoning broke all the laws, and her death had been a punishment issued by the prince himself. Surely the prince knew about the error of her burial. Why did he allow her to remain with the blessed? Celina stared down at the grave marker and wondered what possessed Natalia to lose her life for a traitor, especially to an American man who never came to look for his daughter. Damn them both. The courtyard bell gonged, announcing the start of the day for businesses at the market. Celina backed away from her mother’s grave and ran blindly for the high arched doors of the palace. Her unwanted thoughts attacked every good memory she yearned to hold close. If Papa took back the decision to send her away, she’d happily be doing her studies right now, instead of running from the past. 5

Betraying the Prince With her time on the island ticking away, she headed toward the palace wing where her brothers resided. Her siblings, no doubt, did not know about Papa’s plans for her. Her being a female, Papa probably thought the news of her leaving was too frivolous to inform the boys. Six brothers, starting at the age of seven and going up to the age of eighteen, lived in the opposite side of the palace from the females in the family. Each of the sexes lived in their respected wing and roamed freely without running into each other. Unlike her sisters, she attended school and had developed a closer relationship with them, despite the age difference. She was too old for school, but the prince had used her education as an excuse to keep her unmarried. Deep down, she believed she was unworthy of an Antakian husband because of her mother’s blood running through her veins. She peeked around the corner into the long hallway and waited until the corridor emptied of servants. The moment the coast cleared, she scurried through the hall and knocked on the boys’ door. “Hurry, hurry,” Celina whispered, glancing back and forth down the palace wing. If someone caught her in the forbidden area, all the girls suffered. The door opened, and Celina pushed her way inside and slammed the door. The corners of her brothers’ mouths tugged with merriment. She bowed her head quickly, and the boys scrambled for their trousers and shirts. “Celina, what are you doing here so early in the morning? Did you not do your homework again?” Niagre frowned. “I have important news.” Niagre motioned for the other boys to come and listen. Celina sucked in her bottom lip, and tears filled her eyes. “Why are you crying?” Beebe squeezed between the bigger boys and stood in front of her, staring up at her with big dark eyes showing his concern. She placed her arm around her youngest brother and drew him close, his warm spirit so loving and precious. Would he even remember her in years to come? At seven years old, he was too young to realize how important he was to her. “I’m leaving this morning for America.” The boys remained silent, except for the sniff Beebe let escape. Celina lifted her chin and placed her hand under Beebe’s petite one. Such a sad face gazed up at her. 6

Debra Kayn “I might not be coming back. If I don’t, I want you—all of you—to know how much I love you. You are my brothers in my heart.” She placed her hand on her chest. “And, there you will remain.” “What can we do?” Niagre asked. His hands planted on his hips. Already a man in Prince Joqua’s opinion, Niagre showed promise in his education of becoming the first male in line for the prince’s power. She cleared her throat and threw her arms around him. “Nothing. It’s what Papa has decided.” “Why couldn’t he have sent Nari instead? I don’t understand.” “Nor do I, but I must do what he wishes while on the island.” She shrugged. “You all understand the laws. There’s no getting around them without being punished.” Celina moved around the room and gave each boy a hug. She inhaled the musky scent she seldom got close enough to enjoy and promised herself she’d never forget them. Brave and strong, each one of her brothers stood in front of her, looking so much like the prince. She swallowed the lump of sadness. She wished only good things for each of them. Celina turned and walked toward the door. “I’ll never forget you.” She peeked out the door and turned back. “You will all grow up to be great men of Antaka.” The soft click of the door shutting behind her broke the tight control on her emotions. Gasping, she leaned against the wall and squeezed her eyes closed to block out the pain. How was she going to make it through the rest of the day? The goodbyes chipped away small pieces of her heart, and she wondered if anyone else had ever survived such heartbreak. Celina entered the girls’ room. Danika, Sera, and Tressa sat together on Celina’s bed. She crossed the room and joined them. “I do not want to say goodbye.” Tressa clung to Celina’s hand. “Then we will smile at each other and know in our hearts and souls that someday I’ll make it back to see you.” “Not me. Goodbye, dear sister. I hope you enjoy America.” Nari laid her head back on her pillow to catch a few more minutes’ sleep before someone ordered her out of bed. “Don’t mind her.” Danika waved her hand in Nari’s direction. “I for one would like it if she was the one going to America instead of you.” Danika cast an evil eye upon her rotten sister. Celina patted Danika’s hand. “I must see about gathering my things …” 7

Betraying the Prince She rose from the bed. Her clothes needed packing, and it would distract her from the rapid approach of her departure. The walk-in closet showed vacant areas where her clothes had previously hung. She rushed to the shelves reserved for her keepsakes and ran her hands over the bare wood. “I’m sorry, Celina.” Danika stepped up beside her. “He didn’t leave me one thing.” She gazed around trying to find something, any little thing he might have left for her to keep. “I’m sor—” She held up her hand. “No, it is not your fault. It will all work out.” She straightened her posture and took Danika’s hand into her own. “Come, it is time.” With proud and determined strides, she crossed the room and faced her sisters. She kissed each one without shedding a tear. She would survive. At the door, she lifted her chin and forced a smile. “I’ll be back someday.” The servants strolled past her without a second glance. She marched to the prince’s room. Her hands balled into fists, she only wanted to get this last goodbye over fast. “Linje, would you see if Prince Joqua will see me?” “I’m sorry, Princess Celina, but Prince Joqua is gone for the day.” Linje frowned. Celina raised her hand to her chest, and then glared beyond the servant to the curtain shielding Prince Joqua’s room. She thought saying goodbye to her siblings was hard, but her father’s rejection cut deeper than anything she’d experienced so far. “Princess…are you all right?” She looked at the faithful servant and nodded her head. “Goodbye, Linje.” “Goodbye, Princess Celina.” Linje bowed. “Peace be with you.” She hesitated at the hall leading to the wives’ quarters, but pursed her lips and kept walking. Many years has passed since she’d relied on one of the mothers to help her. After all, none of them claimed her as a blood relative. She’d not let their goodbyes disappoint her too. Papa had always filled the vacancies left inside her from growing up without a mother—until now. Just the idea! How did he live with himself? Fathers did not ship their daughters off to a strange country with a business associate. He’d never do that with one of his other children, not without a mother coming to the child’s defense. She was all alone. 8

Debra Kayn Going by his age, Mr. Randall should be on his second or third set of wives already. Never in her life did she think her father wished her a life sentence as a third, or worse, a fourth wife. Did the years she spent with him mean nothing? “Princess Celina.” The distinguished-looking man ambled down the corridor, his heels clicking on the bare floor echoing against the tall ceiling and filling the silence. He stopped in front of her. She lowered her head out of respect, but caught a glimpse of a smile on his face. He appeared… pleasant. “How are you, dear?” “Fine, Mr. Randall.” She directed her gaze toward his feet. “Please, call me Charles. Once you are under my care in California, it’ll be perfectly okay to call each other by our first names.” She nodded. She did not understand the reasoning, but she understood change, whether she wanted it or not. “I would like to leave now, if it’s feasible.” “Sure. Yes. Prince Joqua has already arranged everything.” Of course. Her papa arranged many things—even her life plans. She figured he’d already have his private jet fueled and waiting to fly her off his island. Fine. She’d go and never set her gaze upon the man she called Papa again. Damn you, Papa. The courtyard bristled with movement, and Celina soaked it all in. Young men strummed their guitars with the hope of attracting the attention of women who stood around chatting in groups nearby. Small children played a game of skipper, where they jumped from square to square. Mothers sat on the stone benches and conversed with each other. “Celina, wait,” a voice called out.   Tressa’s mother, Marti, ran toward Celina. Her long gown billowed in the breeze sweeping off the ocean. The lump in Celina’s throat grew bigger, and for a moment, she took pleasure that a parental figure came to say farewell. “Celina.” Marti grabbed Celina’s hands. “I wish you well, daughter.” Daughter. The casing she placed around her heart threatened to crack over the endearment. Here was the one person who might be able to answer the question she needed to ask. “Marti, can you tell me why my mother was buried with the blessed in the Holy Ground?” She squeezed Marti’s hands and searched her face for the answer. 9

Betraying the Prince Marti drew back her hands and acted wounded. Celina reached out and picked up Marti’s hands again. She ignored the onlookers who gathered around them, curious about the prince’s daughter. “Please, Marti, it is important to me,” Celina begged. “It’s the only thing I want to know before I leave here, never to come back.” Marti stepped closer to Celina, and keeping her head down, spoke to her in a low voice, no one would overhear. “It’s not something I can speak of. Your father forbids the people to tell you the truth.” “The truth? What is the truth?” Celina shook Marti’s hands and tried to coax the secret out of the woman. She deserved to know what everyone else knew. “I must go. I’ll miss you.” Marti pulled her hands away and leaned over to kiss her on the cheeks. “Marti, I beg you. Tell me before I leave.” “Find the truth, Celina. Find the truth about your mother,” Marti whispered in her ear. The chatter of conversations came back to Celina, who became aware of the eyes trained on her. Mr. Randall waited patiently. What truth? She knew the truth…didn’t she? The stories she’d heard growing up about her mother never included her ever being buried in the blessed area. Did the Antakians know Natalia was buried in the wrong area? Shaking her head, she gazed up at the palace one last time. It’s off-white masonry smooth with age and the abuse of sand and salt stood majestically against the almost barren landscape of the island. This was her home where her family would stay all their lives. Never before had she felt so alone. She turned and nodded at Mr. Randall. “We can proceed, Charles.”

10

Chapter Two

The pilot’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker of the airliner and thanked them for flying. At the end of the flight, Celina’s hands no longer gripped the armrests on each side of her, and she was able to breathe again without the tightness in her chest hurting each time. Glad to arrive, she mused that the long flight between Antaka and America had spanned many miles. “Are you excited, dear?” She smiled at Mr. Randall, and turned her head to resume her observation of the other passengers on the plane. The clothing others displayed in public astounded her. The amount of skin they allowed to show shocked and fascinated her. No other person was dressed in a long flowing robe like hers, which covered the whole body. “My home—our home—is only a few minutes’ ride from the airport. Once we get you settled in and rested, I think we should sit down and discuss your father’s plans.” She nodded. Mr. Randall had talked a lot and filled her in on what to expect throughout the entire flight. He seemed helpful and courteous. 11

Betraying the Prince She’d known very little about the man before today. He did business with her father and shared meals at the palace on his trips to Antaka; He also seemed quite happy to take her to his home. Celina wasn’t a fool. She understood that American men took whatever they wanted and left at a moment’s notice. American women did it too. Her mother had. The words Nari often spoke came true. Papa thought her worthless of an Antakian husband, and now she must pay the price. Her future was with an American husband. An older gentleman with graying hair, a round stomach, and a smile that came easily to everyone he met. Had Prince Joqua sold her to the highest bidder, or did he simply throw her away like unwanted garbage? The roar of the jet slowed down and came to a stop. Celina clutched her hands together on her lap. Mr. Randall reached over and patted her leg. The contact comforted her; no butterflies flitted inside her belly, and it surprised her. She expected a rush of sensations, but his hand reminded her of Papa’s. Not a touch from someone she expected to share a bed with soon. People crowded the airport, zigzagging in front of her. She tried to stop and pay attention to them, but the current of travelers racing by pushed her along the corridor. All the different skin colors and odd assortments of dress hypnotized her. She stared. She wanted to remember every detail of the different fabrics and colors. The tales of her adventure would entertain her sisters for days. She tried to listen to conversations, but Mr. Randall ushered her through the airport. Even in different languages the people behaved in a manner unfamiliar to her. The men talked to women, and women walked ahead of men down the long hallway. The experience was both dizzying and confusing, as if caught between a nightmare and a dream. “Here’s my driver.” Mr. Randall motioned her forward to the doors swinging in a circle. She set a foot out, but the floor moved. She jumped back and nearly got her dress caught in the door. “I guess you have never walked through a revolving door.” Charles laughed and grabbed Celina’s hand. He pulled her into the contraption beside him. “Just for fun, let’s ride it around in a circle, and when you think the moment is right, go ahead and jump off outside where you see that car parked.” He pointed to a black limousine. She held still; only her eyes moved trying to make sense of the moving door. She counted the seconds between openings, and tried 12

Debra Kayn to guess the exact moment that the door opened. On the fourth time around, Charles encouraged her by chanting, “Go, go, go!” She took a deep breath and jumped out. The tinkling soft sound of her laughter surprised her, and she covered her mouth with her hands. She did it! The heat outside the airport blasted Celina, and she tugged at the material around her neck. She turned to observe how Mr. Randall handled the heat and lost him in the crowd of people who exited the airport. It would serve Papa right if the moment she stepped down on American soil Mr. Randall lost her. Damn you, Papa. The partition carried Mr. Randall around to face Celina. He walked out and joined her on the sidewalk. Her eyebrows rose. Impressed with his ability to make the entrance seem effortless, Celina clapped, and he gave her an elegant bow. “Don’t worry. You’ll be a pro at it in no time.” “Your home has doors like this?” She half hoped it did. He shook his head. “Gracious no, but we do have an elevator in my office building downtown. A box carries you way up in the air and brings you back down to the ground. You can ride that whenever you want.” An elevator? The thought of such mechanical wonders intrigued her. Back home, fabric usually hung on the doors, and no one built fun exits on them. A man dressed in a black suit opened the rear of Charles’ car, and Celina entered first. She scooted to the far side of the seat, and Mr. Randall directed the man to drive them home. “Would you like a drink?” He opened a little cabinet door inside the car. She leaned to check the labels on the bottles, but from her position, they appeared blurry. “I would like water, if you have any, please.” The plastic bottle of water chilled her hand, and she debated if it would seem improper to lay the bottle against her cheek to cool off. The heat from outside resembled the steam rooms back on Antaka. No wonder the women here chose to wear such little clothing. The stretch limousine pulled up to a stately, two-story brick house surrounded by trees with leaves the size of pumpkins. Although attractive, the house appeared much smaller than the palace, yet bigger than the size of the common people’s homes back on the island. The driver turned off the engine and opened up the back door. She stepped out into the heat. Charles held her hand, and together they walked up the steps to the front door. 13

Betraying the Prince “Let’s go in and get you settled. I think you will enjoy your room. The air-conditioner keeps the house cool, and you can escape from the heat outdoors until you get used to it. Before long, you’ll be an old hand at handling the weather.” She let Mr. Randall guide her through the double doors. She stood inside and clutched her small bag—her only possession from home— and surveyed Charles’ home. The walls lacked the adobe texture and cloth hangings and appeared to wear a light green color. Figurines littered the wooden tabletops—men on horses and miniature battle cannons. The chandelier alone impressed her, with all the jeweled glass hanging from it. Did diamonds hang from every home in America? Obviously, this house belonged to a stranger, and she didn’t belong. “Celina, may I introduce you to the lady who runs the ship around here.” Charles motioned a woman into the foyer. “This is Mrs. Stevenson. If you have any questions and I’m not available, she can help you.” Celina bowed her head toward Mrs. Stevenson. The woman’s eyes crinkled at the corners, and her kind smile welcomed Celina. “It’s nice to meet you, Celina.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mrs. Stevenson.” The woman appeared much older than her, around Mr. Randall’s age. Probably his first wife. Charles smiled at Mrs. Stevenson and patted Celina’s shoulder. “Mrs. Stevenson, why don’t you show Celina to her room and see her settled. I imagine she’s tired of putting up with my company. The trip was long for both of us, and I personally need a nap.” Charles placed his hands on his lower back and stretched. “This way, Miss.” Mrs. Stevenson walked up the stairs, and Celina followed. Her hand slid along the wood banister. She marveled at the smoothness of the wood, polished to a shine. Portraits adorned the walls of the upstairs hallway, but Mrs. Stevenson walked too fast, and Celina couldn’t tell if any of the faces belonged to Charles. “Here we go. If you remember that your door is the fourth one on the left, you’ll have no trouble finding your room until you get to know the layout of the house better.”

14

Debra Kayn The door swung open without a sound. A beam of light cast its way out into the hall and landed on Celina’s feet. Curious, she stepped forward and peered around the room. A huge bed with four posts on each corner sat against the far wall, covered by a plush blanket resembling the beige and white rolling hills of sand back home. The cover was at least six inches thick, and beckoned her to lie down and rest. Four pillows, equally thick and plush, matched the soft printed fabric of the monster blanket on the bed. To the left, a dresser with a mirror above it stood against the wall opposite the single window. Tucked into the corner next to the bed was a bench covered in throw pillows that gave view to the outside from the three windows surrounding it. If only she’d brought one of her beloved books with her. The bench provided the perfect spot to relax and forget that she was no longer in her own country. She stepped into the room and ran her hand over one of the many hairbrushes in the tray on the dresser. “There’s a walk-in closet and an attached bath, so you’ll have everything right at your fingertips. If you come across anything else you need, just let me know. I can remedy the situation immediately. I know Mr. Randall wanted everything to be perfect for you.” Mrs. Stevenson swept her arm around the room. Celina set her small bag on the dresser and peeked through the door leading to the closet. Clothes lined the walls, and at least twenty pairs of shoes stood on the floor. “Wait,” Celina called out to the retreating elder. Lowering her voice, she asked, “How many other women do I share this room with?” “Other women?” “Yes, the other wives of Mr. Randall, do they sleep in this room too? Are these their clothes?” She pointed at the closet. Surely, this room served others too. “Oh, gracious no. Those are yours. Mr. Randall bought everything you should need, and that includes clothes more appropriate for life in California and the weather here. I believe that was part of the agreement between the prince and Mr. Randall. He’s to see to your every need.” Celina’s hands tightened on the material of her dress at her hips. “For me?” She looked back at the clothes in the closet. Charles expected her to wear American clothes? 15

Betraying the Prince “Yes, dear. I’ll help you when you want to change clothes. Just push this blue button right here by the door and speak into the box. I’ll be able to hear your voice without you leaving your room.” Celina nodded. The box compared to a telephone, she understood that. “I know there is a lot to take in at once.” A look of compassion passed over her face. “Rest, and when you feel refreshed, everything will be easier.” The click of the door as Mrs. Stevenson left brought a new sensation to Celina. Alone in a strange country. Everything Antakian stripped from her, similar to how someone goes to jail for many, many years. Would she still be the same person in six months? A year? I’ll never forget who I am, and where I come from. As she took in her new home, Celina unbuttoned her long, heavy dress—the same kind she wore every day in Antaka—that fell from her figure and puddled to the floor. She picked the dress up and hung it on a hook she found in the closet. Like all Antakian women, the dress was the only thing she chose to wear. Although a female hid her body from males, when alone or in the vicinity of the other women, she lounged around nude. She walked over to the bed and stood beside it, wrinkling her mouth to the side as she contemplated how she should sleep in such a grandiose bed. If she slept on top of the massive blanket, she’d need to cover herself from the chilled air in the room, but if she crawled under the blanket, she feared the blanket might suffocate her. She rubbed her arms. Under the blanket it will be. She swept the blanket back, surprised it weighed less than she thought, and slid into the bed. She curled up on her side, pulled the covers over her shoulders, and stared at the wall. The last time she slept, she lay beside her sisters. She longed for the sound of Nari complaining, or Danika giggling to keep everyone awake. Disconnected, she eyed the phone on the bedside table. The idea to call the palace and hope someone answered came to her, but she doubted anyone who answered would allow her to talk with her sisters. She squeezed her eyes shut. Even in a different country, the prince found displeasure in the choices in her head. Damn, you Papa. The first tear fell, slid across her nose, and landed on the pillow under her head. She let the other tears fall, but with each teardrop she feared she lost a little part of herself. A part of Antaka. 16

Debra Kayn A faint knock woke Celina. Did she sleep, or just lay down for her nap? She threw back the covers and walked to the door. She dragged her feet across the carpet and opened the door. Mrs. Stevenson stood on the other side, her mouth open and her hand poised to knock once more. Celina opened the door wider and stood back to allow her to enter. Mrs. Stevenson stepped in and hurried to shut the door. “Celina, why in heavens aren’t you dressed?” Looking down at her naked body, she raised her eyebrows. Wasn’t it obvious? “I was sleeping when you knocked on my door.” “Good gracious, what if Mr. Randall knocked on your door?” Mrs. Stevenson turned from Celina and busied herself rearranging the items on the dresser top. The older woman kept her back to Celina, and with a moment of clarity, Celina realized her body embarrassed Mr. Randall’s wife. She hurried over and grabbed her dress off the hook. “No, Celina! I mean…no.” Mrs. Stevenson hurried over to the closet. “The clothes in the closet are yours to wear. There’s no need to wear such a dress here in California.” Softening her words, she added, “You’d fall right over with heat shock wearing such a heavy dress. I’ll help you pick out something more comfortable to wear.” Mrs. Stevenson walked into the closet and ran her hands over several outfits. She lifted one dress off the bar and held it up for Celina’s inspection. Celina’s brows drew together, and she bit down on her bottom lip. Mr. Randall couldn’t expect her to wear something so sheer. The light fabric would show every outline of her body. And, the sleeves! They were much too short. “This will look lovely on you. It will accent those green eyes of yours.” “I couldn’t…it would show too much.” “But dear, everyone dresses this way. Look at me, an old woman, and my arms and legs are showing.” Mrs. Stevenson flapped her arms and stuck out her leg. “In this kind of heat, you need something light and airy.” Celina bit the side of her cheek. She let her eyes wander from Mrs. Stevenson to the dress she held. She’d never seen such pretty material. “Okay, I’ll wear your dress.” Mrs. Stevenson’s hand flew to her chest, and she giggled, appearing younger than her age. The older woman’s laughter filled the room 17

Betraying the Prince with good cheer and sounded wonderful to Celina. A grin popped out on Celina’s face, and she relaxed. “Not my dress. I’m afraid we could fit two of you in this old thing.” Mrs. Stevenson pulled at the material at her waist. “All these clothes in the closet are yours, and every day you can pick something new to wear.” “All mine?” Celina frowned. “Yes, dear. Mr. Randall is quite generous.” “Yes, I would say so. I wondered if I had to wear the dress I arrived here in the whole time I’m in America.” Celina laughed at herself. She realized now why Papa removed her clothes. She ran the fabric between her fingers, marveling at the silkiness. Not finding a zipper, Celina held it over her head and let it fall onto her body. She looked down and inspected herself. “Oh…!” “I think I see the problem.” Mrs. Stevenson fought back another giggle. She turned back into the closet and came back holding a bag. “Here you go. You wear these to cover your breasts. That way they don’t poke through the dress for everyone and their dog to see.” “Their dog?” “Just a figure of speech, dear. Let me see what sizes we have,” Mrs. Stevenson said, sorting through each garment. “Now, you put this upside down under your breasts, like this.” Mrs. Stevenson held an odd shaped cloth bag up against her ribs. “Then you reach back here and slide the clips together.” Trained in Kama Sutra—which she did along with her sisters every evening—did nothing to help Celina coordinate her arms into latching the two metal clips behind her back. She groaned with effort, and Mrs. Stevenson reached over to help her. Ack, it is so tight. “What kind of torture is this?” “It won’t be torture after you are used to it, dear. The companies who designed the bra stress that wearing one every day will keep your breasts firmly uplifted for the rest of your life.” Celina cocked an eyebrow and looked down at her chest. Mrs. Stevenson snorted. “You are right not to believe it. Gravity and age does take effect with or without wearing one, but at least you will be decently covered around other people, right?” Celina nodded. She wasn’t totally convinced, but so far, Mr. Randall’s older wife seemed sincere in her actions. The contraption pinched her skin, restricting her breathing.

18

Debra Kayn “There, just what I thought. You wear a 34C. Remember those numbers, and we’ll pick you up more bras.” “Bras?” “Yes, they are called bras. These are panties.” She held up another garment. “You wear them here, under your clothes.” The panties went on without struggle, and she heaved a sigh. Walking over to the mirror, she posed and admired her new clothes. Her body looked odd, her breasts higher than usual, and the bra squished them closer together. The area between her breasts fascinated her, and she stuck a finger down in the valley. Mrs. Stevenson cleared her throat. “Let’s get this dress on now and see if you feel better about wearing it.” The lightweight lavender dress fell to her knees, fitting every curve on her body and floated around her without having the heaviness of her everyday dresses. She rubbed her arms. She never experienced the sunshine on her arms, and the idea appealed to her. “Where do you wear a dress like this?” “You can wear this dress anywhere. When you go shopping, to a friend’s house, a dinner date, or around the house.” Mrs. Stevenson picked up the hairbrush on the dresser, motioned for Celina to sit on the bed, and began to brush Celina’s hair. She started to relax. The gentle tug of the brush released the tension in her shoulders, and she found herself more tired than before her nap. Danika often helped brush her thigh-long hair, and she did Danika’s in return. “All the clothes in your closet can be worn wherever you go. There will be times when there is a party, and you might wear something fancier…just a second.” Mrs. Stevenson stopped brushing and disappeared back into the closet. “Something like this.” Longer than Celina’s dress, this one might reach the tops of her feet, and appeared sleek and silky. Celina drew in a breath, and her eyes widened. Where did one find such beautiful, rich material? The fabric, the color of the ocean, displayed little sewn-on sparkling circles that shimmered in the light of the room. Her hand automatically reached out toward the material, but she caught herself. “I’ll go to parties?” She cocked her head. “Yes, Mr. Randall attends a lot of parties.” Celina sat back on the bed. There were so many things to think about, too many changes to understand. She shook her head. She belonged in Antaka. No matter the appeal of such luxury in America, she’d promised her sisters she would return to them. 19

Betraying the Prince “There. All dressed. Now let’s find you some shoes. Then we can go down and join Mr. Randall for dinner.” Celina nodded. She slipped on the beige flats Mrs. Stevenson handed her. Her insides growled, and she pressed her palms onto her stomach. She followed the kind woman out of the room. I wonder what Mr. Randall will do when he views my bare arms?

20

Chapter Three

The table in the dining room only sat eight people. She walked in and waited at the end of the table. His other wives must not eat with him. When did he spend time with them? At the head of the table, Mr. Randall sat alone with his head bent, reading a page of the newspaper. Mrs. Stevenson pushed Celina forward and cleared her throat. Mr. Randall looked up. “Princess … Celina, you look lovely. Sit. Sit.” Mrs. Stevenson motioned to a chair to the left of Mr. Randall. Celina took her seat and watched to learn where Mrs. Stevenson would sit, but she left the room. “Thank you, Mr. Randall…” Charles wagged his finger at her, and she nodded. “Thank you, Charles.” He smiled at her. “It will get easier and easier for you to get used to our customs, and before you know it—” 21

Betraying the Prince A slamming door drew Charles’ attention. He frowned, and Celina turned her head. At dinner time even her papa—damn him—hated interruptions. Whoever arrived had upset Charles. A whirlwind of motion sailed into the room, resembling the breeze coming off the ocean. He laughed and halted to a stop upon noticing Celina beside Charles at the table. He cocked his head and lifted an eyebrow at her. She turned away and peeked to the side, ashamed he caught her staring. His beauty outshone anything she’d ever seen. The man’s hair was a tad darker than hers, but had so many sun streaks throughout, it appeared to glow against his tanned skin. She bit her bottom lip. Tall and strong, he appeared confident and comfortable barging into the room where Charles was master. “What’s this, Father? I wasn’t told we were going to have such lovely company tonight.” The man stared at Celina with eyes bluer than the Indian Ocean back home. She bowed her head, keeping her gaze off the man. Mrs. Stevenson had said nothing about a dinner guest. Her stomach tightened, and she prayed Charles might forgive her for showing up at the dinner table with her arms bared. “Drake, this is Princess Celina, who I told you would be staying with us. Her father, Prince Joqua, would like her to be treated with the utmost respect.” Celina detected an underlying warning in the way Charles introduced her, but his face remained cheerful. “Celina, this is my son, Drake. He’s a likeable creature, but is often too busy having fun to make it home on time to have dinner.” His son? She willed her heart to slow down. Trouble would certainly come if Charles sensed how wildly it beat. Like the wings of a hummingbird, her heart rushed the blood to her face in a millisecond. Despite father and son sharing the same friendly smile, the resemblance ended there. She picked nervously at the fabric covering her lap. Drake stood much taller and relaxed than Charles, who came across more formal and proper. This…man, Drake, with his unguarded gaze, was no doubt dangerous to females. “Princess Celina.” Drake’s feet appeared beside her chair, and she glanced up to find his hand extended in greeting. What kind of man asked to touch her, especially with his father beside her in plain view? Celina brought her eyes up to Charles, afraid to move a muscle in case she did something terribly wrong and displeased him. 22

Debra Kayn “It’s okay, Celina. There’s nothing wrong with shaking hands between the sexes here.” Charles smiled. Celina glanced up at Drake and offered her hand. Like a puppet, he controlled her strings. His hand held hers, and he brought his other hand up to enclose her hand completely. She ducked her face and yanked her hand back to her lap. Tiny tingles erupted in her lower stomach. Charles’ son dared too much, especially in front of his father. No wonder the men did not touch the women on Antaka. If the touch of another’s hands launched a magical swirl of bubbles in the Antakian woman’s body, the people might usurp the prince. Although it couldn’t possibly happen to everyone, the times Charles touched her, it reminded her of Papa…fatherly. Would the same thing happen if Drake touched her again? She squeezed her legs together and sat straighter in her chair, head up. No. She would not touch him. “Here is our food. What are we having tonight, Mrs. Stevenson?” Charles rubbed his hands together. “Your favorite, of course.” Mrs. Stevenson winked, her smile lighting up her face. Drake sat down to the right of his father and directly across from Celina. Drake laughed, and Charles joined him. “Every kind of food is Father’s favorite. I don’t think Mrs. Stevenson has found a food he hasn’t liked.” Drake grinned over at Celina. Charles patted his stomach; a small pouch hung over his waistband. Celina bowed her head again and pressed her lips together. Her stomach fluttered in the most puzzling way. Dinner consisted of meat, potatoes, and corn. She wasn’t sure what kind of animal the meat came from, but it looked delicious. The appetite she lost when she left home returned in full force. She dug into the food that sat in the middle of the table. “Gravy?” Drake held out a cup for her. She cast another look at Charles, and he nodded for her to accept the gravy if she wanted some. She wasn’t sure what to do with it and held it above her plate. “Is it a soup?” she asked. Drake set down his fork and held out a roll. “Here, pour a bit of gravy over the roll and try it. You can add it to your potatoes, or over your meat. I like it best on rolls.” Picking up the ladle, Celina dribbled the gravy on her pastry without letting it run over the sides. 23

Betraying the Prince

ble.

Her tongue came out to lick her lips before carefully taking a nib-

“You like?” Celina bobbed her head. She filled the ladle with more gravy and drizzled it over her potatoes and meat. “It’s very good, thank you.” The men held up the conversation at the table, and Celina concentrated on eating. The talk turned to business, and she dug into her food again. It tasted wonderful and helped settle her upset stomach. “I’m going to throw a party, welcoming Celina to our house.” Charles cleared his throat. “It’ll be a good way to introduce her to our friends and widen her social circle here. Celina set her fork down. A party? For her? A wave of discomfort rode across her stomach. “But—” “No buts. You’ll be fine, and I have a plan.” Charles stabbed another bite of meat. It laid in her best interest to go along with Charles’ decisions, and not question her future husband. It perplexed her why strangers would throw a celebration for her. “I think it would be nice if Drake spent some time with you. You are both around the same age, and he could show you the places he likes to go. You could meet his friends…” “I would love to help her, but you have me running twenty-four hours a day at the company.” Charles chewed his food and waved his fork in Drake’s direction. “I know. That’s why I’m giving you a couple of weeks off. You can pal around with Celina. You deserve to have time off for covering for me while I went to Antaka anyway.” “Excellent. How about it, Celina? You want to be my partner in crime? Tear up the town? Set the streets on fire?” Drake asked, setting his napkin down on top of his plate. “No. I mean, thank you, but I couldn’t possibly—” “He’s teasing you, Celina. Everything you do will be legal and fun. Trust me.” Charles shook his finger at his son. “This is okay with you?” she asked Charles. “You think it is fine for me to be around your son? Alone?” She wanted him to understand her perfectly clear. She’d never heard of someone allowing another man around his woman. Even his own son.

24

Debra Kayn “Of course I do. You have to remember it is not going against the prince when you are in our country. This is what the prince wanted for you, remember?” Celina bowed her head and nodded. She would try to do as the Americans, if only to please Charles. “I don’t get it. What is forbidden in Celina’s country?” Drake asked. She lifted her head and found him directing his question to Charles. Charles wiped his mouth with his napkin, and Celina paused to catch if he chose to answer Drake’s question. For some unexplainable reason, she wanted to tell Drake the laws of her people. She knew them best. She was an Antakian. “Celina can probably explain it better than me. Go ahead, Celina. It will help Drake to understand what you are going through.” She swallowed and forced herself to look across the table. “The men and women in Antaka do not socialize together. I’m not to be touched by any male, unless it is my husband.” Unsure of her boldness, she bit her lower lip and shot a quick glance at Charles. He nodded, and her chest expanded. “This dress is not decent in Antaka. I’m usually clustered with the females in the family, and to be seen like this…” Heat came to her cheeks and she dropped her gaze. “Her father wishes her to learn to be comfortable doing the things American women do, including fitting in and dressing the way we all dress.” Charles winked at Celina. Drake had kept his eyes on Celina during his conversation with Charles. Something deep inside her soul wanted to break out, but she held her place at Charles’ table. For some reason, she needed this other man to understand, wanted him to view her as an Antakian. Not a freak. “How old are you?” Drake pushed his plate back and leaned on the table. “I’m twenty-two years old.” She ducked her head. Past the age of marriage in Antaka, her sister, Nari, might have announced. He softened his voice. “Here it is okay to talk with me, or any male. Everything we do, women do also. You don’t have to worry about not talking to certain people and are free to talk to a stranger on the street if you wish.”

25

Betraying the Prince “Drake is right, Celina. After a while, you’ll get used to how things work here, and I think you will like it. Even if it is different than how you were raised. This is what the prince wanted, you must remember that.” “He shouldn’t call himself the prince, with the laws he makes up,” Drake muttered. Celina gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. How dare he…blaspheme Prince Joqua! “Drake.” Charles shot his son a look to stop. “What? It’s a horrible injustice to raise someone, anyone, to fear life. Twenty-two…” Drake snorted. “Yet, there are fourteen year olds who are more socially inclined than her. Her father should be whipped.” “Enough.” Charles frowned at Drake. “Celina, I would like to apologize for my son’s lack of manners.” An unnerving silence moved its way around the dining room. Celina kept her gaze on her plate. Her eyes burned, and she refused to look at Charles’ son. She was mature! Just because she did not act like an American woman, didn’t mean she was…stunted. “Celina, I’m sorry.” Drake rested his elbows on the table. “I should not have spoken so rudely. When I think of all the women who have fought for years, here in the States, to gain freedom…To be treated an equal…” He reached over and lifted her chin. “You’re obviously a smart woman, a beautiful woman. You deserve to have everything you desire.” Tears balanced on Celina’s eyelids, and Charles cleared his throat. Drake let go of her, and she blinked to clear her vision. “Ah, here is Mrs. Stevenson with dessert.” Charles pushed his plate back to make room on the table. Mrs. Stevenson carried in a tray with three bowls of ice cream drizzled with hot fudge. Celina’s eyes widened. She loved hot fudge sundaes. “Your papa told me this was your favorite, and by the look on your face, I have a feeling he was right.” She nodded and awarded Charles with a smile. With no hesitation, she reached for the bowl of ice cream Mrs. Stevenson offered. When the three of them sat back in their chairs, relaxed, Charles turned his attention to Drake. “Son, why don’t you and Celina get to know each other. I need to take care of some business I got behind on while I was gone.” 26

Debra Kayn Celina stood up and walked out of the room without waiting for Drake. She struggled to walk, her legs weak and shaky. The last couple of days had caught up with her, and the plush bed and pillows up in her new bedroom called her name. “Celina, wait…I know you are probably tired from your trip, but would you like to sit out on the patio for a few minutes? I feel bad for upsetting you at the table. Sometimes I have no control over what comes out of my mouth.” She understood. Americans lacked control in everything. Celina followed Drake through the house and to the backyard, where he stopped outside next to a swimming pool. She followed his example and sat on one of the chairs scattered on the patio. “Feels good out here tonight. Not too hot. We get quite a breeze coming off the mountains, and when the sun goes down, everyone spends more time outside.” Drake looked at her, and she rubbed her arms. Not from the coolness of the night, but because he unnerved her. “You are going to get tired of hearing me talk if you don’t join in,” Drake teased, scooting his chair around to see her better. “I’m not used to talking to men.” Couldn’t he tell he’d upset her? She could damn the prince, but he needed to respect the prince. “Do you have brothers? Are you allowed to talk with them?” She nodded and paused. “Yes, I have six brothers. We speak to one another at meals.” For some reason, she wasn’t ready to confess how she snuck over to their room sometimes, and whispered during breaks at school. “Whoa. How many sisters do you have?” “Four. The prince has eleven children, counting myself.” She wasn’t sure Papa counted her amongst one of his kids anymore. “I’m sorry. You must be homesick. I didn’t realize how much family you left behind, and I made you feel worse with my behavior at the table.” Drake lowered his voice. “I’m sorry for insulting your upbringing.” She turned her head toward the hills in the distance and wiped away the one tear she couldn’t hold back. To change or not to change weighed heavily on her shoulders tonight. “What kind of things do you like to do?” Celina kept her hands in her lap, her ankles crossed. What if she told him about her life with the other women and she angered him again? 27

Betraying the Prince “I like to study. The other girls and I swim in the pool and gather in the courtyard to visit. I join the women a few days each week to sew our clothes. Sometimes, Papa takes a few of us out on the boat and lets us fish. I’m not very good, but I enjoy it.” A chirping noise in one of the bushes outlining the property became louder the more Celina talked. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Drake cocked his eyebrow at her. “That’s just a—” “Grasshopper. I know,” she gave up and smiled. “I’m afraid the grasshopper liked having the night to himself instead of listening to me talk.” Drake laughed, and Celina’s heart fluttered. “I’m really not so different than other women. I have dreams and thoughts. Being sheltered is something all Antakian women are raised to be…it doesn’t displease us, exactly.” She hated how it seemed important to her for Drake to know this. She wanted him to admire her, but guilt ate at her insides. She broke eye contact with him and gazed back out to the mountains. She must not forget she belonged to his father. The warm orange and dusty rose colors landing on the hills in the distance cast a shadow across the patio. The darkness would turn to daylight in the morning, and she knew her challenge of becoming an American would take longer than a night—if it happened at all. “What kind of studies did you have back home? Do you think you would be interested in going to college here?” “No, that’s not what I’m here for.” Her fingers wound together so tightly her knuckles turned white. “I don’t understand. You came here to experience America, right? A lot of people start college later than most.” Celina shook her head and kept her gaze down. Her future involved Charles and the children who followed their union. Her father would be pleased if she obeyed his wishes. Damn you, Papa. A familiar figure walked along the back of the property, following a path beyond the Randall’s’ yard. She recognized the person. “Where’s Mrs. Stevenson going this late at night?” “She’s going home. Do you see the little cottage farther down the path? Mrs. Stevenson lives there.” Drake pointed. How unfair! A wife should sleep within the safety of her husband’s house. She pursed her lips, not liking the possibility that one day she might walk to her own house, away from her husband. Her papa would never treat one of his wives with such indifference. 28

Debra Kayn “Why are you frowning?” Drake touched her arm and drew her out of her thoughts. She rubbed her skin where Drake touched her. His attention set her on edge. “Back home, a man keeps his wife inside his house. He offers her protection, comfort, and gives her anything she desires.” Drake smiled. The dimple in his right cheek revealed itself, tempting Celina, and she narrowed her eyes. She would not fall for his charm and repeat the same mistake her mother did. The wind picked up, and Celina shivered. Once again, Drake reached over and rubbed her arm. She froze. Up and down. Up and down. Instead of his ministrations warming her up, goose bumps broke out all over her. Her body betrayed her, and she stood. She needed the nerves inside her stomach to stop. She walked over to the side of the pool, slipped her shoe off, and dipped her toe in the water. At home, she might have gone swimming, but this pool sat out in the open where everyone walked freely. What if someone lusted over her body the way she heard men do back home? There would be no one around to protect her. Celina rubbed her bare arm where Drake had touched her so gently. His hands, strong and larger than her own, had a seductive quality that would tempt any woman. She squeezed the skin above her wrist, wanting to forget how she felt by his touch. She needed to protect herself from all Americans. They expected her to follow their moves like a snake charmer tames a poisonous snake. “Would you like to swim?” She shook her head. Why couldn’t he understand? It wasn’t proper for him to act the way he did. “You should stop. Your father would not like it.” “My father? What wouldn’t he like?” Drake stepped back to give her space. “You’ll have to explain that one to me, I’m afraid.” Smarter than either Drake or Charles gave her credit for, she’d not let them lead her around by their lies. She stuck her chin up in the air and pulled her shoulders back. She’d show him how an Antakian woman acted. “I’m going to marry your father, yet…you touch me and make me have jolts of energy inside my body. You ask me to go swimming with you and…” Anger reared its ugly head. Anger at Drake. Anger at Prince Joqua. Damn them both. 29

Betraying the Prince Her arms stiffened, and she clenched her fists. No one would change her from an Antakian woman. She controlled how she thought, and she’d not allow herself to lose control around Drake. She would not turn into her mother. Damn you, Mama. “Whoa. Settle down.” Drake grasped her upper arms, and she tried to pull away, but he held on. “You are twenty-two and you don’t recognize when you are attracted to someone?” “Of course I do, I’m not stupid. You shouldn’t look at me, touch me…It’s wrong.” Her chin rose in the air, and she narrowed her eyes. “I’m your father’s property.” Drake dropped his hands, cleared his throat, and stepped back. “My father owns you?” “Yes.” The stiffness went out of her, and she dropped her gaze. “He’s to be my husband.” Scratching his chest, Drake cocked his head. “I don’t know how to tell you this, Celina, but my father has a girlfriend he loves immensely. They’ve been together since my mother passed away when I was young.” Drake took a step toward Celina, but she stepped backward. Her foot didn’t touch ground, and her arms reached out, grasping for something to stop her fall. “Celina!” She held her breath. The tepid water engulfed her, and she sunk. Lower and lower. The bottom of the pool helped her push up, and her head broke the surface. Drake kneeled beside the pool with his hand out, grabbing for her. She tried to swim away, but her hair tangled around her arms. “Here you go. I got you.” The cold air rushed at her body, and she shivered. Drake stared at her body. She glanced down. The water turned her dress transparent, and the material clung to her curves, leaving nothing to the imagination. She refused to cover herself. “Stop it.” “What?” His gaze stayed glued to her chest. “Stop staring at me like you want to eat me for dinner. It’s wrong, and you’re only asking for trouble.” She crossed her arms to cover her breasts. “You American men…ugh, you can’t be trusted!”

30

Debra Kayn It didn’t help seeing the hungry expression on Drake’s face. Her hardened nipples tingled, and she wanted nothing more than to lean into him, to steal his body warmth. His full lips moved, and instead of hearing his words, she imagined those same lips on her skin. Shivering, she stood in front of him, tempting fate. The magnetic pull toward his body set her on fire. He brushed her hair away from the front of her face, his hand skimming the side of her cheek. She curled her head into the heat of his flesh, and her eyes closed automatically. The warm, moist brush of his breath against her cheek warned her. He wanted to kiss her. She arched her neck, and her chest touched his. Her body’s pleasure orchestrated her movements, and she seemed incapable of fighting her attraction to Drake. “Oh.” Her eyes opened wide. “No. No.” She must make him see reason. “I can’t. Drake, this is wrong.” She ran past Drake, through the house, until she slammed her bedroom door. She rushed to bolt the lock, not knowing if she wanted to keep Drake out, or herself in. Papa spoke the truth. Part of her mother still lived inside her. Damn you, Mama.

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Chapter Four

The rat-a-tat-tat on the door sent Charles hastily stuffing the file into the top drawer of his desk. “Come in,” he called, shutting the drawer. Drake. Charles motioned his son to come in and sit. The dark circles under his son’s eyes concerned him. “What drags you out of bed at this hour?” Drake sat in the chair across from the desk and ran his hand over his face. “Why did you bring Celina to our home?” Charles frowned. He didn’t plan on, or expect, Drake to give him trouble. “I already told you. Prince Joqua asked this favor of me, and out of respect for the on-going business we conduct, I didn’t think it would be a hardship to let the girl stay here.” Charles studied his son. Something bothered him. “You might want to have a talk with Celina. Last night she told me you were going to marry her. That you owned her now.” 32

Debra Kayn “What?” The shock gave way to understanding. “Never mind. I should have seen the problem at the start. Prince Joqua…” He shook his head. “I’ll have a talk with her. Poor thing. I can’t imagine what she’s been through, being turned out of her own house and thinking she was walking into a marriage with an old man.” Charles slumped against the back of his chair. “Good. I think after hearing she has no obligations, she’ll be more eager to learn how we do things here. I can’t fathom why the prince would want his daughter to leave his country without his protection. Does he have no idea how different America is if you compare our world to the laws and customs in Antaka? She’s so naive. It would be easy for her to get hurt here.” “He knows, and I’m sure he has his reasons.” Drake shrugged his shoulders. “Okay. I’ll let you get back to work. You won’t mind if I take the yacht out today, do you? Celina mentioned she enjoys to fish.” “No. Have fun, and I’ll see you at dinner.” Charles waved his son out of the room. Alone, he rubbed the heels of his palms against his forehead. “How the hell did I get in this mess?”

***

Two hours later, the office door opened for the second time that morning. The vision standing in the doorway waited for permission to enter. She resembled a young, shy woman and had eyes that questioned him silently. “Come in, Celina. Please, have a seat.” Charles motioned to the chair Drake had occupied previously. “I hope you slept well.” Celina nodded. He wished she’d take the world by the horns and speak her mind. “I wanted to talk with you.” He relaxed the muscles in his face. “Drake brought something to my attention, and I wanted to explain what is expected of you, living here with us.” Celina kept her head lowered but raised her eyes to his desk. Come on, Celina let me see some of the spark from you, that I know you possess. “First off, Prince Joqua sent you here to learn about America. Only to learn. You are free to do what you wish.” Her face lifted higher, and he smiled. “I’m your guardian, but mostly, I hope you think of me as your friend.” 33

Betraying the Prince She cocked her head and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Good, she’d given him her attention. “You are not here to become my wife, Celina.” He let her absorb the truth of his words. She remained silent. Only her throat muscles moved, allowing him a glimpse of how scary the thought of marrying him was to her. “You are not required to marry anyone. The prince really did want you to come here to learn how other young women lived. To be given the same kind of freedom other women here receive.” She remained in the same position. A fatherly urge to reach out and gather her into his arms overcame him. “Do you understand what I’m telling you, dear? You can relax and enjoy your life. No one here will tell you how to live your life, and you won’t be punished for doing the things you want to do.” “I don’t have to marry you or I’m not good enough to marry a person of your standings?” Celina narrowed her eyes. “No, Celina. I’m much too old for you, and I think of you as a daughter. Like your father, I only want you to have the very best life possible. This has nothing to do with being marriageable. You’re a beautiful woman any man would be lucky to love…but not me. I’m only your guardian.” “I can ask all the questions I think of, and you will answer me?” Charles nodded enthusiastically. She understood. Good. Now maybe she would eventually come out of the shell placed on her by being an Antakian. “Of course you may. You can ask me anything.” “I think you should ask Mrs. Stevenson to move in to the house. I think it’s unfair of you to leave her, living on her own, without your protection as her husband.” His hand came up to cover the cough he forced out to hide the grin on his face. When the girl set her mind to something, she turned into a barracuda. Mrs. Stevenson…his wife? That was rich. “Mrs. Stevenson likes to live on her own, Celina. She’s my housekeeper, not my wife. I pay her to clean my house, do my laundry, and cook for us. It’s her job, and as a bonus she gets her own home to live in where she can have her friends over, and her grandchildren can come and visit.” The woman verily lifted her head to meet his eyes, and sat there with a look of wonder on her face. He’d better tell her. Misconstrued ideas initiated a mess of problems. “I was married once before. To Drake’s mother, but she died of cancer. I have a wonderful girlfriend now, though. I hope to marry her 34

Debra Kayn someday, if I can convince her I’m worthy of one so perfect.” Charles sat back in his chair. “That is the difference about America and Antaka. Men only marry one woman at a time. If they are lucky they get to stay married to one special woman for the rest of their life.” Everything Charles told Celina left her sitting there speechless. He assured himself she now understood. She seemed to be trying to understand the ways of Americans, and he’d given her enough to think about for one day. “Have you eaten breakfast?” She nodded, staring right at him with her lip caught between her teeth. The wheels in her head seemed to turn. He hoped someday she’d learn to vocalize those questions and satisfy her curiosity. “Why don’t you find that son of mine and see what he has planned for you today?” Celina got up from her chair and took a couple of steps in the direction of the door. She stopped and turned around. “Do you have another question?” Charles stood from his chair. She shook her head and rushed over, threw her arms around his barrel of a stomach, and hugged him. “Thank you, Charles.” He wrapped his arms around the petite woman and caressed the back of her head. “You’re very welcome, my dear.”

35

Chapter Five

Celina could have the kind of life where one lived without worrying about what kind of husband her papa picked out for her! It boggled her mind. There would be no wedding. Not to Charles, or anyone. No one here would force her to marry. Charles was the kindest person she’d ever met. Prince Joqua must love her if he wanted her to have the freedom she’d witnessed upon her arrival to this strange country. She stopped walking. Unless Papa sent her away because she embarrassed him and thought she’d have an easier time finding a husband in America. She stumbled and fell against the wall. Her father, with all his rules and laws, sent her away to get rid of his responsibility to her. Unlike her sisters, he must think it harder to raise her, with her not containing any of the prince’s blood in her veins. Her back slid down the wall, and she landed on the floor of the hallway. Damn you, Papa. “Celina, what are you doing sitting on the floor?” 36

Debra Kayn Through the blur of her tears, Celina stared at a pair of legs in front of her. She buried her head in her hands. How pathetic she must appear. “Give me your hand.” She raised her hand, and Drake hauled her to her feet. She let him use his thumb to wipe the tears on her cheek. “Did my dad upset you?” Celina shook her head. She swiped her eyes with the back of her hand and found the courage to lift her head to Drake. “No. Your papa is so kind and told me how I misunderstood the arrangement.” “Then why the tears?” Drake reminded her of her brothers, always ready to protect her and solve her problems. Her lower lip trembled at the thought of them. “Please don’t cry. Tell me what is wrong, and maybe I can make things right again.” “It’s my papa. He must have sent me away because I’m not worthy of an Antakian husband. I’m a disgrace because I have no Antakian blood in here.” She thumped her chest with her fist. Not able to carry the burden, Celina fell against Drake’s chest and cried. It hurt worse now that she’d shared her deepest fear with someone. Being in America gave her no way to escape from her thoughts and the fact the prince sent her away. “Get that idea out of your head. From what I understand, Prince Joqua sent you here as a gift to you. He wanted you to have the freedom you deserve.” Celina wanted to believe him. She repeated those words in her head until they burned into her heart and wouldn’t let go. If she believed otherwise, she’d curl up and die. She sniffed and pulled out of Drake’s arms. “Now, why don’t you go wash your face? I believe Mrs. Stevenson has clothes picked out and ready for you to wear on our outing.” The smile breaking through her depression surprised her. She nodded at Drake and ran down the hall. Another smile came to her at the laughter following her down the hall. She liked to make Drake laugh.

***

Leading the way, Drake guided Celina down the wooden steps and out onto the boat dock. The scorching sun beat down on Celina, 37

Betraying the Prince and she reminded herself to thank Mrs. Stevenson for suggesting she wear short pants. She looked down at her legs and grinned at the sight of her knees peeking out of the bottom of the shorts. If Papa knew, he might have her beheaded, and it pleased her to know she rebelled against the prince’s rules. “Here we go. Welcome to Lady Nat.” Drake swept his arm to show off the yacht. A large boat similar in size to the one the prince owned sat in the water. She climbed up the ladder to get to the top deck. She’d always loved the sway of the waves and the smell of the salt off the ocean. Being near the sea once again, she imagined she’d never left Antaka. No stranger to pushing off and setting a course, Celina worked at untying the ropes and joined Drake at the helm without having him ask. Drake revved the engine, and the boat moved away from the shore. Celina caught the wink he sent her way. She sucked in her bottom lip and bit down. Having him around was a lot like having Danika beside her, except Drake had her body buzzing with brand new sensations. She moved behind him and climbed to the yacht’s higher deck, where she sat in a seat, as Drake guided the boat farther out into the water. She observed him driving the boat; he fascinated her like no other. Drake stripped off his shirt and repositioned his sunglasses. She studied the differences in their bodies. His rib cage swelled much larger than hers and lacked the valleys and peaks. She involuntarily licked her lips. Corded muscles played along his back, and he used his arms to steer the boat, strong and in control. Charles had stressed to her how men and women freely joined in the same activities in America, and women participated along with men without worry of punishment. Then going shirtless with Drake on the boat should be okay. Lounging around the pool with the other women back home was an every day event. If Drake insisted she could do all the things she did back home, then she must be able to relax out here on the yacht too. The heat from the sun hit her bare arms and warmed her skin. She glanced at her own skin, pale and white compared to Drake’s sun-bronzed skin. Her sisters always teased her about being sick and pasty. If she bathed in the sun with Drake, she’d surprise her sisters on her return, no longer resembling a ghost. 38

Debra Kayn Celina folded her shirt and laid it beside her. Her shorts still covered her from the waist down to her knees, and without a second thought, she removed them, along with the rest of her clothes. The breeze coming off the water blew across her sensitive nipples and hardened them. She stretched out her legs and arms and let her head fall back on the seat. There. She would darken in no time. The boat engine cut off, and the splash from the waves against the bow of the yacht left Drake’s ears humming. The sunshine and wind provided a perfect day to be out on the water, and he hoped Celina would enjoy the relaxing day. He’d like her to forget about her family for a few hours and smile again. Besides, he didn’t want to spend all his vacation time walking on eggshells, trying to coax the sadness out of Celina. The princess said she enjoyed fishing, and although it wasn’t his favorite pastime, he owed her something after upsetting her. He wanted to see the light back in her eyes. With tackle box and fishing poles in hand, Drake took the steps two at a time to join Celina on deck. Catching sight of her, he came to an abrupt stop. The handle of the tackle box almost slipped from his hand. Holy Mother of God. Naked and perfectly posed on the seat of the boat, Celina could have gotten a job as a Playboy Bunny. Her natural beauty clutched him around the middle and squeezed. Her untreated hair flowed around her, wild and free, a natural glow brightened her cheeks, and her exotic demeanor captivated him. Hell, any woman would want to scratch her eyes out if they compared themselves to Celina. She might as well have walked out of one of his dreams. His body approved, betraying the control he promised himself he would have today. Should he mention that other women didn’t sit around completely nude, or let her go on thinking that this situation was completely normal and just enjoy the view? Drake cleared his throat. Celina lifted her head up, shielded her eyes with her hand, and eyed the fishing equipment in his hands. She squealed and sat up. “We are going to fish?” Drake shrugged and sat down beside her. Celina reached for one of the poles and threaded the line through the rungs like a pro. She held the pole between her legs, and Drake set about baiting the hook. His hands trembled, and he poked his finger, drawing a speck of 39

Betraying the Prince blood. It hurt like a son of a bitch, but he didn’t say anything in front of her. With her fishing pole all set up and baited, Celina walked to the edge of the boat and cast the line into the water with ease. Obviously comfortable in the art of fishing, she set out to catch a fish. Her long, blonde hair billowed out behind her. She spread her legs farther apart to balance the motion of the boat. She had no idea what a wonderful picture she presented. Behind his sunglasses, Drake freely examined Celina’s lush body. He’d dated many women in his lifetime, but not one of them compared to the innocent charm she possessed. “Are you not going to fish?” She gazed over her shoulder at him. Drake set his pole to the side and joined her at the railing. He stood next to her, so close that his elbow touched her arm. “Can I ask you something?” Celina nodded. She held the fishing pole above the water. “How is it that yesterday you were embarrassed wearing a modest dress and couldn’t stand to have me touch your arm, yet today you are standing here in the suit you were born in and it doesn’t bother you a bit?” The tip of her pole went down, and Celina caught her lower lip between her teeth. She cocked her head, and he wondered if she chose not to answer him. He deserved no explanation, even though he wanted one. “After the talk with Charles this morning, I believed him. He said I could act the same way I do when I’m around my brothers. Plus, you said I could do all the things my sisters and I are allowed to do in Antaka around men and women here in America.” “Yeah, but…” Drake shrugged. “Am I wrong?” “No. No. However, you are naked. Do you run around naked when you are with your brothers or sisters?” Maybe now she would understand. “My brothers?” She laughed. “No. But, my sisters and I often lounge around naked in our area of the house. They have their studies to practice, and it has to be done while nude. I join them when I’m done with my own classes.” She looked out over the water. “Even my papa’s wives are nude when in the women’s area of the palace. It’s what Antakian women do.”

40

Debra Kayn She pulled back on her fishing pole, monitoring the line for any movement. Drake drew in a deep breath and gazed out to the surface of the water. He’d never accompanied his father on a trip to Antaka, and now wished he had. “Let me get this straight. Your sisters have studies requiring them to be nude?” He chuckled. “God, what I wouldn’t give to go to their school.” “Yes.” Her eyes narrowed. “The girls have to learn the art of Kama Sutra, and it takes a lot of practice. Much more practice than the subjects I’ve learned with the boys, and joining my sisters as they practice will only benefit me later.” Celina tilted her head. “Do you not believe me?” “You know about Kama Sutra?” Drake’s voice cracked. “Of course. All Antakian women excel at the art. They train from puberty, until…well, forever. They must if they want to keep their husband happy.” “Oh, I bet Antaka has some very happy men.” He scratched his chest. The thought of a woman in today’s times training to please a man both appalled and fascinated him. The fishing pole jerked. Celina’s arms stretched out, and she tried to gain control of the line. “Look, Drake!” Celina leaned over the railing. The waves rose out of the ocean as if to prevent her from today’s catch. She used all her strength, but the tip of her fishing pole wouldn’t budge. Drake stood there still thinking about what she’d told him about the way she’d lived. “Help me. My arms are not strong enough.” He reached for the pole, but Celina shook her head. “Not the pole. I want to do this myself. Grab my waist so I don’t get pulled overboard.” Drake stood behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. “Hurry, Drake, before he gets away.” He circled his arms around her waist, and pulled the groove of her butt against the very part of him that wanted her most. “Hold me tight, Drake. This fish fights and doesn’t want me to catch it.” The strength of the fight yanked her over the railing. Her feet left the deck, and her upper body bent over the top of the rail. He lowered his gaze. The sight of her ass bent over in front of him almost undid him. 41

Betraying the Prince “I see it, Drake. See? Right there.” Celina pointed to the writhing shadow in the ocean’s murky depths. “Yeah, I see it, babe. Nice and slow, that’s it. You’re doing really well.” His gaze never left her butt. He held her tight against him, the center of her heat pressed against him. “I’m going to fling it on the deck. Watch, Drake.” “I’m watching.” He stared at the sight of her wedged in front of him. The fish landed with a plop beside him, and Celina laid her pole down and scrambled after the fish. “Oh, oh.” She fell to her hands and knees on the deck and tried to catch the wiggling fish. Her scrumptious ass teased him, tormented him. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his shorts to hide the proof he didn’t do his job and watch her land the catch. “I got it! Look, Drake, I caught a fish.” She sat on the deck holding the flailing fish to her chest. She beamed up at him, and he tried to smile back. He just hoped she didn’t comment on how silly he looked, standing there with a happier-than-hell grin. “You sure did.” “What kind of fish do you think it is?” She held the fish up in front of her face and studied it from all angles. “A very lucky fish.” She laughed. “Or unlucky. I guess it depends on whose view.” Drake cleaned the fish and stored it in the refrigerator below deck, and Celina dove overboard to wash off the fish scales covering her body. By the time he finished, she’d clambered up the ladder. He stood out on the deck and observed the porpoises swimming farther out in the water. He tried to make sense of everything. Why was Celina staying in his home? Why did she torment him? Celina laid her hand on his arm. He flinched. Caught up in his own thoughts, he hadn’t realized she came to join him at the railing. “I can go swimming in the sea, yes?” “Yeah, no problem.” He tilted his head and studied her. “Why are you frowning? I have displeased you?” Drake turned his head, and his breath whooshed out of his mouth. He needed to find out more. “What did you study in school?” Celina raised her brows. “Literature, language, mathematics. But I never attended history or economics. Those classes were centered on my brothers as part of the royal family.” 42

Debra Kayn “What exactly were your sisters being taught during this time?” Celina’s mouth hardened and she turned her head away from Drake. “They are taught home living, until they reach twelve years old, and then they only study Kama Sutra, home economics, and etiquette until they get married.” Drake crossed his arms over his chest, deep in thought, while Celina moved over, sat down, and folded her legs beneath her. “I don’t understand. Why did your father have you studying with the boys instead of your sisters?” Celina turned toward the ocean. He perceived something in her eyes, and perhaps with enough information, he might figure out what made her tick. The waves slapped against the boat, and Drake sat down beside Celina. “Papa does not find me worthy as an Antakian woman. Looking back, I don’t think Papa wanted me.” Her voice lost its valor and ended in a whisper. “I don’t want to admit it, but since he forced me to leave what else should I believe?” “That can’t be true. He sent you here to better your life.” Celina shook her head. Her half-dry hair covered her body from his view. “Papa sent me away because I’m like my mother. He cannot stand to have me around. Damn my papa….” Drake stroked her cheek, and she closed her eyes. He scooted over and gathered her in his arms. He told himself it was only to comfort her, but his body didn’t know the difference between comfort and holding a sexy woman. “I don’t understand why my papa treats me this way. I’m just as good as my sisters, and I can hold my tongue and be as quiet as a mouse. Much better than my sister, Nari. She’s going to make a horrible wife.” She sniffed. “I want to go back to Antaka. I’m an honorable Antakian woman, and in time, Papa will have to see this.” Drake held her face in his hands. His chest tightened. He searched her eyes, intent on confirming his suspicious. He’d only just met her, and he wanted more. Did she? Yes, there it is in her eyes. “I want you to stay here. You will love learning about life in America. I’ll help you. Okay?” Celina’s mouth opened, and her tongue came out to wet her bottom lip, her lips so close he wanted to taste the moistness her tongue

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Betraying the Prince left behind. Drake leaned in but stopped short of kissing her. What the hell am I doing?

44

Chapter Six

Drake moved away from her and hunted for the bag she brought from home. He hat to put distance between them—before he did something he’d regret. “As much as I have enjoyed gazing upon your lovely body today, you, my princess, are starting to get sunburned.” He handed her a sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants. “Here you go. It shouldn’t be too hot to wear while we are out on the water.” Celina caught the clothes to her chest and stood up. “But—” “What?” Drake moved back, out of reach. Celina stepped forward. “That look on your face. You do want to kiss me, yes?” she asked.  Drake shuffled backward, threw his head back, and laughed. “Celina, I would love to kiss you, but if I did we wouldn’t stop there. It wouldn’t be fair to you.” Or me. Celina scurried over to stand by Drake again. “It would be fair, Drake. I want the kiss.” She stood on her toes and lowered her voice. “Despite what you think, I know what to do.” 45

Betraying the Prince “You do?” His breath came out on a shaky laugh, and he wanted to kick himself for even questioning her. She had no idea what she was walking into with him. “I know how to do lots of things.” She held on to his arms. “I know over two hundred positions to make you climax stronger than if you have sex with an untrained American woman. I can do it for you.” She leaned into him. “I’m rather good with the lessons.” Drake captured her lips with his own, and pulled her body tight against him. A groan came through Drake’s mouth and vibrated on Celina’s lips. He urged her to open her mouth and take everything he offered her in one kiss. Without thinking, he lifted one of her legs and wrapped it around his thigh. He was aware of her petite size and soft curves against his bigger body. Her heartbeat pulsed against his chest as he deepened the kiss. He hadn’t meant to do this. He’d wanted to show her how she was in over her head with him…that this was a game she couldn’t win. Drake drew her up closer, so he could feel the soft warm imprint of her breasts against him, her thighs pressed against his. He traced her soft mouth with his lips, and finally with the tip of his tongue. She moaned and broke away from the kiss. In the space of a few seconds, their passion had grown unmanageable. He had her pressed up against the sudden hardness of his body, and as she came to the realization of his need to have her, he pulled her back before she had time to think about what they were doing. Drake sucked her bottom lip between his. Celina gasped. The little minx moved her body in a rhythm he recognized. He moaned and decided if he didn’t stop now, he’d hate himself later. Drake straightened up and set Celina back on her feet. He ran his hands through his hair. “Can we do that again?” She reached her arms out for him. “God, no. No!” Drake turned and leaned heavily on the wooden railing. He faced out to the water. How did this get so out of control? “Fine. I would like to go back to Charles’ home now, please.” Drake turned, and without a word to Celina, headed to the helm of the boat. After putting on the sweatshirt, she stared at Drake. She didn’t understand why he acted so mean. He wanted to kiss me, I could tell. Though swallowed up in a sweatshirt too large on her, Celina shivered. The temperature was much cooler now as the sun lowered in the sky. She let the ends of her sleeves fall over her hands and 46

Debra Kayn wrapped her arms around her middle. How could she be so stupid? Her papa recognized the problem with her and sent her away. She lacked what it took to keep a man. Maybe she didn’t have the skills to seduce any man. Even American men—the root of all evil, with their manipulation of innocent women— turned down her womanly charms. What might cause this disgrace? The only thing different about her compared to her sisters was the fact they were raised with their mothers. Maybe growing up without a mother’s affection and teachings ruined her for love. The wind blasted Celina in the face on the boat ride back to the dock. The air dried the moisture out of her eyes and kept the tears from falling. Drake drove the boat back to shore, and alone, she pouted. The boat rubbed against the rubber buoys along the dock. Celina plunked the heavy rope against the anchors and scampered onto the wooden dock well ahead of Drake. She observed another boat getting ready to leave while she waited for Drake to disembark. She only wanted to go back to Charles’ house and lock herself in her room. Without the cool breeze of the boat moving over the water, her heavy sweatshirt turned her skin hot and tight to movement. She adjusted her clothes and grimaced. The price of too much sun on her skin pained her. Not only did her skin feel two sizes too small for her frame, but her insides also suffered from Drake’s rejection. Drake jumped onto the dock, his arms full of supplies they’d brought with them for the day. “You want to carry your bag, or your catch?” He held up her fish, sealed in a plastic bag, cleaned, filleted, and packed on ice. “I’ll take the fish.” She took the plastic bag. “Thank you.” “No problem.” He slung the rest of their things over his shoulder and walked ahead of her up the dock. “Let’s go home.” The long day on the water, coupled with the air conditioning in the car, relaxed her. She closed her eyes. If nothing else, sleep would get her mind off the man who sat beside her. For how much disappointment filled her, even her body never quit responding to him. Damn you, Drake. The car slowed down, and Celina woke up. She lifted her head off the side of the door, and Drake pushed the garage door opener. She flinched taking the seat belt off her shoulder and groaned pulling

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Betraying the Prince herself out of the car. Her whole body was one big ache, and every movement was difficult. After he slammed the car door, he hurried to open the trunk. She joined him, ready to take her fish into the house. “Drake—” The door opened, and Charles walked out to the car. “Hey, kids. How was the water?” Drake slammed the trunk lid down, and Celina jumped. She wanted him to explain why he acted so traumatized by her kiss. If she figured out what he found distasteful…maybe a book or someone with more experience would teach her what to do. Charles looked from Celina to Drake, the lines on his forehead pronounced. “Fine.” She forced a smile. “Good. It appears we have a fisherwoman living with us.” Drake waved his hand at the bag in Celina’s arms. Celina held up the fish. Her arm trembled under the weight, and the sweatshirt shifted on her sunburn. “Excuse me, please. I would like to retire to my room.” Celina thrust the fish at Drake and wobbled into the house. Charles waited until the door into the house clicked shut. He planted his hands on his hips and scowled at his son. “What did you do to the girl?” “Me? What did I do to her? She’s hurting from sunburn. Hell,” Drake threw the bags toward the door, “that woman sat around buttnaked all day long on the boat acting like a professional nudist!” “What?” Charles coughed. Drake paced. “You heard me right, Dad. She had the gall to tell me all about how she knows over two hundred sexual poses and she lays around naked with all the other women practicing ways to contort her body…to please men.” Charles slumped against the car. He closed his eyes and let his chin fall to his chest. “Please tell me you didn’t take advantage of being in that position.” “Hell, no. I wanted to, Jesus…I wanted to.” Drake continued to pace the concrete floor in front of his dad. “She’s unbelievable. Freaking unbelievable.” “All right, son. Let me think about how I should handle this.” Charles rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “Go get cleaned up. You smell like fish.” 48

Chapter Seven

The acid in Charles’ stomach churned, and he opened the drawer in his desk for the bottle of antacids he kept for times like these. Popping two of the chalky tablets in his mouth, he hurriedly chewed them up and followed with a sip of water to wash the taste out. Ugh. Ever since Drake had come home from the boat trip, Charles’ insides pitched war against him. He shoved the paperwork aside and leaned his elbows on his desk. How the hell would he get out of the mess he now found himself in? He’d never questioned his motives in Antaka, but now he worried about his decisions. He really liked the young woman who now lived in his house, and the guilt on his part of bringing her to America lay heavy on his soul. A soft tap on the door to his private entrance startled him, and he scrambled around his desk to open the door. He pulled the woman standing on the other side into his arms.

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Betraying the Prince “I was afraid you wouldn’t come.” Charles brushed his lips across her lined forehead. He gave her an extra squeeze and leaned back. “Are you okay? No one saw you?” Nat shook her head, sending her wavy brown hair swishing, and sunk down into the chair. He recognized the look on her face. Celina had displayed the same worry lines tonight at the dinner table. Women, he decided, were a mystery. “Darling, I think we need to tell Celina the real reason she is staying with me.” “I can’t…” Nat buried her head in her hands. “It’s too soon. She wouldn’t understand.” Charles kneeled down in front of the chair and gathered her hands in his. Her slim shoulders shook. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and protect her from all the pain. Nat had a lifetime of sorrow he realized only she had the power to repair. “For some reason…Celina’s set her sights on Drake.” He lifted the corner of his mouth. “I’m not sure how much more my son can handle. Celina…Celina is a lovely woman.” “Drake and Celina?” Nat caught her lower lip between her teeth and looked up at him, her blue eyes wet with unshed tears. “I never thought of that. God, Charles, I’ve even screwed this up. If only I could—” “Stop that. You did the best you could. We’ll figure something out.” He lifted her hands and kissed them. “Prince Joqua warned me about what could happen… How she was raised all these years.” She removed her hands from his grasp and wrapped her arms around her middle making her seem smaller than her five-foot-two frame. Charles stood up and limped to the window to stretch his legs. Old age crept up on him more and more lately. He walked the stiffness away and formulated a plan. “We at least need to tell Drake. Hopefully he can hold Celina off until she learns more and can understand why this is all happening now.” “Oh, thank you, Charles. It’s too soon for Celina to understand, but Drake can be there for Celina when she needs someone to lean on. She’d never forgive me if we tell her now. Let her get used to how things are done here first.” Charles walked to his desk and pushed the button on the intercom. “Drake, can you come down to my office? Alone.” 50

Chapter Eight

A vacuum ran in another part of the house, and Celina peeked out of her room. Good. No sign of Drake. The last two days she’d played it safe and begged off any outings with him. Using her sunburn as an excuse not to go, she wallowed the days shut up in her room. She spent the extra time planning and plotting a way to pay for transportation back to Antaka. Striding through the entryway into the kitchen, Celina slammed to a stop, the back of Drake’s tawny hair so close she might reach out and touch him. She held her breath and lifted one foot to retreat. What is he doing home? “You might as well come in and have some sort of breakfast.” He tilted his head back and slurped the milk out of the bowl, and Celina kept her position behind him. If she waited him out, maybe he would leave and she’d find something for breakfast on her own. “Might as well come in and eat,” he repeated. She rolled her eyes and sauntered past him to the cereal boxes. Spying a new box that boasted about having extra marshmallows, she 51

Betraying the Prince retrieved a bowl from the cupboard. She still couldn’t get over all the vitamins and minerals packed into bits of crunchy sugary treats. The milk sat in the middle of the kitchen table in front of Drake. Heaving a sigh, Celina marched over to grab the milk. She’d pretend Drake didn’t exist. Just get the milk, fill the bowl, eat, and go back to my room. Drake’s hand closed down on her wrist. She gasped and glanced down at her nipples poking through her shirt; her body, she decided instantly, was a traitor she couldn’t control. “Can I have the milk, please?” She stared at his hand on her wrist. His thumb moved in little tight circles. Blood rushed through her veins, up her arm, and settled as warmth on her cheeks. The jug in her hand quivered, and she set it down on the table. “Join me. I’m going to have another bowl, and when we’re done sharing breakfast, we can talk about what we’re going to do today.” “Today?” “Yes, today.” “I don’t feel well.” “Tough.” He released her wrist, and Celina folded her arms. She stood rooted on the spot. Should she rush off to her room, or take up his invitation to share breakfast together? “Please.” One simple word confirmed the decision for her, and she reluctantly placed the cereal and bowl on the table. Celina sat across the table from Drake and kept her attention on bringing the spoon to her mouth without dribbling milk down her chin. “We’ve tried fishing, but you’ve already done that in Antaka. So, I was thinking we could do something you’ve never done before.” “It seems I haven’t done anything you Americans have done.” She ate a spoonful of cereal. “True, but we are going to change that.” “And, if I don’t want to?” She lifted her eyebrow.  There. That’s telling him. “I think you will.” He flashed a smile. “By the way, it’s good to see you’re learning to give your opinion.” Celina studied the pattern on the end of the spoon. Plan all he wanted, but she didn’t have to go with him. Wasn’t that what Charles had discussed with her? Having an opinion, and doing things the way American women do? 52

Debra Kayn “There’s a movie playing at the theater. Friends have said it’s very funny.” Drake pushed away from the table and set his dishes in the sink. She kept her gaze on her bowl, but knew the moment he turned around to look at her he’d be able to read her thoughts. This was going to be harder than she imagined. “What do you say? Game?” “Game?” “Would you like to go?” He threw up his hands and let them fall to his sides with a slap. “No.” Her chair screeched backward. She stuck her nose in the air and strode past Drake. Her appetite vanished. Turning on the water, she rinsed out both of their dishes and stacked them in the dishwasher. Mrs. Stevenson had shown her how to work around the more modernized kitchen yesterday, and she delighted in the chores. The contraptions Americans used every day amazed her. “You’ll get me in trouble if you don’t go.” Drake raised his brows. She shut off the faucet and froze. “Who will punish you?” “Dad. He gave me explicit instructions. I should spend time showing you around. Teach you how things are done in America, remember?” She hadn’t forgotten. Fine. She’d go to this thing called a movie. She shivered and hoped it didn’t take all day. “Okay, I’ll go.” She turned around and narrowed her eyes. “But, I won’t have fun.”

***

Even with the dim lights in the theater, Celina observed all the people who sat throughout the many rows of chairs. So far, nothing stirred inside her and forced her to laugh. The stage in front reminded her of the stage back home where the jugglers and clowns performed in the town square. “Are you sure there will be no clowns? I really don’t like clowns.” “Shh…wait and see.” The lights went out and pitched the whole area into darkness. Celina’s reached for Drake and grasped his arm. The wall in front lit up with pictures that moved and people talked. Oh! “Now watch,” he whispered. She kept her gaze on the front of the theater. 53

Betraying the Prince Celina scooted out on the edge of her seat. She smiled and laughed. The man on the screen kept spilling things on the woman who dined with him. “It’s not funny, Drake.” She glanced over at him just long enough to give her opinion before glancing back at the screen. The other moviegoers laughed, and Celina scanned the theater. “Drake, why are they laughing? What didn’t I understand?” “They think it’s funny that the male character called his date by the wrong name.” “That isn’t funny. Doesn’t he know her?” “Yes, he knows her.” He chuckled. The lights came on, and the credits rolled across the screen. Drake got to his feet and waited for Celina, who tried to read the credits. “Celina? It’s time to go.” Outside the theater, Celina covered her eyes from the glare of the sun, and Drake gathered her other hand into his and guided her to the car. With him holding onto her, she wanted to skip, but she walked beside him. The last few days had been miserable without Drake’s company. He turned on the car, set the air conditioning on high, and buckled up. She fastened her own belt and turned to Drake. “Thank you for taking me to the theater. The movie made me laugh—and forget…for a little while.” “Yep, it was a good movie.” Drake looked into the rearview mirror and pulled out of the parking spot. “I wish my sisters could see the movie. They will never believe what I viewed on the wall. We don’t have movies on the island.” Drake sped up and entered traffic going up Seventh Street. “Are we going back to your home?” “We don’t have to. What would you like to do?” “You choose. I like doing the things you take me to.” Drake drummed the steering wheel with his fingers. She opened the compartment in front of her and flipped through the owner’s manual. He chuckled. “I got it. How about we go putt-putt golfing?” Her shriek filled the car, and Drake’s shoulders came up. She bounced in her seat and hurried to replace the book. “Oh, putt-putt golf. That will be fun.” She clapped her hands. “You’ve played before?” “No. I don’t know what putt-putt is, but it sounds fun.” 54

Debra Kayn “Yes. Yes, it does.” Drake threw back his head and laughed again.

***

The mini houses and windmills scattered around the grounds caught Celina’s attention. She bent over and tried to glimpse the insides of the miniatures. Drake handed her a golf club and did his best to explain the game to her, but she couldn’t understand why someone would want to hit a ball all over the ground. Did something jump out of the homes and make it dangerous to walk by? “I’ll go first, and you can see what I do. To win the game you have to get this ball in the hole.” He held up the tiny white ball and pointed to a hole in the ground. Drake bent over and held the club in his hands. He narrowed his eyes, and lines appeared on his forehead. He appeared so serious, and she laughed at the sight of him. The ball he hit went through the windmill and spat back out at him. “I win!” Several people playing the course turned in Celina’s direction. She jumped up and down. She loved to win. “This is fun, Drake. Go again. I bet you can’t put your little ball in the hole.” A young boy on the next course laughed and elbowed his sister. Celina waved and stuck her arm in the air in victory. “The game isn’t over. See the different setups farther ahead? We have eighteen courses to go through before we add up how many times it takes us hitting the ball into each hole. The person who hits the ball the least is the winner.” “Oh, I can do this.” The brother and sister team stared at Celina, giggled, and turned back to their game. She pursed her lips and sized up the course. The angles across the course reminded her of geometry, and she would need to find the right angle to hit the ball into the hole. She imitated Drake’s stance and swung her club. The ball sailed up the little mound, straight toward the windmill. She moved along the course and kept the ball in sight. The ball traveled past the moving windmill, through the hole at the base, and landed a few inches short of the hole. She contained her excitement to a huge smile. Beat that! Celina led the game by fourteen strokes. She stood at the eighteenth hole, the most difficult one she’d played so far. The ball needed to go straight up the ramp and dodge a lot of little holes. 55

Betraying the Prince “Aim for the bull’s-eye. The center of those colored circles.” Drake pointed at the end of the course. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and kept her eye on the bull’s-eye. The game came down to this last hole. Easy. She drew air into her lungs and held her breath. She pulled her arms back, let go, and hoped she gave it enough power to get the ball all the way up the ramp. Up. Up. Up. A siren rent the air, and lights flashed overhead. She jumped back and thought she’d broken the game. “What did I do?” She covered her cheeks and stepped closer to Drake. “You won!” “What did I win?” She leaned closer to Drake to hear him over the noise. She still couldn’t hear him and leaned closer. She raised her head, but he didn’t repeat himself. He gathered her face in his hands and kissed her. Ever gentle, his mouth skimmed over her lips, tasting, exploring, and teasing. The victory of winning forgotten, Celina stumbled back a step, touched her lips and tried to make sense of why Drake had kissed her. Here? Right now? What was it she did that seduced him? “Congratulations, Celina. You won a free game of putt-putt golf.”

***

The sunset placed shadows inside Drake’s car. She dug the free pass out of her pocket, amazed the man at the booth let her keep the piece of paper. “I have never received a prize for winning before.” “They don’t have games in Antaka? Party games?” He patted her leg. She slid the ticket back into her shorts, scratched her forehead, and tried to think of a way to explain how she acted in Antaka. “We have games between the girls, but I let the younger girls win. It makes me happy to see the joy on their faces. When I snuck over to the boys’ room, I played them at cards and won, but they knew if I got caught with money from a win I’d be punished, so I played for fun.” 56

Debra Kayn “Then, I’m glad you won today. Just this once, because I have a feeling you are a poor winner.” He laughed. Celina snorted and covered her face. She couldn’t believe she snorted in front of Drake. Her papa would have banished her to her room for being so improper. He always frowned at rudeness. “Looks like Dad beat us home tonight.” Drake pulled into the driveway. “Did he have a date with his girlfriend?” “Yeah, I think.” “I can’t wait to meet her. Charles loves her, I can tell. He gets a grin on his face when he talks about her.” Celina stepped out of the car. “They’re really happy together.” Drake led his way into the house. Celina ambled into the kitchen behind him. Charles sat at the table, a bowl of ice cream in front of him. She hurried over to his side to show him her prize. “I beat Drake at putt-putt golf, and I won the bull’s-eye prize.” She thrust the free pass in front of Charles. “Good for you. About time someone beat the pants off my son.” “Oh, no. I did not take his pants.” She held up the ticket. “I just won a free game. Drake says he’ll take me to play again sometime.” Charles patted her hand and smiled over her shoulder at his son. “Excellent. Good job, Celina.” “I’m going to my room.” She held the pass to her chest. “Goodnight, Charles. Goodnight, Drake.” She would save the ticket to show her sisters. The two men murmured goodnight, and Celina headed out of the kitchen. She stopped and hurried back to Drake’s side. “Thank you for the movie and the putt-putt golf game.” She stood on tiptoes and whispered in his ear. “And the kiss.” She slipped into bed, surprised to hear a familiar melody from back home escaped her lips. She squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to bottle up the happiness she’d found today with Drake. Not once did he push her away, and there were times she was sure he’d touched her for no reason.

57

Chapter Nine

“I’ll see you at the party, Drake. Celina, don’t forget the appointment I set up for you,” Charles called out. The garage door closed, and Celina stood up. “Do you think Charles would notice if I stay in my room during the party?” Drake threw the hand towel at Celina, but it fell short of its mark. She bent over to pick it up and, not wanting to sully the counter, held it in her hand. “I’m serious, Drake. I’m nervous. What if everyone thinks I’m strange and I wear weird clothes?” “They are not going to think you are strange. Look how much you talk after only being here a few weeks.” Drake rubbed his knuckles down the side of her arm. “Plus, Mrs. Stevenson bought you new clothes for the party, didn’t she?” “All my clothes are new, but yes, I have a new dress for the party.” She sighed. “I’m learning, but I still feel so different…inside.” 58

Debra Kayn Drake removed the washcloth from her hand and tossed it into the sink. He grinned, and she cocked her head to figure out what he was thinking. She hoped it included kisses and touching. Lately, he gave them to her more and more. Last night they even met up with some friends of Drake’s at a place where people danced and drank. Shy and self-conscious, Celina soon learned to relax and enjoy the group of friends. The women in his circle treated her nice, and the men were polite and made her feel special for being different. Drake stayed by her side the whole night and asked her if she needed anything to eat or drink throughout their date. She bit her lip to keep from smiling. He even stopped his male friends from asking her to dance. By the end of the evening, the girls convinced her to try dancing and dragged her out on the dance floor. During the all-girl dance, she looked over to Drake, and he did the funniest thing with his face. His forehead wrinkled, and his eyes narrowed even with a smile on his face. She’d seen the look before, right after each kiss he gave her. “Hey you—earth to Celina?” Drake’s hand flashed in front of her face. She blushed and leaned toward him to hide her face. She inhaled. He always smelled of the peppermint plant that grew wild back home. “Dad said he’ll pick you up at the spa after your appointment, so you can make a grand entrance.” He performed an elegant bow. “I don’t know about this spa. They won’t cut my hair, will they?” She swung her head and gathered all her hair over her shoulder in front of her. “An Antakian woman must have long hair or she’s not worthy of a man.” He growled and fingered her hair. “Hell, no. I gave them strict instructions to only wash and style. No cutting.” “What are you going to be doing while I’m at the spa?” The strand of hair Drake wrapped around his pinky tangled and wouldn’t come off. Celina grimaced and reached up to help him get loose. “I have some errands to run for Dad, and pick up a few last-minute things for the party. Oh, and I need to pick up his girlfriend and bring her back to the house. You’ll finally get to meet her.” He glanced away over her shoulder. “I bet she is wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her. I feel like I know so much about her already, just from Charles’ stories.” 59

Betraying the Prince “Yeah, she is something.” The clock chimed, and Drake scratched his chin. “We have a little time until we have to leave. How about a swim? Last one in is a rotten egg!” he yelled on his way out the door. All week Drake had given in to her competitive nature. He let her bask in the glory of winning. She giggled and pulled her shirt over her head and dropped her shorts on the kitchen floor. This time she would let him win. Celina dove headfirst into the pool, and headed right for Drake. She glided through the water until she spied Drake’s legs. She broke surface beside him, leaned her head back, and let her hair float behind her. “I told you I could be a good loser.” Drake growled low in his throat. Her bare breasts bobbed in the water. “You’re killing me here.” “Me?” She batted her eyelashes, her eyebrows raised in pretend concern. She’d learned how to be conniving like a pro in a house full of females. “I only want to please you.” Drake splashed the surface of the water and swam away. She slapped a hand over her eyes, but the water already blinded her. “That wasn’t fair!” Safe over on the shallow end, Drake laughed. She wiped her eyes clear of pool water and blinked the moisture out of her vision. “Do you think it’s funny?” Drake nodded, his elbows resting on the steps at the other end of the pool. She sent him a squinty-eyed glare, and he waved his hand. She kicked off the bottom. The moment she surfaced again, Drake hefted himself out of the water and sat in one of the lounge chairs. “You don’t play fair, Drake Randall.” “Neither do you, Celina. You promised to wear your swimsuit.” He picked up one of the towels on the chaise lounge and wrapped it around his trunk. “But Charles isn’t here. I want to show you my body. I know you well enough now. I can see how you like it when I surprise you this way.” She grinned at him while floating on her back. “I’m going to run in and grab a shower before we have to head into town.” He kept his back toward her. Celina swam a few laps after Drake went in and got out of the pool to shower off in her bathroom. Sometimes Drake acted strange. 60

Debra Kayn Like today. One minute he acted happy, and the next minute he ran away faster than one of the prince’s horses.

61

Chapter Ten

Julie’s Boutique sat in an upscale building across the road from Nat’s apartment. She’d reserved Celina’s appointment to have her beauty treatments done at Julie’s for the sole purpose of catching a glimpse of her before the party. All these weeks of having Celina within arm’s reach, and she still hadn’t seen her with her own two eyes. She stood in the window of her living room. At any moment, Drake’s car would pull up and Celina would get out. Her heart pounded harder, and she wondered if she did the right thing. The picture of baby Celina burned deep within her, and she hoped a resemblance of the child remained in the woman today. With her blonde hair and her father’s brilliant green eyes, she loved the beautiful child she’d left with Prince Joqua more than she loved herself. She tried not to think back to the day her whole life turned upside down and inside out. For just a moment, she wished Celina was a child again and the past erased. 62

Debra Kayn Drake’s car pulled up to the curb across the street, and Natalia pressed her forehead against the window. She held her breath. The car door would open any second and her only child would unknowingly walk back into her life. God, she’d give anything to go down there on the sidewalk with her arms open. She’d waited so long to welcome Celina back into her life. Celina remained in the car, and already tears began to roll down Natalia’s cheeks. Unable to hold her breath any longer, she panted and fogged up the window. The passenger door swung open, and a woman with the grace of a princess stepped out. Natalia sobbed and grabbed the windowsill for support. The most beautiful woman stood on the sidewalk. Celina turned back and looked inside the car at Drake. It gave Natalia a chance to study her daughter with new eyes. The body now hosted womanly curves, her darker blonde hair still showed signs of falling into her face, and Natalia smiled remembering the way she used to lick her fingers and pat down Celina’s fly-a-ways before Joqua came to visit. Celina smiled and laughed at something Drake said. Natalia gasped and covered her mouth, afraid Celina might look up at the window where she stood and catch her watching. Her daughter’s smile—a true gift from the heart. Natalia stood rooted to the spot in front of the window long after Celina walked into the boutique and Drake pulled away from the curb. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand and inhaled a big breath. Tremors rocked her body. She couldn’t fall apart now. She needed to attend Celina’s party tonight and end the charade she’d started. More than anything, the desire to have her daughter in her arms again plagued her. She needed to right a wrong. Natalia clasped her hands in front of her and whispered a prayer. Soon, her ride to the party would pull up, and the moment to pay her dues for her decision would finally come. Charles had assigned Drake to swing by to pick her up. Sweet Charles. He would do anything for her, and yet she couldn’t give him the one thing he wanted most. Maybe, if she righted all her wrongs, she would be able to forgive herself and love Charles. He deserved her love. Natalia shook her head to get rid of the thoughts and dropped her robe to the floor. She’d take a bath, make herself beautiful, and be 63

Betraying the Prince ready for her ride to the party. In the meantime, she’d try to gather enough strength to be strong for the daughter who deserved to know the truth.

64

Chapter Eleven

The other four women who worked for Julie stood in front of Celina with huge smiles on their faces, and gave conspiratorial winks to each other. The spa attendant kept her hands on Celina’s shoulders. Unable to look at the new and improved image, Celina squeezed her eyes shut. “Okay, Princess Celina. When I count to three, I want you to slowly turn around and look in the mirror.” Ann smoothed Celina’s dress. “I told you, you don’t have to call me Princess.” “Oh, stop it. How often do we get a real live princess in here to pamper? Indulge us.” Ann patted her shoulder. She sighed and gave up. She did not understand the fascination with her status. The moment she’d stepped into the spa, the other women fell over themselves serving her and making her comfortable. They did not listen to her explain that only the prince relied on servants to do his bidding. 65

Betraying the Prince “Now. One…two…two and a half…” “Ann!” a chorus of attendees groaned. “Okay. Three.” The woman who stared back at her in the mirror appeared more sophisticated and confident. Celina stepped closer and studied the differences. She’d never worn makeup in her life, and now she looked… American. She gasped and placed her hand on her chest. An American? At one time, the very thought of being an American had her questioning her identity. Now, with her beliefs tested over and over, it no longer seemed to cut into her soul knowing that she was American by birth. She felt beautiful. The women had brought out the best in her features, and her usually wild hair hung around her body with more life in it than she’d ever had before. “Well? Do you like, Princess Celina?” asked Julie. She nodded. Her earrings dangled every time she moved her head, and she smiled. “Thank you. You make me feel beautiful.” Celina fingered the many bracelets on her wrists, one bracelet for every birthday, and a gift from the prince that she never removed except to bathe. Her eyes misted. She hiccupped and laughed self-consciously. “You’re welcome, and stop the water leaks. We can’t have you messin’ with your makeup.” Julie straightened a strand of hair beside Celina’s cheek. A car horn blasted over the voices of the others. She jumped and searched for a clock. “Oh no! What time is it?” “Looks like Mr. Randall is here to pick you up,” Julie said. This was it. Time to go to the party. Her first party thrown only for her. She waved to the girls clustered in the doorway and tiptoed across the sidewalk in her heels to Charles, who waited by the back door of the limousine. “My word, Celina, you look just like…” Charles rubbed his chin. “Like what? An Antakian who is extremely nervous? Because I am.” Her own insecurities bubbled to the surface. Charles deserved better from her. Charles helped Celina with her dress and followed her into the limousine. She reached over and picked up Charles’ hand. “I’m sorry. I’m nervous. Thank you, Charles.” 66

Debra Kayn He patted her hand. “You look like a rose—a perfect rose plucked early in the morning that’s waiting for the first ray of sun to make you bloom. You’ll do fine, dear. This is your night to shine. Everything will be wonderful for you, just relax.” Celina tilted her head and gave him a shaky smile. Her nerves tumbled around inside an empty stomach. “I’ll make you proud of me…Make my papa proud of me too.” “Speaking as someone who has observed you grow and blossom over the weeks, I can say we are both very proud of you and how much you’ve accomplished in this short time.” “Y-You talk to the prince?” She dropped her hands in her lap. “Of course.” Charles patted her knee. “He keeps up with how you are doing.” She sat up straighter. Could it be that if she does well and learns everything she came here for then Papa would let her come back? The streetlights fluttered to life and revealed the many cars parked along the street in front of the house. She scooted to the window. “All those people are in your house?” She widened her eyes and shook her head. “I’ll never remember everyone’s names.” Charles laughed and helped her out of the car. He hooked her arm under his, and she groaned. Let me walk without falling and talk without embarrassing myself. “Come, Celina, let’s make your entrance so everyone can welcome you to America.” “This is a strange custom you have, Charles.” “Maybe, but I think you’ll enjoy yourself. Give us all a chance, that’s all I ask.” “I will. For you, Drake, and the prince. I’ll make you proud of me.” She caught her lower lip between her teeth. “Let’s go party.” Charles laughed. “That’s the spirit.” Celina stepped in the house and couldn’t believe her eyes. Lights twinkled around the ceiling and gave the appearance of stars in the night sky. Candles lit up the foyer and living room. So many people stood around and mingled with each other. The house no longer resembled the Randall’s home, but a magical place decorated just for her. Charles guided her farther into the room. Men and women smiled, and she found herself smiling back without a thought. She promised herself she wouldn’t duck her head, but stand up proud tonight and

67

Betraying the Prince prove to everyone how much she’d learned. She’d show them that Antakians were just as capable of doing anything Americans could do. Soft music played in the background, adding to the mystical atmosphere. This party resembled a dream she’d dreamt long ago where stars danced overhead while she danced on the sand of the beach. She searched for the one person she wanted to be here more than anyone else. Drake. He stood against the living room wall. Her gaze locked with magnetic force on him. She giggled over the raised brows and slow smile of appreciation she witnessed come over his surprised expression. She waved, but Charles led her over to a group of people, and she lost sight of him.

68

Chapter Twelve

Drake spied Celina the moment she entered the house. He placed his arm around Nat’s back, knowing she needed all the support to survive the evening. The beating of his heart pounded harder the more he thought of how this would all play out. He didn’t want to see Celina hurt. He’d do anything to protect her from the doubts, the fears, and truth that would soon come her way. He inhaled swiftly. Celina came back into view. Any moment, he might keel over from the love growing inside his heart. Celina looked beautiful. The ladies of Julie’s boutique had done a wonderful job. She came away more exotic and fresh than the day she’d arrived in this country. The way she moved her body told of the years of belly dancing and studying with her sisters on how to seduce a man. Her sexuality came naturally, freely. Against her bronze skin, her dress, the color of the sea, brought out the sun’s highlights in her hair. The air in Drake’s lungs erupted at the sight of the cascaded waves. Untouched, but hanging loose— 69

Betraying the Prince perfect. He swore the jingle of her bracelets reached him from across the room. Nat’s body fell back, and Drake tightened his hold. He broke his gaze on Celina and concentrated on Natalia.  This must be extremely hard on her. “Are you hanging in there?” He rubbed her back. Natalia attempted to smile, but nodded instead. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Drake followed the direction of Natalia’s gaze. He whistled through his teeth at the sight of Celina throwing her hair back and laughing. “She’s more than beautiful.” He raked his hand through his hair and laughed. “I love her.” “You…you love her?” “I didn’t realize it until now. I love her. Jesus…” “Oh, Drake.” Nat squeezed his hand. “Don’t hurt her.” “Hurt her? Hell, I could never hurt her. I can’t even breathe if I know she’s upset. My brain turns to mush when I’m around her, and when I’m away, I want to come back to her.” Not too steady on his own feet, Drake stepped back and leaned against the wall feeling lightheaded. Where did that come from? True, he wanted Celina in the worst way. Hell, who wouldn’t? She pranced around in the nude and begged for his kisses, and gave him all her attention in the sweetest way. The way Celina fought against the desire to duck her head, and instead met him eye to eye with her chin thrust up in the air, made Drake’s heart swell each time. He dreamed about her every night, and woke up to find her there, wanting him, loving him. “My God, I love her,” he murmured, talking to himself. Nat picked up his hand and gave his fingers a squeeze. He turned his head and found himself looking into a pair of eyes he recognized. They were the same shape as Celina’s, only a different color. “I love her, Nat.” “Yes. I do believe you do.” Charles paraded Celina around the room and introduced her to everyone. Celina’s cheeks ached from all the smiling she’d done. She couldn’t remember anyone’s name, but enjoyed herself immensely. Her, a woman from Antaka, who didn’t know what a movie had meant or how the women survived living day-to-day around men, was successfully pulling off the party. “Ah, there’s the woman I want you to meet.” 70

Debra Kayn With her hand tucked in the crook of Charles’ arm, Celina turned and smiled her way across the room. Her stomach growled, and she hoped the chatter and music camouflaged the sound. “Celina. I would like you to meet the woman I love.” Charles stepped away from Celina and wrapped his arm around Natalia. “Nat, this is Celina.” The woman’s eyes shone. Celina held out her hand, and was surprised to find the woman’s hand trembling in hers. “I’m glad to finally meet you. Charles talks about you all the time.” “It’s nice to meet you. Charles and Drake told me how beautiful you were, and now seeing you up close, I agree with them. You’re stunning.” Natalia squeezed her hand back. “Are you enjoying your party?” “Yes, very much. I can’t believe how nice everyone is to me. I wasn’t expecting that.” Drake handed her a glass of champagne. She took a sip and moved over to Drake’s side. He always knew exactly what she wanted. “Drake.” Celina leaned over and whispered, “Do you like my dress? My face?” He kissed her lightly on the lips, bringing heat to her cheeks. She snuck a glance back at Charles, embarrassed over Drake kissing her in public, but he’d turned his attention to Nat and was quietly talking to her. After her day at the spa, she only wanted to show Drake the new her. “I love your dress. It’s almost as beautiful as the woman who went fishing with me.” Celina placed his hand on her heart and held it with both hands. She wanted him to experience the wild passion that flowed within her soul. The desire to have him close, to share her love with him, kept her awake at night. “Let’s get this party started.” Drake bowed at the waist. “Do you want to dance, Princess Celina?” She nodded without breaking eye contact. Her breath came in a desperate rhythm at the prospect of being in his embrace again. She wrapped her arms around his neck. The music played soft, slow. He held her close, pressed against his chest, his legs brushing her thighs. The motion of her silky dress against his stiff dress coat added to the friction sparking within her. Her hips took on a movement all their own, resembling the left, circle, right of the only kind of dancing she knew. 71

Betraying the Prince “Celina…” She lifted her head off Drake’s chest. She caught the musky scent of his cologne, and the wildest urge to bury her nose in his neck and inhale the very essence of him hit her hard. “Will you wait after the party for me?” Drake asked, his words barely audible. “Of course. I’ll do anything you ask of me.” His hold tightened and Celina flinched. Drake stopped moving his feet. She stood in the middle of the room with her arms still around him. “What’s wrong? Did I say something I shouldn’t have?” She ran her hand along his jaw. “No. It isn’t you. I need to know if you understand what I’m asking you. You do want to be with me, right?” “Of course…” Celina couldn’t finish. Drake’s finger came up to touch her lips. “That’s not what I mean. I only want you to wait for me if it’s what you want to do. Forget about your training and desire to please a man, I want you to come to me because you want to be with me. It’s okay to say no.”  Celina stepped back. Drake’s arms fell to his sides. She cocked her head and frowned. Didn’t he understand? “Drake, I…” She stopped and shook her head. The reality of what she planned broke through all the good feelings and excitement of the night. “What?” Drake reached out for her. She stepped back. “I…Oh, Drake, I can’t…” She left him standing in the middle of the room, his hand stretched out. She walked away from Drake, head down, blind to the others in the room. By the time she slipped through the sliding doors, she was gasping for breath and the ground tilted. “Whoa…I got you. Take a deep breath and hold it.” Drake followed her outside and wrapped his arms around her from behind and held her tight. “Let it out. Again.” The ground steadied under her feet, and Celina pushed against the restraints of his arms. Drake didn’t let go. “Please. I’m all right now.” Drake hesitated, but let her step away from him. Already missing his arms around her, she hugged her middle. She kept her back

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Debra Kayn to him. This couldn’t be happening. The one thing she feared most in her life… Drake stayed back, and Celina stood facing the shimmering lights coming out of the pool. She stared into the water, unable to distinguish between her tears and the ripples over the water’s surface. She’d gone from living a life she thought she would always have, to life in America. Worse—She’d turned into her mother. The noise from the party drifted outside. She tilted her head to the sky. How did she fall in love with an American? All her life she’d hated her American father. The man who took her mother away from the life she’d pledged to the prince. Her American mother, who only wanted love, and not a daughter…Now the cycle continued with Celina. She’d lost all control. Celina turned around and found Drake standing there, his arms hanging useless at his sides. Short bursts of air escaped her upon seeing the destruction she’d made. She’d hurt him. “My mother…” She cleared her throat. “My mother was stoned to death by the prince for loving an American and getting pregnant with me,” Celina whispered into the night air. She owed him an explanation for turning away from him. “I grew up knowing I was different, not a blood relative of my sisters and brothers.” Celina walked over and sat in one of the chairs closer to where Drake stood. “But Papa…I thought Papa loved me.” “He does love you, Celina.” She shook her head. “No.” She closed her eyes, inhaled through her nose, and gathered enough strength to explain herself to Drake. The burden she’d held on to her whole life became too heavy to carry. “He killed my mother. He ordered her stoned to death in the courtyard for all the people to see. He humiliated her for loving an American. Prince Joqua made her an example.” She rubbed her arms. “She betrayed the prince, you see.” She rocked in the chair from the truth finally out in the open. Drake knelt in front of her, and she whimpered. Vulnerable, and stripped of the barrier she placed around her heart, she forced herself to tell him everything. “He shouldn’t have killed her. I know what she went through, because now, I’m following in my mother’s footsteps. I have betrayed Papa, and betrayed myself.” 73

Betraying the Prince Her sobs came out harsh, and she curled inward. Drake drew her face into his hands. She stopped rocking and looked at him. “Say it, Celina. Say what you want to say.” Her guttural moan sent tremors from her stomach up into her throat. She took his hands and placed them over her heart. He needed to feel how he affected her. “I love you, Drake. I didn’t plan it. I didn’t fight it hard enough.” “Shh…baby, I know. You did nothing wrong.” He kissed her cheeks, tasting the salty path of her tears. “Our love is not wrong. It’s pure and good.” Drake moved from kissing her cheeks to laying feathery kisses upon her lips. The smoothness of his recently shaved chin teased her, and she captured his bottom lip between hers. He brought out the Antakian princess in her. She grabbed on to the front of his shirt and pressed herself closer. Under his touches, she found acceptance. His love forced her troubles and past out of her head. Drake pulled away, fighting to catch his breath. Celina laid her forehead on his and delighted in the warmth of his breath washing over her face. “We are going to have to go back to the party.” He ran his hands around her neck and into her hair. “They will start to wonder where we escaped to.” She swallowed. “I know.” “Let’s just get through the rest of the night. There’s food to eat, and afterward you can say your goodbyes. When it’s safe, I’ll come to your room.” She nodded before kissing him one more time, in a desperate attempt to hurry the night along. She knew where she belonged, and that was with the man she loved with all her heart. Inside the house, the guests chatted in intimate groups, and a few more couples had joined the festive mood and danced to the music. Celina walked into the living room alone, leaving Drake to follow her after he composed himself. She knew exactly why he waited, and the heat between her legs intensified. She wanted him. “There you are. Everything okay?” Charles handed her a drink. The cold refreshment slid down her throat with ease. “Yes, everything is perfect.” “Great. Why don’t you go ahead, make your way to the buffet, and I’ll announce for everyone to go ahead and fill their plate.” 74

Debra Kayn Mrs. Stevenson worked at setting out the platters the caterers prepared for the party, but took the time to give Celina’s hand a squeeze. “Here Celina, eat before you fall over.” “Thank you.” Celina took the plate. “You look beautiful, dear. I also think you’re doing a little magic when it comes to our Mr. Drake too.” Mrs. Stevenson winked. Nothing got by the beloved housekeeper of the Randall house. “Thank you, again. For the dress. For being my friend.” Celina placed her plate on the table and gave Mrs. Stevenson a hug. “I couldn’t do all this without your belief in me.” She wandered from the buffet and found Charles’ girlfriend sitting by herself in the corner of the dining room, an empty chair beside her. “Would it be okay if I sit down by you?” Nat patted the chair, and Celina sat down. She directed her attention to the pile of food on her plate. Bless Mrs. Stevenson. “Would you like to share my food? I couldn’t possibly eat this much myself.” Celina turned and offered her plate to Nat. “Sometimes I think Mrs. Stevenson believes I eat the same amount of food as Charles and Drake.” Natalia picked up a cracker topped with chives and shrimp. Celina took a bite of rye bread and smiled with closed lips. “Good. My favorite girls are eating.” Charles came and stood beside Natalia’s chair. Celina turned in her chair, fixed her gaze on the doorway to the kitchen, and left Charles and Nat to converse in private. The moment Drake walked in, she blushed and sent him a knowing smile of what would come later. The love they shared, all their own…He blew her away with how he understood her feelings. The truth about her parents, about Prince Joqua didn’t disgust him or frighten him away. He understood and accepted her life for what it was. Celina admired the way Drake stood in line waiting to fill his plate. So proud, he stood straight and confident without the insecurities she battled in herself. I love him. The plate of food on her lap tipped, and Celina caught it before it spilled. Nat reached over and fingered her wrist. “Your bracelets are beautiful.” Natalia toyed with one particular silver ring. “Were they a gift?”

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Betraying the Prince “Yes. Every birthday I receive a silver bracelet from the prince. I would wake up in the morning and a box sat on my pillow.” Celina raised the side of her mouth and winked. “It makes my sister Nari quite jealous, because the other girls have never received such a gift like this, year after year.” Charles squeezed Natalia’s hand. “I believe we will go grab us a drink and let you two eat.” Charles laid his hand on Drake’s arm. “See that she eats more than a few nibbles.” Nat hesitated. “You are a lucky woman, Celina. I’m sure Prince Joqua is very proud of what a beautiful person you have become. I bet he misses you terribly.” Nat straightened Celina’s bracelets and walked away on Charles’ arm. Drake sat in the open seat left by Natalia. “Are you okay?” “I think so. How would Nat know about Papa?” Drake cleared his throat. “I imagine from my dad. You know how he talks.” “I suppose.” Celina set her plate down beside her on an empty chair and turned. “Is it almost time?” She laid her hand on his thigh. He kissed her upturned nose. Celina raised her lips, but Drake took a bite off his plate. “Let me eat my food. You eat too.” He winked. “When we’re done we’ll dance a couple songs, and you can say your goodbyes.” “I can’t wait.” Her hand stroked his leg. “I’ve wanted you since you gave me a lecture at the dining room table my first night here.” The mushroom on Drake’s fork fell off and tumbled down his shirt. She giggled and covered her mouth. “I guess I didn’t need to eat anyway. Let’s go dance.”

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Chapter Thirteen

Celina swung the door open to a surprised Drake. He stood there with his arm raised, ready to knock, but she’d been listening for footsteps since she came to her room. She reached through the opening and grabbed his shirt. “I thought you would never get here.” She giggled. With the lamp beside the bed covered with a scarf, the darkened room cast a sensual atmosphere over them both. Celina walked her fingers up Drake’s shoulders and around his neck. She’d trained her whole life for this one moment to become a woman. “It looks like I came overdressed,” he murmured against her throat. She’d greeted him naked, except for the bracelets she kept on her wrists. Stepping away, she backed toward the bed to let him see there was nothing holding her from making love to him. She sat on the edge of the bed and arranged her hair to cover her nakedness. “Stand back up.” Drake stood in front of her in only his trousers, his shirt long gone. 77

Betraying the Prince She stood, her body heated and more than ready for him. She stepped toward him, but he held up his hand. “Do you want me upside down?” She raised one of her eyebrows and waited for instructions. She knew the moves, but without him telling her what he wanted, she wasn’t sure what the next step should be. “Upside down?” He unzipped his pants. She nodded. “It’s rated the favorite position for most men. Don’t American men have knowledge of what positions are best for their satisfaction?” Drake’s Adam’s apple jumped. “I don’t know about all American men, but this man wants you to have pleasure too.” “Oh, I will, Drake. Just being around you gives me butterflies in my stomach and makes me want to rub myself all over you until I explode.” “Then let’s start there.” He lay on the bed. “Later, maybe I’ll have you upside down.” He was unexpectedly tender. He heated her up with exquisite touches and sensations in such a lazy way, not to rush her. She arched toward him and he’d leaned back, leaving her on the brink of ecstasy, before giving her more attention. Again and again, he caressed her body, until it seemed as if time stood still. He taught her how to touch him, how to build the fire in his body and then deny him his pleasure. She moaned with frustration, and he’d grin that sexy way he did with his eyelids half closed and his mouth pulled up at the corner. “Wait for it…” He moved against her rubbing the hard parts of his body against her heated softer ones. “When it happens, we’ll both be ready.” She shuddered, throbbed. She raised her hips and met his downward motion, pleading with him to put her out of the blissful torture of wanting him. “D-Drake…I need…” she whispered. “Hang on. Not yet.” His breath came in little pants beside her ear. He shifted his hips, his hardness sliding along her wetness. She cried out and clung to him, clenching his arms with her fingers. “Good?” He continued caressing the sweet spot to her core. She sobbed. Her whole body pulsed. She expanded, tensed, and it left her frightened. Surely, she was going to die from pleasure. “Don’t stop. Never stop.” She closed her eyes. 78

Debra Kayn He pressed his hardness upon her opening, and tenderly, slowly, slid into her body. She stilled. A tiny cry leaked out of her tight throat. The bold intimacy shocked her, yet had her heart overflowing with love. She relaxed and gave in to the sweet sensation rebuilding in her body. A sense of satisfaction came from having him inside her as her body warmed and pulsed around him. He held himself above her, locking his gaze on her, his brow drawn down in an almost fierce appearance. The smooth, quick, deep plunges were like nothing she’d ever experienced. She ground her teeth together. The tension in her body rose to unbelievable heights. With the last ounce of strength remaining in her body, she convulsed underneath him. Pure pleasure exploded throughout her lower body. Drake let out a harsh groan and mirrored her shudder. She reached for him, and rolled into his arms as he let himself fall on the bed beside her. “I love you,” he whispered. Early the next morning, Drake leaned over and gently kissed Celina. The stubble of whiskers on his chin scratched the tender skin around her mouth. A lifetime of lessons, and never once did they mention how stretched and tender one would feel after making love. Not unpleasant, but blissfully content. “I’m going to get out of here before Dad comes looking for me. I’m afraid he wouldn’t like it if he knew I slept with you under his roof.” He ran his hand down, tenderly skimming her breast. “Go back to sleep. After you wake up we can go out on the boat, if you like.” He placed a kiss on her swollen breast. “I’d like.” She stretched and purred. Yes, I’d like it very much. Celina lay back on the pillow and pulled the covers up over her shoulders. She snuggled down in the warmth of the blankets and closed her eyes. Only a couple hours of sleep, and she bet she might want a repeat of what they’d shared last night.

***

 The warm water flowed over Drake’s body, relaxing his muscles. He rolled his head from side to side letting the spray from the nozzle hit him on the back of his neck. Who knew having sex would make the muscles he never knew about so sore the next day? Once he got a taste of Celina’s limber body, he gave her one hundred percent of himself. He shut off the water and grabbed a towel. He had to talk to his dad immediately before things went any further. 79

Betraying the Prince He’d already decided he wanted Celina to marry him. The moment she walked into the party his mind knew what his heart told him. He lathered the shampoo in his hair harder than necessary. His inability to protect Celina from the hurt she’d soon experience ate at his conscious. Natalia must come clean and sort out this mess that she and his dad had brought down on Celina. Finding out the truth behind the worry and strain he’d witnessed on her face shocked and angered him. Celina suffered over what she believed was the truth about her mother, and he possessed the power to help her…but he didn’t. How Nat did those things to Celina puzzled him, and he wondered how she could look at herself in the mirror each morning. The time displayed on his clock radio forced him to hurry. He’d wasted too much time in the shower with his thoughts. If he gathered his dad, Natalia and Celina, and sat them down to hash all the secrets out…then afterward he’d ask Celina to become his wife. Drake knocked on the office door and opened it without waiting for Charles to allow him entrance. He came up short. His dad and Natalia sat together in the office chair cuddled together and apparently having a serious conversation. “Sorry, I didn’t think you would have company this early in the morning.” Natalia got up from Charles’ lap and walked over to the window. His dad waved him in, and Drake closed the door behind him. “What’s up, son?” “Actually, I’m glad you’re both here. You need to come clean with Celina.” Drake crossed his arms and remained standing.

***

The aura of their lovemaking surrounded Celina upon waking. She turned over in bed, her mind working overtime. The implications of Papa finding out she’d taken a lover kept her from falling back asleep. She bunched the blanket in her hand. There must be consequences in America for having sex without marriage like the way Prince Joqua ruled over Antakian’s laws. She threw off the covers and headed to the shower. She moved through her morning routine in record speed. Looking forward to a day on the boat with Drake, she’d have to remember to ask him about the kind of trouble their romance would produce.

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Debra Kayn Celina knocked on Drake’s door, checked in the kitchen for him, as well as out by the pool. There was no sign of him or Mrs. Stevenson in the house. She had only one other place to look. If Drake wasn’t there, maybe Charles might have an idea where he’d gone. Several feet from the office door, Drake’s voice reached her ears. She hurried forward, glad he hadn’t left the house. “Goddamn it, I don’t care if you don’t want to do it now. It has to be done,” Drake barked. Celina came to an abrupt stop outside the door and frowned. Why was Drake yelling? She’d never heard him raise his voice with such anger. “Simmer down, Drake, you can’t talk—” “Yes I can. You don’t understand.” Celina placed her ear to the door. “…Her mother is dead…stoned to death by the prince.” The blood rushed out of Celina’s head, and her ears buzzed. She reached out to hold on to the door. Why would Drake tell Charles about her mother? Unless… “Drake…She’s gone through so much. You can’t do this to her.” “I’ve slept with Celina…” The voices on the other side of the door became too quiet to hear. Celina covered her mouth and backed up, bumping into the wall. Oh God, what have I done? I cannot stay here and let them punish me. Celina fled up the stairs, found the bag she’d carried from Antaka, and stuffed the dress from back home inside. She looked around for her shoes, but decided she wouldn’t need them. If she succeeded, she’d go barefoot once she returned to the prince. The only way to get back to Antaka was with money, and Drake must have some in his bedroom. She’d sneak in and leave without anyone suspecting a thing. She didn’t want to steal. Back home, if someone caught her stealing, she’d have had her fingers chopped off for punishment. She muffled a sob. Without a job or income, she had no other choice. Why would Drake confess what they did? Did he want to see her punished? I thought he loved me… She left his bedroom door open and surveyed the most likely spot for him to have money lying around. She checked each drawer of the bureau. His clothes were stacked in organized piles, but no sign of any money hidden away.

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Betraying the Prince The scent of Drake hung heavy in the room, and she forced herself to ignore it. Never in her wildest dreams did she believe Drake wanted her stoned…and yet he’d confess their night together to Charles! How stupid! She’d rather go back to Antaka and pay for her crime rather than suffer her punishment alone in America without her family. Damn you, Drake. A money clip lay under an appointment book in his nightstand. Celina tossed the whole thing into her bag. An empty ache in her stomach had her second-guessing herself. She hesitated. No. She had to go home to Antaka, throw herself down in front of the prince, and ask for protection. The hallway remained quiet and deserted. She concentrated, listening for any creaks or groans coming from the house. Desperately afraid of Drake or Charles catching her, she clutched her bag to her chest, walked through the house, and out the front door. Celina ran down the street, around the corner, and slowed down to a fast walk as she entered the main street. She found an open café, entered, and took a seat by the window to keep an eye on the sidewalk. Opening the bag, she double-checked to make sure her identification and passport still rested in the side pocket. Yes. “Can I get you anything? A coffee?” a young waitress asked. Celina pushed everything back into her bag. She nodded, stood, and hoped she could figure out how to make a plane reservation, call a taxi to drive her to the airport, and escape America all on her own. “Is there a phone I can use?” She wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. The waitress nodded and placed an arm around her. Celina walked with her to the kitchen. “Right here, honey. If you need anything, just yell.” The woman rubbed her arm. “Are you okay? Do you need help?” She shook her head. “Thank…thank you.” On the phone, the lady from the airline informed her of the cost of a ticket, and she counted the money she’d stolen from Drake. Yes. Drake had enough money saved to secure a ticket and see her way back to Antaka. Hanging up the phone, she inhaled. Now I just have to hope Papa lets me step foot off the plane.

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Chapter Fourteen

Drake’s meeting with his dad and Natalia did not go well. He made no excuses for falling in love and having sex with Celina. The problem stemmed from them deceiving Celina for this long. He gave them the day to figure out what to do, and tonight they must tell her— or he would. Drake knocked on Celina’s bedroom door, waited, and then opened it. He hated to do this to her, but he couldn’t imagine how she went this many years thinking the man who raised her stoned her mother to death. He couldn’t imagine the guilt and fear that hung over her head all her life. “Celina?” Drake strolled to her bed. “Time to wake up, sleeping beauty.” He pulled the covers back. He turned toward the bathroom door. It stood open, and he walked in. Where did you go? Drake walked out into the hallway. “Celina!”

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Betraying the Prince Charles and Natalia ran out of the office. He glared at his dad, pushed past him, and rushed to the kitchen. “Have you seen Celina?” Mrs. Stevenson stood at the sink cleaning a head of lettuce. “No, I don’t think she has got up yet. I imagine she’s tired after—” “Then where the hell is she?” Drake slammed the sliding doors to the patio open. “Drake, settle down. We’ll find her. She might have gone for a morning walk.” “No. She wouldn’t have.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Something’s not right. She was excited about going out on the yacht with me. She should be here.” “What are you saying?” Nat reached out and held onto Charles. “We’ll find her, son.” “Will we, Dad?” He rounded on his father. “Something made her run away, and I can pretty much guarantee she overheard us talking and figured out everything you two did.” Natalia cried out, and Charles gathered her to his chest. Drake stared out the door. His head throbbed. If anything’s happened to Celina out there…alone… “She rarely went out of the house by herself.” Charles rubbed Nat’s back. “I’m not sure she even knows her way around enough to go far.” “Damn it, Celina, where could you be?” He fisted his hair. “Maybe, she’s hiding somewhere. If she did overhear our conversations, I imagine she’s in shock. She’s probably devastated.” “Hang on, Drake, let’s think.” “Could she have tried to run back to Prince Joqua?” Natalia pressed her folded hands to her chest. “Antaka is home to her. She would want the comfort of her f-family.” “She didn’t have any money. I always offered to give her some cash, so she could splurge and buy something for herself, but she’d never take it.” Drake let his chin fall to his chest. “The only thing she carried around was that damn free pass to play putt-putt golf.” “She’d need money wherever she went, wouldn’t she? We need to look in our rooms, see if she took money with her, and maybe we can figure out how far she can go.” Charles kissed the top of Nat’s head. “Come on, you can help.” “I’ll check my room.” Drake ran out of the kitchen. He carried credit cards in his wallet and stuffed cash in his bedroom. God, Celina, 84

Debra Kayn why didn’t you wait until you talked with me? I could have explained everything The money clip wasn’t in his bedside drawer. Over four thousand dollars in cash…gone. Drake sank onto the bed, his head in his hands. The charge to his heart set him afire with hope, and he chuckled. Good girl, Celina. “Dad!” Drake opened his closet and grabbed his empty suitcase. “Nat, come here!” Charles and Natalia ran into Drake’s room. He threw a handful of clothes into his suitcase. It didn’t matter what he picked, any shirt and jeans would do. He wasn’t planning on sightseeing. He was going to get the woman he loved and make everything up to her. “She took all the cash in my nightstand.” He grinned. “How much?” “Over four grand. I know she went back home. Pack your bags. We’re going to Antaka.” Hang on, Celina. Stay where you are. I’m coming to get you. It took Celina three days to reach Antakian soil with two layovers and an overnight stay in New York. She’d returned to wearing her robe, and her clothes she wore in America now sat in the bottom of the garbage can in the restroom at the O’Hare airport. She wiggled her toes in the sand, thankful for the familiarity of her country’s soil. The customs guard had probably already sent a messenger over to her father. She stuck out her lower lip and blew the hair out of her eyes. No doubt Papa was preparing for her punishment as she journeyed to the palace. In her heart, she knew he might not do something so drastic as having her stoned. His love for her was real. But, she’d broken the law, and she held hope that she’d only have to serve time imprisoned in a jail cell. She’d count herself lucky if she could see her sisters and brothers one last time. The trek across town to the palace took fifteen minutes. She’d traveled the road all her life with her sisters on market day, and never did the journey appear endless like it did today. Each step she took, the pebbles beneath her bare feet seemed to extract their own punishment for all her bad choices. Damn you, Drake. The gate to the palace opened, and she stopped to identify herself to the guard. He let her proceed without questioning her; proof that the guard at customs did, in fact, send a message to the prince ahead of her. 85

Betraying the Prince Squeals and laughter from the courtyard and the sight of children enjoying the day beside their mothers greeted her as she walked through the square. She only needed to close her eyes and pretend she never left. Nothing had changed during her absence, except her. She came back more hurt than before she left. Maybe I’m not worthy of being loved. Fifteen steps to the door of the palace. She counted each one, taking her time and delaying her arrival. Her mind was so confused; she couldn’t even come up with a plan on how she could protect herself from the wrath of the prince. Linje stood guard at the archway into the palace waiting for her. Celina nodded, bowed, and waited for his directions. “Prince Joqua would like you to follow me, Princess Celina.” Keeping her head down, she followed her papa’s servant. She wasn’t the same girl who had left here. She’d returned a woman. A woman experienced in how the Americans lived. Papa’s wish that she become more like her mother came true. She now had a black mark against her, and she didn’t like it. Linje stopped outside Papa’s doors, and Celina strode past him through her papa’s doorway holding her head high. Papa stood by his window with his back to her. It didn’t skip her notice that none of his wives attended him. Oh, Papa. I’ve missed you so much. Papa continued to stand in front of the window, his hands clasped behind his back. She would not beg for his attention, although she wanted to. A part of her wanted to cry out and fling herself into his arms and beg his forgiveness, the same way she did when she was a child. “Why did you come back?” Prince Joqua asked. “I learned what I thought I should know in America and I have made the decision to return to Antaka.” Papa turned. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and scanned his daughter from head to toe. She moved her feet closer together, ashamed of the dirty bare feet under her dress. “What have you learned?” Celina concentrated on a spot over his right shoulder. Her nerves reminded her of tempered glass, ready to break at any moment into a million pieces. “That Americans are not loyal. They will deceive you, only to further their plans, and leave you to deal with the damage they caused you.” Although her voice remained strong and she kept her head up, 86

Debra Kayn she couldn’t hide the tremble in her hands. Her fingers searched for her bracelets she always wore, and then remembered that she’d put them in her bag. It somehow seemed wrong to wear them anymore. She wasn’t honorable enough to wear such a gift. Prince Joqua stood in silence, studying her closely. She blinked more than necessary. Tears threatened to come out. She wanted the prince to yell at her, punish her and acknowledge her. Maybe he really didn’t care. Prince Joqua’s face remained stoic. He stepped forward across the room with a long, determined stride. She cast her eyes down the closer he came. His legs came into view, and a sob escaped her lips. “Come here, my daughter.” Prince Joqua opened his arms to catch his oldest daughter. She threw herself into his arms. The shield around her heart dissolved. Oh, Papa. He picked her up and cradled her in his arms, carried her to his pillows and sat down with her on his lap. She cried harder. He smoothed her hair back from her face with all the gentleness she remembered, and when he kissed her eyelids, she lost hold of her emotions completely. I loved him with all my body, Papa. I hurt so much… Prince Joqua sang to her, patted her back, and waited for the sobs to subside. Eventually the tears stopped, and she inhaled without choking. Exhausted from the stress, the travel, the past, she only desired sleep. He held her long enough for her muscles to relax and for the loving embrace of her father to heal her wounds. “I never should have let you go.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “My first child, you are home now. Safe. Let Papa fix all your problems.” He covered his nearly sleeping daughter with a blanket and exited the room.

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Chapter Fifteen

“Come join us, Celina.” Danika tread water and propped her arms on the side of the pool. “Not now. Maybe later.” Celina wrinkled her nose. The shrieks coming from the girls in the pool gave her a headache. Her nerves raged from the incessant chatter about what happened in America and why she came back, and she longed for a place to escape and find peace. Papa had kept his distance from her since she’d arrived home four days ago. She took his absence one day at a time and hoped it was sign that the prince thought she still deserved a place in the palace. It didn’t ease the doubts worming their way inside her head, however. The wait was killing her. A movement out of her peripheral vision revealed Nari and her mother, Shanna, arriving to swim. Celina closed her eyes and pretended to rest. No matter how horrible her sister behaved, Shanna won the prize for creating the biggest thorn in her side. 88

Debra Kayn Her chair tilted, and she braced her feet to keep it from tipping over. It didn’t surprise her for Nari to do something to irritate her more. She delighted in finding ways to torment her. “Bored, Nari? Why don’t you run along and see if you can bother someone else for a change?” Nothing else happened. She opened one eye and squinted up into two eyes burning with fire. Shanna, Prince Joqua’s second wife, stood beside Celina’s chair. She hid her surprise. Usually the Dragon Lady kept away from the prince’s offspring. “Why did you come back?” Shanna asked. “Ask your husband.” “You ungrateful piece of trash. Answer me.” Shanna’s voice dripped with venom, and her eyes glared with pent up anger. She kicked Celina’s chair. Celina’s chin came up. Shanna had no reason to know what happened outside the palace, and if she wanted to question someone, she should go to her husband. “It’s really none of your business, Shanna. You’re. Not. My. Mother.” Celina gathered her unused towel and rose from the chair. With the girl’s swimming, it meant their room would be empty and she could rest. She ignored Shanna, and swept past her without a glance. Usually the prince’s wives all behaved well together and enjoyed one another’s company. In a sense, they became one very large family. Except Shanna, who had an insane streak of jealousy flowing through her veins. Everyone learned early on to stay clear of the mother and daughter team. If only the prince realized the evil side to Shanna. None of them were brave enough to step forward and call her out—the wrath of both Shanna and Nari together meant life would only get more difficult. She suspected Prince Joqua saw a very different side to his wife than everyone else. The afternoon sun leaked into the bedroom window, warming the top of Celina’s bed. She lay down on the blanket and sighed. Heat soothed her skin and brought her comfort. Like the dogs at the market, she sought her spot in the sun, ignoring the hustle and bustle around her. She closed her eyes and shut out the light, the worries, and the constant thought of Drake. Sleep saved her sanity. It allowed her an escape from the knowledge of Drake’s betrayal. To have heard him 89

Betraying the Prince confess their love affair left such a burn mark on Celina’s soul, she ached every waking moment. Her dreams remembered only the good things. The way Drake protected her, taught her how an American woman lived, and how he’d teased her unmercifully about her competitive nature. The way he held her after making love, and the way his eyes twinkled at her. Damn you, Drake. Her heartstrings became the rope in a cruel game of tug of war. To believe Drake loved her…yet she’d heard the proof that he didn’t. He’d confessed all to his father and shamed her. She yearned to sleep all day, and nights brought blessed relief. In her dreams, her world remained perfect and included Drake in her life. Reverting inside herself wasn’t healthy. Celina knew better, but she couldn’t stop herself from seeking relief. She wanted to believe in the love he spoke, but that would be foolish. The commotion of the girls scrambling around in the room woke her up. She shivered. The sun had left, and she lay nude atop the bed. “Celina, get dressed. Papa is back from his business trip.” Tressa hurried to dress herself. “You’ll have to hurry,” Danika added. The news gripped Celina in a way her sisters would probably never experience. Did Papa come back to announce her punishment? Did the time away make him come to a conclusion on what to do with her? “Wake up, sleepyhead, we mustn’t be late. This is an important dinner.” Danika shook her shoulder. Someone had replaced her old dress with a different one while she slept. She lifted the material up and recognized one of Danika’s new outfits. She caught her sister peeking at her, gauging her reaction. She mustered a smile and blew her a kiss. She loved Danika. Her sister had only good thoughts and actions toward others. “I wonder what Papa brought back with him?” Nari swung her hair in front of her to brush the ends free of tangles. “You are selfish, Nari. We are celebrating him being home, not wondering what kind of gift he might have brought with him.” Tressa curled her lip and snorted. “Where was Papa anyway?” Nari asked. “How are we supposed to know? We are his children. If you want to know something, you need to ask your mother.” Tressa liked to follow the rules and often set her sisters in their proper place. 90

Debra Kayn “Papa banned Mama from his room.” Nari concentrated on untangling her hair. “What for?” “How would I know? Besides, it’s none of your business, remember?” “Then you should keep your mouth shut.” Tressa shook her head. “Shut up,” Nari snapped. Tressa and Danika sought out Celina and raised their eyebrows. Celina shrugged. She did not know why Shanna displeased the prince. Although maybe Prince Joqua had come to realize what everyone else had already learned. Shanna is cruel. All four sisters walked down the passageway together and joined up with their brothers in the main hallway leading to the dining room. Beebe was the first to catch sight of her and sucked in his breath. Celina smiled. The obvious joy on her brother’s face warmed her, and she winked at him. The shuffling feet and swishing dresses came to a halt at the entrance to the dining room. The children’s mothers sat in their chairs to await the arrival of the prince. “Come, children. Sit. The prince has asked if we could all be in our place on time.” Marti nodded at Danika, who took a seat beside her mother. The mothers with their offspring lined the sides of the table, leaving both end chairs vacant. Celina took her usual seat at the other end of the table, opposite the prince. It never failed her notice she belonged to no one and sat alone at the end of the table. Never quite feeling like part of the family, and separated from the prince. Her siblings peeked over her shoulder at the door and waited for their father to show up. Celina’s hands balled in her lap, and she bowed her head. She counted the threads in the placemat under her plate. By memory, she already knew there were forty-three lines of green thread and one hundred sixty-six lines of red thread. At the arrival of the prince, she lost count on the blue thread. She slowed her breathing to hide her accelerated heartbeat. Papa always announced his daily news after dinner. If a punishment needed handing out, everyone at the table witnessed it. The act of eating would be impossible for her. “Family. We have guests for dinner tonight.” Prince Joqua sat down at the head of the table. “When they arrive, let’s try to keep conversations down to a low roar, shall we?” 91

Betraying the Prince “Who’s here, Papa?” Beebe asked. “Beebe…” His mother, Marti, laid her hand on his shoulder, shushing him. Dinnertime was the best part of the day for the whole family. For all his rules of obeying society standards, Papa allowed everyone to let loose and relax during the evening meal. He enjoyed listening to the children talk about their day and joined in with the wives bragging about the children. During this occasion, the siblings talked freely without worrying about breaking the rules. A joyous event and one Celina had always looked forward to attending. In the near future, one by one, the adult children would leave the table for their husbands’ table, or their wives’ table, and end the family time they shared. She always thought she’d leave first. Tonight, the witnesses who would hear her punishment sobered her mood. She dared not look up at Prince Joqua, and instead tried to concentrate on the conversations buzzing around her. Her trepidation over what would come after dinner slurred their words in her head and deemed it impossible to follow along. Prince Joqua cleared his throat to grab everyone’s attention. Celina picked at her thumbnail under the table and waited. “Children, wives…you remember Charles Randall? This is his son Drake, and the lovely woman with him is Natalia.” Prince Joqua motioned his guests to enter. “Please sit. Enjoy our meal with us.” Someone kicked Celina’s foot under the table. She ignored it. Her head bowed, she fought to gather air into her lungs. Drake? Here? The woodsy scent of Drake’s cologne tickled her nose. The pressure in her head pounded. Wasn’t it enough she would suffer a punishment? Did Papa bring in Drake and his family to witness it too? Drake’s bare forearm came into view, and he took the empty seat to her right. She squeezed her eyes shut. She remembered those gentle hands and the way they worked magic on her body—and she came alive. The children continued to talk, and plates heaped with food circulated the table. She wanted to run back to her room for safety, but it might only bring embarrassment down on the prince. “Hello, Celina. Will you talk with me?” Drake’s hand lay inches from her plate. “I’ve missed you.” No. Why are you doing this to me? There’s nothing to say. “Look at me, babe.” 92

Debra Kayn She kept her head down and squeezed the tears from her eyes. She wasn’t the American woman he wanted. Soon, Papa would announce her punishment, and once satisfied, Drake could leave the island knowing he’d completed his plan. “This might be the only time we can talk freely. Please, Celina.” She shuddered. A teardrop fell on her arm. “Did you run away because you heard what I discussed with Dad in his office?” Celina tried again to count the blue threads in the placemat. She lost count on eight. Why did he want to talk to her now? He’d already confessed to his father. The platters reached the end of the table, and she willed her arms to take one from Drake. His hand touched hers, and she dropped the dish. It crashed to the table, spilling the fruit. All conversations came to an abrupt halt. Her heart beat erratically, and tears spilled down her cheeks. “I’m…I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Papa.” Celina hurried to pick up the pieces, but her trembling hands lost hold of the platter again and it crashed to the floor. “It’s okay, Celina. Why don’t you excuse yourself and fill another platter from the kitchen?” Prince Joqua moved the direction of his eyes to the exit. “Yes, Papa.” She stood. “Excuse me.” She picked up the fallen plate and rushed to the kitchen. She sank down to the floor and wound her arms around her legs. Rocking back and forth, she clamped her lips together to keep from wailing. “Celina?” Drake kneeled down in front of her. She lowered her head onto her knees. Just leave, Drake. Let me keep my dignity. “You have to listen to me…” He reached out and ran his hand over the top of her head, lingering at the base of her neck. “There are things you don’t know.” She lifted her head. “W-Why did you come here? Does it make you, an American, happy to make love to me and turn me in afterward?” “You ran off before you knew what we were talking about, Celina. Let me explain. You are not going to be punished for what you did.” He blew out his breath and hung his head. “What we did…Celina, listen to me. Making love to you was the most beautiful and wonder-

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Betraying the Prince ful thing I have ever experienced. Not something to be punished for, but to be celebrated.” She shook her head. “You lie.” She stood and ran to the safety of the women’s area. Between Drake and Prince Joqua’s displeasure with her, she wondered if she’d simply die from a broken heart or wither away to nothing. She couldn’t go on this way. Punish her or send her away from everyone, but she couldn’t stand another minute around those that she loved. Dinners at the palace ran late into the night or until conversations grew slower and children nodded their heads over the table. Celina hunched under her blanket on the bed and tried to fall into her dreams, the one place she could escape from real life, while upstairs her family laughed and enjoyed the Randall’s visit. A hand caressed her back, and Celina froze. She peeked out from under the blanket ready to tell Drake to leave the girls’ area immediately. Instead, Charles’ girlfriend sat beside her on the bed. “I think we need to talk.” Celina folded her arms under her breasts and shook her head. “Does the prince know you are in the private sleeping area?” “Yes. He gave me permission to come and talk with you. I meant to fix this years ago, but…” She covered her face. “It’s my entire fault.” Why say such a thing? Celina didn’t know her until she went to America. “I don’t feel like talking, I just want to be left alone, please. I-I told Drake to leave…it’s over between us.” She pinched her lips shut. “Twenty years ago, I met a wonderful man.” Nat fingered the bracelets on Celina’s wrist. “I fell deeply in love and thought I would be with him forever.” Celina snorted and pulled her arm away from Nat’s touch. She didn’t want to hear about anyone else’s love life. “I traveled with him to his homeland, and at the beginning of our relationship I believed the sun rose and set with him. He was so good-looking and charming, every woman in the village was half in love with him.” Nat smiled, and her eyes softened. “But, the way he expected me to live didn’t agree with me, and I became sad.” Celina frowned. She didn’t want to hear this. Tears fell down Nat’s face. Celina cocked her head. “I was so far from home, and I felt all alone. One day, a man came to my husband’s house and I found out he came from America too.” Nat dropped her hands in her lap and gazed at them thoughtfully. 94

Debra Kayn “We met by accident in the garden one morning, while I was taking a walk. He talked to me. I was polite and answered him back. He filled my head with stories from back home, and the more he talked, the more homesick I became.” Nat lifted her head and gazed into Celina’s eyes. “I had stopped sleeping with my husband months before because of my unhappiness, and I’m ashamed to say, I made love with the American.” “No!” Celina covered her mouth as the horror of what Nat was saying hit her. “Why are you doing this to me?” Nat ignored Celina and licked her lips. “Celina, I became pregnant with you. The prince sent me away. He did the right thing. You need to realize what it would do for him, for his people, to know I betrayed the Prince of Antaka, and he did nothing.” Celina shook her head. She scooted farther back on the bed, seeking the darkness in the corner of her room to hide from the truth she observed in Nat’s face. “You’re wrong. Papa stoned my mother to death, in front of witnesses. Why are you being so cruel?” Celina’s balled her hands into fists to keep from slapping the woman who hurt her with this madeup story. “I don’t know who told you the prince stoned me to death. The person who told you such a horrible thing deserves punishment for hurting you. Prince Joqua promised me that in time, he would tell you why I stayed in America. He swore to me you would want for nothing.” Nat reached out and grabbed Celina’s wrist. The older woman slipped off the bracelets lining Celina’s arm, walked over to the table in the room, and lit the lantern. “Come here, Celina. Please…” Celina stomped over to the table. She didn’t know what Nat planned to do with her bracelets, but she wanted them back on her wrist. She held her arm to her stomach, feeling naked without her beloved jewelry. Nat picked each bracelet up and placed them in a row on the top of the table. Celina clenched her teeth. “Just leave my bracelets and go back to the table. I’m done talking with you.” “Here, Celina. Hold them together, and read the back of the bracelets. What does it say?” “They say nothing.” Celina refused to play her game. 95

Betraying the Prince “Just look, and then if you want, I’ll leave your room.” She tilted the bracelets toward the light. She squinted. Made of plain silver, they lay on her wrists every day. She’d notice if they— Her eyes widened. She found the letter C on the first bracelet. What? Twenty-one bracelets all together spelled out a message that brought truth to everything Nat told her. “I sent one bracelet each year to you on your birthday. It was my way of telling you what I couldn’t say to you in person. Prince Joqua promised me, when you turned twenty-one, he would send you back to me. Until then, I sent you bracelets and thought of you every day, and missed you…like missing my own heartbeat.” Celina set the bracelets on the table. No longer a gift from her papa, she had no desire to put them back on her wrist. All these years she’d believed what others told her, and there was a message right in front of her this whole time saying differently. Every time she cried herself to sleep, because she didn’t have a mother…when she really did. Every time one of the other kids ran to their mama for help, she returned to her bed, alone, crying inside, missing out on having her own mother. C-e-l-i-n-a-I-l-o-v-e-y-o-u-f-o-r-e-v-e-r. All these years, and a message from her mother was with her the whole time. Words she would have loved to hear. She sniffed. It didn’t matter. She was now an adult. She didn’t need a mother to wipe her tears or rub her back until she fell asleep after a bad dream anymore. “How could you leave your own child?” “I never planned for it to end up this way. When I finally went back to America, I married your father. You were one month old, and we were traveling to the coast for the weekend. Another car hit us head-on. Your father…your father died instantly, and I broke my back. I lived in the hospital for over a year.” Footsteps and ruffling material came from the outer hallway. Celina frowned. Now what? “Celina, Natalia, come. The prince wishes to speak with you both right away.” Shanna hurried the two of them out into the hallway. Natalia scowled at the other woman and reached out to grab Celina’s hand. Celina frowned at the expression on Nat’s face. “Celina, something is…” Natalia leaned over to tell Celina something, but Shanna pushed her aside.

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Debra Kayn A cloth flew over Celina’s head, surrounding her body in darkness. She fought to get her arms free, but the material tightened around her. She screamed, but the cloth pressed against her face muffled her cry for help. Somebody lifted her off the ground. She groaned. A shoulder dug into her abdomen. Stars flashed behind her eyelids, and she braced herself the best she could. “Put them in here, quickly,” Shanna hissed. Celina’s body jostled and dropped. She screamed and landed against a flat, hard surface. She scratched at the covering, but with her arms bound against her sides, her attempts only exhausted her. “Oof.” A dead weight landed on her leg. She strained against the fabric. Nat! The bundle nudged her hip. “Nat?” She wiggled closer. In the dark, swaddled up, she sought the comfort of the wiggling mass beside her. She lay still and gathered her strength. Pain exploded in her head, and she couldn’t seem to catch her breath. “Celina?” The blanket blocked her vision and disoriented her. She struggled to sit up, but only managed to get her head off the floor. “Celina!” The events unfolded in her mind. Shanna must have orchestrated the men to capture her and Natalia. She rolled her body back and forth, succeeded in righting herself, and kicked her bound feet out. “Nat? Where are you?” “Here.” Nat nudged Celina’s leg. “What is happening?” “Sh…I think we are being transported. Keep your voice down in case they can hear us.” “Transported? I don’t understand…” “The woman who came to retrieve us is behind this. I heard her talking with a man. She told the person to take us to the cave.” The cave? Celina shook her head. “I do not know about any caves on the island.” Her brothers would be more familiar with the terrain. Unlike the females, the males had free reign of the island. “Why would she do this? She knows what Papa will do when he finds out.”

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Betraying the Prince The cart slowed down and stopped. The surf pounded loud enough to block any conversation between Nat and herself without screaming at each other. Celina lay back down. She held her breath to calm her racing heart, and exhaled. Suddenly, Celina once again found herself upside down, a shoulder digging into her stomach as someone carried her away. She tried to counted the steps the person took, but with her stomach pitching with each step, she gave up. The person set her down roughly. Her head banged against a hard object, but she remained in a sitting position. More shuffling came from somewhere in front of her, followed by a groan of pain. Nat! Someone yanked the covering off Celina’s head. A fiery, sharp heat sliced down her cheek. She flinched, and squeezed her eyes shut against the sting. The rush of cold air in her face helped the pain in her head, and she gulped fresh air. Her hands remained tied, but with her head now uncovered, she gained confidence. It would help her figure out a way back to the palace. In the abyss of darkness, she strained to make out any shapes. She might as well be blind. “Nat?” “I’m here.” “Are you okay?” she asked. She didn’t know what to call her. Nat? Mother? Mama? “I think so. You?” “Yes. He cut away the fabric over my head and cut my cheek.” “Can you tell how bad it is?” “It’s only a scratch. It’s not hurting much.” She rolled her head against the hard wall. A cool breeze rushed at them, echoed off the walls, and validated Celina’s hunch. They were in a cave. A seashell put to the ear to hear the ocean sounded the same. “Do you think anyone knows where we are?” she whispered. “Charles and Drake will look for us and will tell the prince. Don’t worry. As long as we stay together, we’ll be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Celina struggled against the ropes, and Nat scooted closer. Celina bent her head down and managed to clench the fabric binding her knees together between her teeth. Her muscles strained with the 98

Debra Kayn effort. She spat the few strands of thread she managed to tear. If she continued at this rate, it would be days before she freed herself. “I can’t get loose, and my hands are falling asleep,” Celina panted. “Let’s rest for a few minutes and gain our strength. Then we can try to move closer to each other. Maybe I can feel with my mouth what kind of rope they used to tie us.” Nat shifted the weight on her hip. “If I have to, I’ll gnaw through the rope to get you loose.” The strength in Nat’s words slammed into Celina. How many times had she wished to hear a mother’s fierce protectiveness aimed at her? “I don’t understand any of this,” Nat said. “It was Shanna. Papa’s second wife.” “But why?” “I don’t know. She hates me, but she hates everyone.” Celina sunk her teeth into the rope, bit down with all her strength, and ground her jaw back and forth, gnawing in panic. What if their capturers came back? She pulled against the bind until she lost her grip. She groaned and fell back against the wall of the cave. This wasn’t going to work. “Just rest, daughter.” Daughter. Natalia called her daughter. Celina swallowed, unsure how to respond. “Nat…How did I end up with Papa?” The rustling coming from Nat’s direction stopped. Celina squeezed her eyes shut. Not from the darkness, but to protect her from something she didn’t want to hear. “When I left the prince, I still loved him. Not the same way I loved your father, or even the way I love Charles now. The prince gave me one of the greatest gifts someone could give another person.” Nat took a deep breath and let it out. “I experienced love from someone who loved me for the person I am; not because I’m beautiful, and not because he wanted to keep me as a possession. He honestly cared about my happiness during a time in my life when I needed someone like him.” Celina remained motionless through Nat’s telling, afraid to miss what she confessed. Celina swallowed over the lump in her throat. She knew the kind of love her mother mentioned. Drake gave her the same kind. “I found myself in the hospital, my husband dead, and an infant who needed a mother…I didn’t know what to do. I fought depression 99

Betraying the Prince and couldn’t even get myself out of the hospital bed to take care of myself, because I was in a body cast. I mourned the loss of being able to take care of a baby. But, without arms and legs…” Nat cleared her throat. “The doctors were not sure I would ever walk again, so I contacted the prince and told him what happened. He came to America and agreed to raise you until I got back on my feet and was able to take care of you. You have to understand—” “But it didn’t take twenty-two years.” Unable to keep the question to herself, Celina spoke her mind. She understood how she ended up with the prince, but her mother never returned. “No. Almost three years later, after years of therapy and learning how to walk again, I traveled back to Antaka. I came to retrieve my daughter. What I found was a toddler who loved her papa, the prince. You were happy and smiling. I watched you from the balcony of the prince’s office, running in the courtyard and playing with the other children of the village. You laughed and loved your life.” “So you left me.” Celina didn’t question her. “Yes. I don’t regret what I did, Celina. I was unhappy for many years, but you deserved the love and protection that the prince could offer you…what I couldn’t give you alone. My parents were already gone, and the prince was the only one I would trust with my most important love.” If Celina knew the love of a mother while growing up, all those years of hating her mother for what she did to the prince—for hating all Americans for what she thought one person did—might never have matured and festered. “The prince and I agreed that when you were old enough to understand my choices, he would let you come to America and get to know me. Of course, he protected his reputation in the meantime. If his people knew he let me walk away after betraying him in the worse way a wife can betray her husband, they would have revolted. He would have lost the respect he’d earned.” Natalia sighed. “He made up the phony tombstone and spread the word I’d died in a car accident. That way he didn’t lose the power over his people. I didn’t think he would tell you such a story of stoning me to death, or let others punish you with the lie. For that, I’m so sorry.” The dank cold seeped inside the blanket surrounding Celina. She shivered. With so many of her questions answered, the truth of what happened with her mother forced her to realize she hated for the wrong reasons. Her mother loved her, and her papa protected her. 100

Debra Kayn “Papa never told me about how you’d died,” Celina admitted. “Shanna told me when I was six years old. After I asked Papa, he told me to not listen to the others…but I did.” Celina bit her lip to keep from crying. “No one else would tell me about you, and I assumed you were stoned to death the way Shanna explained it to me. When I asked the other wives, they said my questions upset the prince and I should concentrate on being a good Antakian. Oh, God, I believed that woman.” “We are all to blame, Celina. Me, your papa, Shanna—every single one of us is responsible for the suffering you’ve gone through. We all played charades, but I want you to understand, I’ll do anything to get to know you now. I want to be part of your life.” “We have to get out of here.” Celina scooted, inch-by-precious little inch, closer to her mother. “We will.” “No, we have to get out of here now. I need to talk with Drake. I think I made a terrible mistake.” She dug her heels in the ground and propelled farther ahead. “Celina, Drake loves you.” “He knew who you were, didn’t he?” “Yes. We felt it would be better that he knew why you were brought to America…and later, when you two grew closer, we thought having someone support you would make it easier to take the news.” Nat groaned. “I’m so sorry. I don’t think I could ever—” “Come on, wiggle closer, and I’ll work on your ropes,” Celina said. Her blanket-clad legs brushed against her mother. She leaned her head over, using her cheeks to gauge where the ropes might lay. Opening her mouth, she ran her lips along the rope and searched for a knot. Yes. “I found the knot. I’m going to try and chew through it.” Celina ground her teeth against the fibrous material of the rope. She grunted and strained. Her own bindings cut into her arms. She forced her body into an unnatural position. She had to make this work. “I think it’s working,” Celina mumbled around the rope. She worked harder, becoming more determined as she gained progress. She needed to get them loose and find Drake. He needed to know she still loved him and would go back to America with him. The rope gave away and fell out of Celina’s mouth. She collapsed into Nat’s lap and let the sobs overtake her. 101

Betraying the Prince “I did it.” Her laugh came out hysterical. She stayed in her mama’s lap listening to the praise Natalia sent her way.

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Chapter Sixteen

Charles strolled into Drake’s room. His son lay sprawled out on the bed, his hands behind his head. This trip had everyone’s wishes for a happily ever after working overtime. For Drake to find happiness, the rift between Natalia and her daughter must close and heal first. “Drake, have you seen Natalia this morning?” Drake’s long legs swung around, and he sat up. He ran his hand over his face. Charles had never seen his son’s face so haunted. “No. Maybe, she and Celina are talking.” Charles nodded. “Yes.” A deep sigh came from Drake as if his life depended on winning Celina back. Charles sat beside his son. He knew exactly what Drake was going through; he felt the same way about Natalia. “It’ll work out, son. Have faith.” Drake scoffed. “She wouldn’t even talk with me last night. She kept asking me if I came to witness her punishment. The way Celina 103

Betraying the Prince acted, I think she believes the prince will stone her to death the way she believes he killed her mother. I just hope Natalia can make her believe the truth. I can’t stand knowing she suffers every day from a lie she was told. I think we need to talk with Prince Joqua. Celina, if nothing else, will listen to him. He’s as much at fault as everyone else.” “Yeah, you might be right, son.” Prince Joqua’s servant ushered Drake and Charles into the prince’s private room. The prince sat alone at his desk, going over papers. “Prince Joqua?” Drake stood in the entryway. Out of respect for his father, he restrained himself from strangling Celina’s papa. “Hello Drake, Charles.” Prince Joqua stacked the papers he worked on and stood. “I would like it if you could talk with Celina. Make her see why we’re all here.” The prince inhaled deeply through his nose and frowned. “It’s long past time I talk with my daughter. I’ve dreaded the day this would happen, and now I believe I have waited too long to set things right.” Drake sensed the trepidation from the prince, but understood how he only wanted the best for Celina. “She loves you.” Drake stepped forward. The prince nodded. “I believe she loves you too. You will have to make sure you tell her.” He patted his chest. “Tell her until she knows it in here.” Drake nodded. “I will, Prince.” As soon as Celina will talk with me. Prince Joqua summoned Linje and asked him to retrieve his oldest daughter. “She’s hurting, Prince.” Drake cupped the back of his neck. Since Celina ran away, each day seemed to drag on and on, without any sign that things were going to improve. “I know she is. She holds a special place in my heart that even my children from my blood will never fill. She comes from the woman who captured my heart the first time. My first true love who gave me a gift more valuable than this…island.” Prince Joqua nodded at Charles. “I understand.” Charles bowed his head. Linje rushed into the room. “Prince Joqua, Celina is not in the women’s quarters. Danika says she didn’t sleep in her bed last night.” Prince Joqua glanced from Drake to Charles, and then snapped to attention. “Call up my men. I want her found, now!” 104

Chapter Seventeen

The last of the ropes fell off Celina, and she grabbed her mother in her arms and pulled her to her chest. She sobbed with relief. The last hour, she’d worried about their kidnappers coming back and catching them in the act of untying themselves. “Do you have any idea where we are?” Nat asked. She shook her head. “No. Papa never brought me to this part of the island. I believe we’re close to the ocean, but where, I have no idea. The breeze is coming from over in that direction. I think we should make our way toward the wind.” Celina helped Nat to her feet and guided her forward. “You’ll need to be careful, and hold on to my hand.” Celina led the way. Holding on to Natalia, she held out her free hand and skimmed the wall of the cave. One stumble and they might fall into a hole or break a bone. They needed to reach the opening of the cave and find somewhere to hide while they figured out how to make it back to the palace. 105

Betraying the Prince “Be careful. There’s a ledge right in front of me. I’m going to let go of your hand and pull myself up.” Celina ran her hand along the cold surface trying to gauge the size. The barricade, a large boulder, reached to the top of her thigh. Cold and flat against her bare hands, the rock proved a challenge in her long dress and the slickness of the surface. “Reach out for my hand. I’ll help you up.” Celina stretched her upper body back toward Natalia. With her mama’s hand in hers, she pulled Natalia up beside her. “I think the wind is picking up.” Celina pulled up the ends of her robe. “That’s good. It means we are closer to the mouth of the cave.” Inch by inch, Celina guided Natalia over the rock. She stayed low and crawled, but slowed down to allow her mother to keep up. The cold from the rocks numbed her knees and pain radiated up her legs. “Wait, Celina. I don’t think I can go on.” Nat sat down and rubbed her knees. “I’ve lost feeling in my legs.” Celina stopped. She eased back to sit beside Natalia. “We’ll rest.” “You must go on. Find the prince, Charles, and Drake. They will come to get me.” Natalia found Celina’s hand in the dark and squeezed. “It’s important for you to get back to Drake. Make things right with him.” “No, Mama, I won’t leave you. The kidnappers might come back, and I’m afraid of what they might do if they see you loose and me gone.” Celina rubbed Natalia’s hands between her own warming them, hoping to bring back circulation and ease the aches. She moved and massaged Natalia’s legs next. She squeezed Natalia’s calves. “Does that make you feel better?” “Yes. Thank you. I can feel my legs again.” “I don’t want to push you harder, but we must find the exit.” Celina gathered Natalia’s hand and held it tight. The rock ledge ended, and the women stepped down onto the ground. Natalia groaned, and Celina hurried her steps. She needed to get Natalia out of the cave, hide her somewhere out of the chill of the wind, and go on her own to look for help. Natalia leaned heavily on Celina, and Celina’s own fatigue forced her to slow down. Nat pulled on Celina’s arm. “Look.”

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Debra Kayn Celina lifted her head and pulled her mother forward. “We did it! Hurry, Mama.”

***

With the women and children under lock and key inside the palace, Prince Joqua ordered his men to stand at attention and wait for orders. He marched amongst his men, dispatching selected groups to search the island. Never in all his years, nor in his father’s years, did a cry for duty cause such fear in his soul. “Prince Joqua, your daughter Danika wishes to speak with you.” Linje bowed and waited for orders. “Not now, Linje.” “But Prince, she is quite persistent and says it has something to do with Celina.” The prince whirled around to face his personal servant. He glared at the man who dared beg for his attention. Every moment of doing nothing might cost his daughter her life. “I believe she knows what happened, Prince.” “Very well. Send her to me, but do not, I repeat, do not leave her side.” Drake and Charles stood with his men, and Prince Joqua waved them over. He filled them in on the current news in an attempt to boost their hopes. He would find the women. Danika ran toward him, dragging Nari by the arm. A lead weight dropped to the bottom of his stomach. Nari, his frivolous daughter who often got herself into trouble with her pranks, appeared in front of him upset. “What is it you know, Danika?” “Celina and the woman…” She covered her face and cried. “Go on, Danika.” “I think they are in danger. I heard Nari brag about not having to deal with Celina anymore.” Danika yanked Nari forward and pinched her sister’s arm. “Tell him, Nari!” “Mama wasn’t in her room last night. I knew she wasn’t allowed to go to you, and I wanted to spend the evening in her company.” Nari wrapped her arms around her middle. His men crept closer, wanting to hear what the young princess knew. The prince grabbed both daughters’ arms and dragged them off to the side where they might not be overheard. “Go on, Nari.”

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Betraying the Prince “Please, Papa, do not punish my mother. She’s jealous.” Nari fell to her knees. “I think Mama kidnapped Celina and Mrs. Rodriguez.” He should have known. His second wife had become spiteful toward the others, while acting innocent and caring around him. Did she really have it in her to harm someone—especially his daughter— this way? “Spit it out now, Nari. Where are Celina and Natalia?” He grabbed Nari’s arm and lifted her to her feet. “I overheard Mama talking about a cave on the other side of the island.” Nari hung her head. “That’s all I know. I swear on my life, Papa.” The caves! Only his men dared travel to the training ground. Uninhabited, the rough terrain and hidden dangers placed Celina and Natalia in great peril. “Charles, Drake!” He walked toward the men. “I know where they are.”

***

“We made it, Celina.” Natalia collapsed against the mouth of the cave, a cavern hidden in the hillside above the pounding surf of the ocean. Covered with brush growing wild in front of the entrance, the cave was invisible to the naked eye. “I have no idea which direction to even start in.” Celina planted her hands on her hips and surveyed the area. “Maybe you should just stay here with me. We can wait until the men find us. After we rest, we can try to walk a little farther.” Natalia sat on a boulder outside the cave and rubbed her legs. Celina doubted anyone would look for them this soon. She knew the routine of the palace, and unless her sisters mentioned it to one of the mothers during the day, the news of them missing wouldn’t become known until dinnertime. She only hoped someone found them. The thought of spending another night outside the palace scared her almost as much as Shanna did. She stepped over beside her mother. “Let’s go find a place for you to lie down.” Natalia walked easier in the daylight than she did in the cave. Celina scouted the terrain. For all she knew, she’d led them straight into the path of a different kind of danger. The bushes slapped her cheeks and snagged her clothes. Celina stopped her search. The only thing they were accomplishing was adding more scratches and bruises to their already sore bodies. 108

Debra Kayn “I think if I make the ground soft with leaves you could lay under one of these bushes. I’ll pile branches up around you, and no one would see you.” Celina rubbed her cheek. “You are brave, Celina. Without you here—” “No, I’m not. I’m here because of Shanna. If I could get my hands on her, I’d tear her apart for doing this to us.” “And I’d help you.” Natalia patted Celina on the back. “She wouldn’t stand a chance with both of us after her.” Both women gathered leaves from the trees. Celina pulled up the edges of her dress and constructed a makeshift pouch. If she hurried, she might make it back to the palace before it began to get dark. The leaves, though not the soft, feather-bed quality she hoped for, cushioned the ground enough to bring comfort to Natalia. Celina nodded. “This will have to do.” “It’s more than enough, daughter. Thank you.” Natalia cradled her head on her arm. “I think if I head in that direction, away from the sound of the surf, I’ll have the best chance of finding someone to help us.” “I don’t like the idea of you out there alone. It’s so different here, and women should not be outside the palace grounds. There are so many things that could happen.” Natalia caught Celina’s hand. “Please, be careful. I can’t have something happen to you now that I have you back.” “I will…” she hesitated, “Mama.” Natalia’s shoulders shook, and Celina gathered her mother in her arms. She leaned back and waited until Nat lay back down. “Hurry now, while you still have daylight.” Celina nodded and left her mother’s side.

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Chapter Eighteen

The sand below her feet turned to rich, dark soil, and Celina picked up her pace. She limped from the sores on her feet and knew there must be blisters forming. Too afraid to stop and check, and worried if she sat down she wouldn’t get back up, she continued. For the last hour, the same bird followed her from above, and swooped down the moment she walked slower. She glared up into the sky and willed the big ugly pest to go away. Her kidnappers would track her if they spotted the vulture circling the sky.  Damn bird, go away! The sun beat down on the top of Celina’s head, and sweat broke out across her forehead. She cringed. A trickle of moisture ran down into the cut on her cheek. She swiped her forearm across her face and slowed her pace. She’d wear herself out soon, and that wouldn’t help her or Natalia. A prickly bush snagged her dress, and she gave it a firm tug. The material ripped, and she wished for the shorts and t-shirt Charles 110

Debra Kayn gave her in California. She’d have been able to move much faster in the clothes she wore in California, not to mention the sneakers might have protected her feet better. One more step. Each step took her one foot closer to Drake. She dug deep inside for the strength to continue. Exhausted beyond anything she’d ever experienced, taking a little rest might help her to continue. She lost the ability to swallow. She tried, but there wasn’t enough spit in her mouth to make it work. She second-guessed her choice to walk opposite the ocean. If she’d stayed by the shoreline instead of going the other direction, she might have run into a fresh water stream. She battled through the underbrush and entered a clearing. She collapsed on the ground. There wasn’t a person or building in sight. Oh, Mama, I failed us. The vulture swooped. The breeze from its wings rustled her hair. Exhausted, she closed her eyes. She’d rest for just a few minutes and then continue on her quest. Just a catnap, and then I’ll be able to travel faster. “Get up!” The sudden impact against her side radiated pain throughout her body and stole her breath. She folded her legs up to ward off the pain, but another attack hit her. She cried out, and covered her chest to block the foot kicking her. “Get up!” She’d done it. Someone had come to help her. She squinted against the intense glare of the sun and shielded her eyes. She scooted back at the sight of the angry woman. “Shanna?” The woman reached down and grabbed a handful of Celina’s hair. Celina whimpered, and her body swayed. “I’m going to be sick.” “You thought you could escape, you stupid…Now, where is your mother?” Shanna shook the handful of Celina’s hair. “Mama…” “Yes, where is your mama?” Celina clamped her lips together. She chose to die rather than tell her. “Come on. We don’t have time to play games.” Shanna dragged Celina to her feet and pushed her back in the direction of the cave. She stumbled. “Why are you doing this to me?”

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Betraying the Prince Shanna gave her another shove, and Celina struggled to keep upright. She bent over at the waist, gagged, and clamped her hand over her mouth. She was so dizzy it made her nauseous. “You and your mother bring shame on the prince. Everyday we have to watch the prince ogle over his favorite daughter and give you everything you desire. It ends now. Getting rid of both of you is better for everyone. That woman is not welcome back into the palace.” Shanna spat on the ground. “She will not take my place as his wife.” Shanna’s eyes darted back and forth, and her words rushed out of her mouth. Fear rooted in Celina. Always mean-spirited and cruel, Shanna no longer acted sane, and Celina feared the depth she’d go to get rid of her and Natalia. “Wait, Shanna.” She waited until Shanna turned back to her, and what she saw scared her to death. Shanna had gone mad. “I’ll take Natalia, and we will go to America. You will not have to worry about us anymore. I-I want to live in America.” “It’s too late. You will be on a ship off the island as soon as I find your mother. Now where is she?” Shanna moved, and the sunlight flickered off the knife in her hand. Celina stepped backward, turned, and scrambled over the rough terrain. “Help! Somebody, help me!” A branch slapped her face, and her arms came up to protect her. The cut on her cheek reopened, and warm blood trickled down her face, into her mouth. She spat. Shanna must not catch her. The branches cracked, and the hum of Shanna breathing behind her forced Celina to run faster. Shanna caught Celina’s hair, and she screamed. She pitched herself forward, gaining space between her and Shanna, but she couldn’t catch her balance. The ground came up to meet her, and she cried out. Pebbles dug into her hands and knees. “Help! Help me!” “Shut up!” Shanna slapped Celina across the face. She wouldn’t stop. The injustice of it all filled her with fury. She swung her arms wildly. If she hurt Shanna, she might stand a chance of surviving.

***

Drake jogged for what seemed like hours, cursing the lack of automobiles on this hellhole of an island. A person could walk from one

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Debra Kayn side of the island to the other in four hours, but he needed to find Celina now. Prince Joqua hurried along one hundred yards to Drake’s left, and his father on his right, each searching the area for the women. He scanned the ground and bushes looking for any indication that Celina and Natalia might have come this way. Was it too much to ask to find a shoe, a message written in the dirt, anything that would jump out at him and grab his attention? He needed some sign they were still alive. After dire threats from the prince, the man who helped Shanna confessed, and was promptly locked in jail. They’d already searched the cave and found it empty. The blankets used to smuggle the women out of the palace lay on the cold floor of the cavern. The only thing left to do was search the surrounding areas, and it seemed like an impossible task to Drake. Once he found them, he’d do whatever it took to make Celina believe in his love and to come back to America where he could keep her safe. Maybe a month on his father’s yacht, just the two of them, would buy him enough time to convince her she could trust him again. No matter how long it took, he expected to live with her for the rest of his life. He wasn’t willing to believe any differently. The loud cawing overhead drew Drake’s attention to the sky. He raised his arm and shielded his eyes against the glare of the sun. A black vulture flew tight circles and swooped toward the ground. Drake continued on his search, but the scream of another bird joining the fray farther ahead stopped him in his tracks. His stomach cramped. Carnivores didn’t care what they found to sustain themselves. Rabbits. Mice. Dead prey. Carcasses. He took off running. He tore branches and leaped over brush, keeping his vision on the spot where the birds had disappeared. Sweet Jesus, no… A bloodthirsty scream so filled with terror came from yards ahead of him. A burst of adrenaline shot through his veins, and his feet barely landed on the rough terrain. Celina! He practically flew over the knoll to where he thought the birds touched down and came to an abrupt halt. His hands came up, reach-

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Betraying the Prince ing for thin air at the sight in front of him. Shanna held a knife across Celina’s neck. Blood covered her face. “Put the knife down.” He stepped toward the woman. Less than thirty feet from her, he knew without a doubt time played against him. The damage Shanna might do… He inched his way closer. Shanna glanced frantically between him and Celina. Determined, he stepped every time her gaze left him. He needed to get the knife away from Celina’s neck. Shanna threw the knife in Drake’s direction, barely missing his leg, and ran off in the reverse direction. Drake ran the rest of the way to Celina and fell on his knees beside her. “Oh, baby…” She didn’t move or look up at him with those beautiful eyes of hers. Blood trickled out of her cheek, down her neck. He held his breath and leaned down to check her neck for a pulse. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. Thank you, God. “Celina, baby, can you hear me?” He rubbed her arms, trying to rouse her back to consciousness. Afraid to move her in case she suffered from any broken bones, he stayed by her side. “Babe, please wake up.” She moaned and moved her head side to side, fighting. He lifted his head and scanned the area. “Dad! Prince Joqua!” Celina needed a doctor. His dad and Prince Joqua couldn’t be too far away. “I’ll get you back to the palace, Celina, just hang on, baby.” “Drake?” his father called out. “Dad, over here! I found her,” he yelled. Celina whimpered and brought her hand up to her face. He stopped her before she contaminated the wounds. “Baby, can you tell me where it hurts?” “Drake?” “It’s me. I’m going to get you some help.” Her eyelids fluttered, and she tried to raise her head. He leaned over her. “Just hang on. Dad and Prince Joqua should be here any minute.” “Shanna…” She grimaced. “Shh…I know. We’ll catch her.” “No. Natalia. She’s hiding…by the cave.” She struggled to swallow. “Shanna will kill her…don’t let her kill my mother.” 114

Debra Kayn Branches snapped, the screams of the birds flying away in defeat reached Drake, and he turned. He dropped her hand and stood ready to defend her from Shanna. If the bitch thought she’d get another chance at hurting his woman, he’d kill her first. “Drake?” Charles pushed through the brush. Excitement shone on his face. “Did you find—” “Over here.” Charles kneeled beside his son. “Thank God. How is she?” “She’s conscious now, but she needs a doctor.” “Take her. I’ll find the prince.” “Help Natalia,” Celina whispered. She raised her arm, reaching for him. “Dad?” Drake couldn’t leave Celina, but his dad could go hunt for Natalia. “You need to find Natalia.” “Yes. Yes. Celina, can you tell me if she is close by?” Celina’s head fell back on Drake’s arm. “I’ve got to get her back to the palace, but she mentioned Natalia hid by the cave.” Drake carefully slid his arm underneath Celina’s shoulders. After Charles left, Drake picked Celina off the ground and held her cradled in his arms. Carrying her, he embarked on the long journey back to the palace. In his hurry to see her safe, and to find out if this island even had a medical doctor, he stumbled over another branch. He tightened his hold on Celina and forged ahead. “Damn island. Damn cars. Damn wives. Damn…” Drake muttered. A weak croak came from Celina. He shifted her in his arms and tried not to make more bruises on her already abused body. “I guess all your damns rubbed off on me.” Celina nodded and whimpered. He picked up his steps. “I know, baby. You’ve taken a beating, and I’m probably causing you more pain. Hang in there, and I’ll get you the help you’ll need as fast as I can.”

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Chapter Nineteen

“Natalia!” Charles’ voice grew hoarse from the last half hour of constant yelling. Not a sign or sound from Natalia ever came. Give me a sign, Nat. I’m running out of ideas. After meeting back up with Prince Joqua, they agreed the prince would search the cave and the outer areas once more, and he concentrated on searching through the underbrush. The thought of Shanna getting her hands on Natalia terrified him. She should never have come back to this island. “Natalia!” He stood perfectly still, cocked his head to listen for anything out of the ordinary. The sound of the waves blocked out most sounds. He checked his watch again; it wouldn’t be long before the sun went down. “Damn it.”

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Debra Kayn He headed out a little farther. Maybe Celina misjudged the distance they’d traveled. He jogged along a route he imagined the women might have gone, and something blue caught his eye. He hurried over and fought his way through the branches, ignoring the pain. Natalia had put on a blue dress yesterday. “Natalia!” “Charles?” Her voice sounded weak, but it was comfort to his soul. His eyes blurred with unshed tears at that sweet, sweet voice of hers. He found her hidden under the brush. She appeared tired and a little worse for wear, but she smiled up at him. “Nat…you almost gave this old man a heart attack.” He pulled her up to his chest and hugged her. “I thought I’d lost you.” “Charles, did Celina find you?” The strength of her grip on the front of his shirt didn’t surprise him. He’d always known about the fierce love she had for her daughter. Distance didn’t play a factor in how much Natalia protected Celina. “She’s okay, or rather, she will be. Drake found her and is taking her back to the palace to get her help.” Charles laid Natalia back down and worked on a bigger exit out of the brush. “I’ll have you back beside your daughter before you know it.” “It was Shanna. Prince Joqua’s wife. She didn’t want me back at the palace.” “Shh…love, I know. She’s not going to get another chance at hurting you, trust me.” “I do. I’ve always trusted you.” He inspected the trail he made and deemed it wide enough to help Natalia out of hiding without causing even more abrasions on her poorly beat-up body. “Now hang on, love, I’m going to get you back to your daughter.”

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Chapter Twenty

The doctor left, and Drake sat beside the bed holding Celina’s hand. His thumb stroked her palm. He’d washed the blood away, and after a few sips of water to calm her stomach, she was feeling a little better. The sickness she experienced came from dehydration and exhaustion, nothing else. She shivered, and Drake pulled the blanket up higher, covering her shoulders. “Drake?” He leaned closer, his brows drawn together, and she wanted to run her hands over his face to smooth out the worry lines, but it hurt to lift her arms. “I’m sorry I ran away. I thought…” She swallowed hard. “You were telling your father about having sex with me, and I was afraid of the punishment. I thought America was different; I wanted to believe it was different.” Drake hung his head. She squeezed his fingers. “I’m so sorry.” 118

Debra Kayn “Shh. No, it was my fault. They told me Natalia is your mother, and I promised to keep it a secret until she could tell you herself. I never planned to fall in love with you. When I did, I went to them the morning after making love to you and demanded they tell you the truth.” “Oh, Drake, I love you. I’ve been miserable without you.” Drake stood and leaned over Celina, careful not to hurt her more. She closed her eyes and let herself melt under his kisses. He brushed his lips beside her ear, and whispered, “Celina, would you marry me?” She smiled. Happy tears came to the corners of her eyes. This wasn’t a dream she’d escaped to, but reality. “You want to marry me?” She raised her brows. “Absolutely. I knew I wanted you for my wife when you walked into the party my father gave you, and my heart hit the floor. I want you by my side for the rest of my life.” “Oh, Drake, yes. Yes.” She raised her chin and reached for his lips again. She couldn’t wait to recuperate and wrap herself up in his arms. “It looks like we got here just in time.” Charles stood in the doorway with his arm around Natalia. “Nat wouldn’t rest until she’d seen her daughter with her own eyes and knew she lived.” “Mama…” Celina shed fresh tears. Natalia limped across the room to sit in the chair Drake scooted close to the bed for her. She laid her hand on Celina’s forehead. “Are you okay?” “I am now. Promise you will never leave me again?” Celina clung to Natalia’s hand. Natalia nodded, tears filling her eyes. “You hid me perfectly. Charles found me and carried me here.” She reached over and pulled Charles closer to the bed. “From now on, we all stick together. Love each other. I’ve lost so many years to act like a mother. I want to make it up to you.” Charles laid his arm around Natalia’s shoulder. “She’s never stopped loving you, Celina. You’re all she ever thought about.” “Thank you. Thank you for bringing my mother to me.” Her mother. The name slid off her tongue and tasted sweet. They’d talk more later. Right now…being together would satisfy her. “Has Prince Joqua come back yet?” Charles asked Drake. “Not yet.” “Papa is missing too?” Celina tried to sit up and grimaced.

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Betraying the Prince “No. He’s overseeing the man who helped Shanna.” Drake walked around to the other side of the bed and sat on the edge. Celina reached for his hand and pulled him closer. She turned her head. “Tell them. We all need something to look forward to, don’t you think?” Drake lifted her hand and kissed it. “Dad. Natalia. I asked Celina to marry me, and she said yes.” Natalia tilted her head and winked at Charles. “We have news of our own to share. I’m going to marry Charles when we get back to the States.” Celina laughed. All of their lives had changed; she’d gained a fiancé and a mother in the same day. “I need to tell Papa still.” She wanted Drake to understand her desire to marry on the island. More than anything, she wanted an Antakian marriage celebration. She’d make sure she did whatever it took for Prince Joqua to give them his approval. She would also tell her papa she wanted to live in America with Drake. The freedom found there pleased her, and she wanted to live closer to her mother. She bit down on her lip. Before that could happen, she wanted a wedding that took place on her father’s island, under his laws, in front of her siblings, and with her father walking her down the aisle. “Would you like to be married here, before we go home?” Drake asked. She nodded and looked to her mother. “Will you both stay?”

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Chapter Twenty-One

All of Celina’s family and friends sat in the courtyard in front of the palace and waited for the bride to walk toward the groom. Drake stood in front of her sisters by the fire pit in the center. Celina inhaled. Her heart burst with happiness. The night Papa came back from trying to capture Shanna and confessed the hunt turned up unsuccessful left Charles and Drake ready to fly off the island to deliver her mother and her to the safety of America. Celina promised she would never let herself be alone, even in the palace, if Drake let her stay for the wedding. During the day, she tagged around with her sisters, but from today on, she would follow Drake to the ends of the earth. “Are you ready?” Her mother put her arm around Celina’s waist and pulled her tight against her. Celina nodded. In an exquisite gown of baby blue flowing around her delicate frame, Natalia looked beautiful. She’d recovered from the trauma last week and had joined the other women in constructing her wedding clothes. 121

Betraying the Prince “Yes. I’m ready.” She nodded again. “That is what any father wants to hear on the day of his daughter’s wedding.” Prince Joqua walked over to Celina. Papa captured her face with his hands and kissed both her cheeks. She sighed, and her parents smiled. She’d never believed the love of both her parents meant so much to her, until she had them with her together. To have them walk her down the path to her soon-to-be husband filled the empty spot within her heart. Now her life overflowed with love from so many people, it often overwhelmed her with pleasure. “This is the last chance you have to change your mind, Celina.” Prince Joqua studied his daughter. She shook her head. She wouldn’t change her mind. This was the only thing she’d wanted since the day she’d arrived in America and met Drake Randall. A single touch of his hand sent her blood pulsing through her veins and brought her to life. “No, Papa. I’m not going to change my mind. I love him.” “And he loves you. I’m proud of you, my daughter. You make a beautiful and perfect Antakian bride, any man would be proud to claim.” Prince Joqua picked up the sheer, lightweight veil and placed it over Celina’s head. She dressed in Antakian fashion for her wedding, although her marriage would not follow the laws of Antaka. She’d learned enough about America that she looked forward to an equal relationship with Drake. Over the years, Celina enjoyed the wedding ceremonies she’d often attended. The dress, the festivities, and the promise to love one another, always had her dreaming of the time she’d have the opportunity to do the same. She deeply inhaled, a mix of anticipation and contentment settling over her. Having Drake join her in her desire to wed in the country she loved pleased her more than he’d ever realize. Sandwiched between her parents, Celina initiated the long walk down the stone path to her future husband. She knew the moment he caught sight of her outfit, and smiled beneath the veil. The halter-top, woven from the finest silks Papa managed to hunt up on the island, barely contained her breasts. Strategically-placed emeralds allowed her soon-to-be-husband a glimpse of what lay underneath. By the way he lowered his gaze and drank up the rest of her, he seemed to approve of her attire. The matching silk wrap lay low on her hips, left her belly bare, and flowed gently above her ankles. She walked and took pride in the 122

Debra Kayn material so light it floated. Unencumbered from the torturous bra and uncomfortable panties from American, she preferred to go natural, uninhibited. As she drew closer to Drake, a light film of perspiration coated his forehead. She used her trained stomach muscles to wave in classic belly dancing style. Laughter bubbled up inside of her when the dimple on the left side of his face peeked from his adorable face. The jewel placed in her belly button twinkled off the sun over the horizon. Her siblings wished her luck and threw rose petals in her path on the way to Drake’s side. Finally, she belonged. With her parents beside her, her siblings encouraging her along the path to Drake, and the love of her man waiting for her, she had everything she’d ever dreamed about on her wedding. Drake bowed to her papa and waited for Prince Joqua to remove her veil. “Thank you, Papa.” “I love you, my first-born daughter.” He gave her kisses, and then she turned to receive kisses from her mama. Her parents took their seat behind her, and she kneeled on the cushion placed in front of Drake. She bowed her head. The priest dedicated Celina’s life to Drake Randall. Celina stayed on her knees, her eyes closed. In a sign of respect to her new husband, she remained on the ground, and the priest asked for the exchange of gifts. Her father handed over the family offerings he wished Celina to have in her marriage, and Drake gave Prince Joqua the bride gift. She’d explained to Drake earlier about the customs, and he came prepared. In true Antakian fashion, she had no idea what was in included in the exchange. The cushion she kneeled on shifted, and she opened her eyes in surprise. Drake had joined her down on the ground in front of the priest. Her eyebrows shot up. He wasn’t supposed to lower himself during the ceremony. The crowd gasped in shock, and Drake gathered Celina’s hands into his and pulled her back up to a standing position. She stood next to him barely breathing. The behavior he displayed remained taboo of an Antakian groom. “What are you doing?” she whispered. “This isn’t allowed.” Drake gave her hands a squeeze before turning to the wedding guests. He raised a hand to quiet the shocked murmurs going throughout the crowd. 123

Betraying the Prince Celina couldn’t bring herself to glance at the prince. Without a doubt, Drake had insulted him. Oh, Drake, what have you done? A hush fell over the crowd, and every citizen of Antaka looked to Drake for answers. He cleared his throat. “As all of you know, Celina is an Antakian. From the deepest recesses of her heart she has believed in the prince, followed the laws set forth, and tried her hardest to train herself into an Antakian woman.” He nodded at Prince Joqua. “I respect her way of uniting us in marriage, but I also believe in the way I, as an American, take a wife.” Celina’s heart beat wildly, and she glanced at the prince. Papa winked. Her head followed the line of chairs her brothers and sisters sat in. Each one smiled at her as if knowing a deep dark secret. “Celina…From this day forward, you will be my equal. Where you go, I go. When you lay your head on the pillow each night to dream of the life ahead for us, I’ll be beside you, joining in that same dream too. You are the only wife for me. My only love. Until death takes us apart, I’ll honor you. I love you.” The tears fell freely. She lifted her face. Her lips trembled with emotion. “Drake…I want to be your wife more than I want to take my next breath. I’ll love you for the rest of my life. You have given me everything I ever hoped for, and more. I-I will spend every day we have together loving only you.” The priest concluded with a prayer, and Drake gathered her in his arms and kissed her. “I love you.” Drake deepened the kiss. She snaked her arms around his neck and opened her mouth for him. The crowd cheered. She ducked her head and giggled. “My husband. I love you.” Prince Joqua congratulated the couple first. Celina hugged him and stepped back.  “Oh, thank you Papa. For everything you’ve always done for me.” “Prince Joqua, I would like to gift you with this, not as a token for your daughter, but as a sign of respect. You and yours are always welcome in our home in America.” Drake held out his hand. Prince Joqua’s eyebrows shot up, and he fiddled with the key Drake handed over. Drake had told her earlier what he’d planned, and she loved the idea her papa might visit her whenever he wanted, or whenever she needed him. Her husband brought out the good in others. Husband. The word rolled through her mind nicely. 124

Debra Kayn It took hours into the evening to get through the many congratulations from Celina’s siblings and friends. A night of dancing and eating lay ahead, and all Drake could think about was getting Celina to the suite the prince gave them for the night. The last week had crawled at a snail’s pace, and he only wanted to get his bride back to America. He caught sight of his dad and Natalia sitting at the edge of the crowd, their hands linked together. Finally, they’d planned the marriage he knew his father had wanted for years. Natalia had pushed him away and stalled for too long, unable to move forward without going back and fixing her relationship with her daughter. Now she could, and Drake couldn’t be happier for them. “It’s almost time for my wedding dance.” Celina set down her plate of food. “Wedding dance?” She nodded. “All wives must dance before the fire for their new husbands. Each dance is special and unique to each woman who performs it.” “And you have learned to do this for me?” His brain slowed to a crawl at the mere idea. “What about the laws?” She nodded and giggled behind her hand. “A wedding is special for everyone—for the bride, for the guests, and especially for the man. It’s the one and only day others will be part of this special moment. All future displays of my love will be for you to enjoy privately.” He growled low in his throat. Desire for his wife had all the blood rushing south, leaving him aware that after tonight he could have her anytime he wanted. The whole week they remained separated during the preparations for the wedding, and he received nary a kiss from her. Now she would dance for him in front of everyone to show them the kind of woman he received. He’d never survive such temptation. He wanted her now. Alone. “I must go and prepare.” She planted a chaste kiss on his lips and ran off down the path to the palace. Celina’s sisters left their seats to join her. Drake rose and strolled uncomfortably over to join his dad and Natalia. Aroused and impatient, he tried to will himself to hold on a little longer. “Some wedding huh, son?” Charles shook his hand. Drake grinned and clapped his dad on the shoulder. “It’s rather long. Don’t you think it’s a long wedding?” Charles threw back his head, laughed, and only quieted after Natalia elbowed him in the ribs, grinning at her fiancé. 125

Betraying the Prince “Where did Celina run off to?” Charles asked. “She mentioned something about preparing for a wedding dance. I’m not sure what is planned.” He cocked an eyebrow at Natalia. She knew the ins and outs on Antaka. “I’ll just tell you it is a special dance. One you will likely never forget.” Natalia laid her head on Charles’ shoulder. Celina’s sisters ran back toward him, their hands fluttering for him to follow them. He trailed behind, amused at how animated they seemed tonight. No sign of the shy obedient young ladies he’d witnessed at dinner. After placing a chair in the middle of the courtyard, Celina’s sisters returned to the crowd and left him alone in front of the fire pit. He looked around, but no one informed him of what he should do. Even though the moon sat high in the sky, the warmth from the fire blazing behind him threw enough heat out that he wanted to throw off his coat. Unaware of the next step in the ceremony and what he should do, he sat down on the chair. The soft tinkling of bells drew his attention from the fire to the shadows where the guests circled around him. Beyond the darkness, and behind the people, he listened to the soft chimes ringing through the night. Peacefulness settled in his chest. The first glimpse of Celina forced him to sit straighter in the chair. The cymbals in between Celina’s thumbs and fingers kept a steady beat, while the tiny little bells lying around her hips moved in such a way that the hypnotic melody kept his gaze on the directions her hips swayed. Like an enchanter coming to steal his soul, Celina moved and swayed around him. He swallowed over the lump in his throat. He longed to reach out and touch her, but he found he had lost the ability to make his arms move. She weaved her arms above her head in a sultry dance and clicked her fingers at the same time. Coming closer, she gazed down over her breasts and winked at him. The little minx was teasing him in front of everyone. The tempo of the bells sped up, and Celina turned and presented her back to Drake. He sucked in air. His chest expanded. She shook her ass faster than he’d even dreamed about. Faster. Faster.

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Debra Kayn She backed up and placed her derriere over his lap, close enough to touch. The bells she played matched the beats of his heart. She twirled around his chair, brushing his arms with her body. His jaw tightened, and the fire behind him added to the flames building inside him. He was burning to get his wife alone. Celina tossed the cymbals into the fire without missing a move with her hips. Without the louder cymbals, only the tinkling of the bells around her hips filled the night air. Save me, Celina, I’m dying here. She stood behind him and laid her hands on his shoulders. He let his head fall back and closed his eyes. She caressed his shoulder, chest, and worked magic into his body. She returned to his front, and he opened his eyes. The rhythm of the music she produced reached its peak. With her head thrown back and her arms spread wide, she offered herself to him. He realized, through her dance, she’d just announced to everyone that she surrendered herself to her husband. Knowing she trusted him with complete unabridged love shook him to the core. Drake stood, and the chair went flying backward. He swung Celina around, picked her up, and carried his precious package back to their arranged room. “I want you,” his voice raspy with emotion. “I’ll always want you.” She curled into his arms and held on. Drake held Celina tight to him until he made it back to the suite Prince Joqua had given them, and deposited her on the bed in the middle of the room. He captured her mouth and absorbed the tantalizing taste only she possessed. He forgot he was staying on Antaka, forgot the people still at the party, and concentrated on finally having his wife in his bed. He pulled her body closer and lingered on her mouth. He explored the rich fullness of her bottom lip. His fingers slid over her shoulders, stroking the warm tender flesh before moving down to her collarbone. She trembled underneath him. “You’re so warm,” he whispered against her mouth. He leaned back to gaze at her laying underneath him, smoldering for his touch. He lowered himself again, kissing her gently, slowly building the pressure until she parted her lips and he heard the soft moan coming from her. He placed her hands on the side of her above her head. Her breasts lightly brushed the front of his shirt. Suddenly, he had too many clothes on, and he shrugged out of his coat. Celina’s found his buttons and quickly undid each one. Her 127

Betraying the Prince breath came in little pants as she worked to help him remove his shirt. She no longer had the nervous hands of someone not used to touching him. Instead, she expertly roamed his chest with her hands. She gazed up into his face, passion bright upon her cheeks. His hardness pulsed. He’d never tire of the way she openly gave herself to him. “I want you.” He sketched every soft plane of her face, memorizing the way she looked right now, on their wedding night. She lowered her gaze to his chest under her fingers. Her wet tongue ran the length of her bottom lip. “Please…” Celina legs caressed his sides. He worked fast to remove the rest of his clothes. His legs trembled with desire, and he hurried to return to her embrace. “You are driving me insane, babe.” “Let’s go insane together. Now. Right now.” She arched up and pressed her body against him. They came together in perfect harmony. Drake smoothed her hair back from her face to meet her eyes. The emotions of the day surrounded him. The overwhelming intensity of the moment sent a quick jolt through his body. His hardened arousal seated deep within her warmth. She writhed against him. He slipped his hands underneath her body. The smooth material around her hips bunched underneath her bare bottom and the sexy way her body slid against him sent him plunging, withdrawing, thrusting within her. She mewed, and he quickened his movements. The sensation of her womanhood pulsing, squeezing, loving him nearly took his breath away. As they moved together as one, she met each stroke from him with an enthusiastic response. Her gasp and squeal of euphoria spurred his release. His body stiffened as hard spasms shot down through his legs and up to his chest. His pulse raced, and his mind went blank. The only thing he grasped was the immense love he had for Celina. “I’ll never forget this day.” He rolled to the side without letting her go. “Nor I. You are what I have waited for my whole life.”

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Chapter Twenty-Two

Noise from the activities out in the courtyard trickled into the suite, rousing the newlyweds from their latest nap after consummating their marriage for the fourth time. Celina stretched her legs. Drake moaned. His manhood swelled beneath her hand. Her husband was insatiable. “Good morning.” “It’s morning already?” Celina lovely stroked his length. Drake growled and pulled her on top of him. She laughed, and dodged his hands before climbing off the bed. This was the first full day of being Mrs. Randall, and she felt invigorated to start the day off right. “I’m going to bathe.” “Good idea, I’ll join you.” Drake sat up. “No, I want to surprise you.” She kissed him. “Stay in bed, rest. You’ll need all your energy later.”

*** 129

Betraying the Prince Drake awoke with a jolt and sat up in bed. Something was terribly wrong. He picked up his watch off the bedside table, and breathed a sigh of relief. Celina had only been gone fifteen minutes. She’d still be in the bath. The bath! “Damn it.” He jumped out of bed, pulled his pants on, and ran out the back door. The rocks dug into his bare feet. How stupid could he be? He knew better than to let her go out to the detached bathhouse by herself. With Shanna still on the loose, Celina wasn’t safe anywhere on the island. “Celina!” The bathroom vacant, he turned the corner and looked in the sauna. Damn. “Celina!” He ran back to the suite and dressed. He couldn’t lose her. Maybe someone else distracted her, and she was in the courtyard. Outside, he searched the crowd of people for any sign of his wife. An overwhelming sense of panic hit him in the solar plexus. He leaned over and braced his hands on his knees. Where are you? The palace crawled with people moving about after a late night at their wedding. Drake ran through the hallway headed straight to Prince Joqua’s office. Linje spotted him and ushered him in without question. “Drake, what is the meaning of this?” Prince Joqua leaped from the floor. “Where’s, Celina?” Drake bent over, his breath coming in great waves. “She’s gone.” “What are you talking about? Gone? Where?” Prince Joqua clutched him by the front of the shirt and hauled him up. “She…she got up this morning and went to the bathhouse. I didn’t…I didn’t think. I can’t find her.” “Shanna,” Prince Joqua hissed. He let go of Drake and turned toward the doorway. “Linje! Go round up my men. Shanna has taken Celina again.” Linje ran out of the room followed by Prince Joqua and Drake. Drake listened to the prince issue orders to the palace guards and demanded they lock down the house and secure the women to their wing immediately. “I’m going down to the docks. Last time Shanna mentioned shipping the women off the island.” Drake already headed toward the

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Debra Kayn door. “Let my dad know what is happening. He must keep Natalia safe.” “Yes. Find my daughter.” Drake nodded. He ran across the courtyard and followed the road to the market. If Shanna succeeded in shipping Celina off the island, he might lose her forever. He wouldn’t have any idea where she’d end up. Men rushed about loading crates onto the decrepit barge tied to the dock. He didn’t ask to board, but leaped onto the deck and shoved his way past the dockhands. “Celina!” Hands seized him, but he pushed them off and forced his way down into the belly of the ship. Barely using the ladder, he jumped to the floor. Crates stacked the whole area. He scanned the room. Nothing moved. He punched the crate nearest him. “Where are you, Celina?” As he turned to go up the steps, the softest shuffle came to him. He stopped midway up the ladder and listened. Was that a muffled voice? The sounds of the men above him on deck and the slapping of the waves against the side of the barge blocked out anything he imagined. “Celina!” His echoes bounced back to him, and he waited it out. Yes! Someone other than him was in the room. He dodged cargo and pushed boxes aside. He worked his way toward the far corner of the storage area. I’m coming for you, Celina. He almost tripped over a large shipping container. His arms wide, he braced his feet, coming to a skidding halt. He’d found her. Shanna had taped Celina’s mouth, and his wife fought the binds keeping her hands behind her back. Drake stepped forward. The tearstains on her face had him seeing blood. He’d kill the person who caused her more pain. “Stop right there.” Shanna stepped out behind Celina, and set a knife to her neck. “Please, let her go. I’m taking her to America tomorrow.” Drake held his hands out to his sides. “It’s too late. She and her mother ruined everything. I cannot go back to the palace.” “I’ll give you money. You can live anywhere. Just let Celina go, and I’ll see that you can safely travel anywhere you would like.” Drake fought to keep his voice calm. 131

Betraying the Prince “No. I have lost the prince and I have lost my daughter. There’s nothing left for me.” Desperation lined Shanna’s features, but her arm remained steady. Too steady. Positive Shanna might slice Celina’s neck without an ounce of guilt, he dared not make the wrong move. Celina moaned under the tape and looked over Drake’s shoulder, her brows lifted. He didn’t want to turn around and find what held Celina’s attention with Shanna holding the knife into the delicate skin on Celina’s neck. “Shanna, let my daughter go.” Drake kept his arms up. He held his breath as Prince Joqua came into view from the side. He perched on his toes, ready. If the prince distracted the woman from him, he might have a chance to apprehend Shanna and get the knife away from Celina’s neck. “I said, let my daughter go.” Prince Joqua moved closer. Shanna shook her head, her eyes feverish. Drake poised for attack. That’s it, a little farther. “I won’t tell you again, Shanna. Release Celina and stand back. Now!” Prince Joqua’s final order spoke directly to Drake. He rushed forward and caught the arm with the knife in his grasp. With one shove, Shanna crashed to the floor. The weapon tumbled away from her, and Drake reached over to catch Celina in his arms. “God, baby, are you all right?” She nodded, the tape muffling her words. Drake apologized, and then swiftly ripped the tape off her mouth. “Ow!” “I know, I know, baby. It’s all over.” He kissed her cheeks, her lips, and her neck. “My hands. Please, Drake, untie my hands.” Drake found the knife he’d wrestled away from Shanna and used it to cut the rope. He massaged Celina’s wrist. “It’s over.” Prince Joqua held Shanna captive and called for his men. The moment they filled the area, he shoved his second wife away from him. “Take her away and lock her up.” “Papa, is Mama safe?” Celina bunched the front of Drake’s shirt in her hands. Prince Joqua stepped over and gathered her in his arms. “Your mama is fine. She’s safe at the palace with Charles. Did Shanna hurt you?” Celina shook her head and stepped back to wrap her arms around Drake. 132

Debra Kayn Prince Joqua clapped Drake on the shoulder. “Let’s get you two home. I bet Charles and Drake would like it if you took an earlier flight and left tonight after your family says their goodbyes, yes?” “Yes!” “Yes!” Drake laughed and shook the prince’s hand. He walked back to the palace with Celina tucked safely under his arm. “Let’s go home, wife.” Home to America.

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Epilogue

The moon glowed over the mountains, lighting up the backyard. Celina relaxed beside the swimming pool, having attended Charles and Natalia’s wedding earlier. Drake swam laps in front of her, and she smiled. His muscular arms cut through the water; barely a ripple rose across the pool. A warm tingle started low in Celina’s belly and spread into her womanhood. The sight of him always excited her, even after six months. Six more months of discovering life in America, she’d learned how to belong in a culture where men and women strived for the same dreams. Sometimes she still struggled with saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to other people, but that happened less often now. At home, she’d become a bear to argue with and enjoyed seeing the frustration on her husband’s face when she got the best of him. Of course, she always rewarded him. At times, she wondered if he chose to argue with her just to get the benefits afterward in bed. 134

Debra Kayn “Deep thoughts, hon?” Drake materialized beside her. She leaned her head back on the chair and purred. “All about you.” He groaned. “Ready for bed, Mrs. Randall?” Drake flung the towel over his head and rubbed the moisture out of his hair. His body dripped water on Celina’s legs, and she jumped up. “Brr…that’s cold.” “I can tell.” Drake stared at her chest and wiggled his eyebrows. Naked as the day she was born, she enjoyed the reaction she received from Drake. Especially now, since Charles and Natalia moved into a new home and had given Drake’s childhood home to them as a wedding gift. Despite her love for the freedoms offered in America, there were a few things from Antaka she wasn’t willing to give up. She walked around naked anytime she wanted. She just made sure to doublecheck the locks on the front door first. Drake snapped his towel, and a sting on her bottom followed. She jumped ahead of him through the door and shimmied her backside to tease him. “Hey, you’ll pay for that, mister.” “You know what? I don’t believe you ever stood on your head for me. Remember? You told me,” he scratched his chin and grinned, “it would be the best orgasm I ever experienced.” Celina kept walking. Of course, I remember. “Hm…I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” Drake’s arms fell, and he tossed the towel to the floor. He followed her to the bedroom. He pouted, and Celina loved the way his lower lip stuck out. She enjoyed those lips. Inside the bedroom, Celina stopped and pointed for Drake to stand over by the bed. He raised an eyebrow, but followed the direction of her finger. “What you wish, I shall give you,” she purred. “Like the dutiful wife that I am.” “Dutiful?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Yes, dutiful.” Celina took two steps toward him and bent over. She placed her forearms on the floor to cushion her head and kicked off from the floor. Doing a headstand, she arched her back and spread her legs until she wrapped them around Drake’s waist to anchor herself. “Oh. My. God.” Drake clutched her hips. 135

Betraying the Prince She imagined the expression on his face. This position had rumors of making one’s husband a slave for life. She smiled to herself and let him experience the full effect this position did for a man. For her husband. “Celina!” His voice quivered, and her own juices ran knowing what her manipulations did to him. She basked in knowing that she alone knew the secret. Why wouldn’t she? She was a trained Antakian Princess.

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Biography Multipublished Romance author Debra Kayn is not only a writer, she’s also a wife and Mom to four great kids. When she’s not staying up late dreaming of new stories to write, she enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, playing tennis, and spending time with a fishing pole in her hands. She lives in the beautiful Coastal Mountains of Oregon on a hobby farm. Her love of animals includes dogs, chickens, goats, rabbits, turkeys, geese, and yes...pigs. The peacefulness of a flowing creek across her property provides an excellent spot to read a book on a summer day, go swimming, and catch the ever-elusive fish. Meeting her husband on a blind date in her teens made her a true believer in love and romance, and she can promise you that all her books will have a happily ever after. www.debrakayn.com www.twitter.com/DebraKayn www.facebook.com/DebraKaynFanPage