‘Why are you telling me this?’

  She didn’t know what kind of response she was expecting, only what she’d been hoping for. And that definitely wasn’t it.

  ‘I wanted to tell you the truth. I love you and I want us to be together.’ She spoke in a rush, relieved to finally get the words out.

  ‘I have a duty,’ he said, helplessly.

  ‘I know. I know you have a duty to your country and your family. But I think I could be your wife. I think I could be your queen.’ She gave a bitter laugh, then held up her hand when he opened his mouth. ‘But I know it’s impossible. I’m not asking for that. I’m not asking for marriage. I’m not expecting for ever. I don’t know what the future holds. All I know for certain is I love you. I am worthy of you. I’m asking you to have a real, honest, not secret relationship with me, for as long as it may last.’

  ‘Priya.’ He swallowed.

  She formed her hands into fists, drumming up every ounce of courage she had left. ‘I’m here, Rohan, doing the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m telling you how I feel. I’m telling you what I want. Because I love you. All I’m asking for is more time for us. With no expectations. I know you’re supposed to be choosing your future bride now, but I’m asking for you, right now, to choose me instead. For as long as you can. Put me first. Choose me.’

  Priya held her breath and hoped. And she hoped. Then she bent her head with dejection as she learnt how fragile hope could be.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHOOSE ME.

  Priya’s words repeated themselves in Rohan’s head as he sat at his desk the following morning trying to absorb the figures on the spreadsheet in front of him.

  Choose me.

  She’d waited for him to respond, her expression nervous but hopeful. And he’d done nothing. Just stared at her. After a few minutes Priya had nodded her head, as if his silence was the answer she had expected, smiled sweetly and then left.

  Even after she’d gone, he’d stood there like an idiot until his assistant messaged that he was expected for dinner. As he’d left the garden, he’d started in the direction of her quarters, tempted to go after her.

  Like he wanted to go to look for her now. But what would be the point? There was nothing he could say that could change their situation. He wasn’t free to choose her.

  Rohan gave up on deciphering the report and went to stand out on his balcony. Usually standing there helped him relax and calm his thoughts. But not today.

  Choose me.

  What response had Priya expected him to give her? Did she want him to disappoint his parents, his people, his country for a few more months with her?

  How dare she put him in this position? He was Yuvaraja of Adysara. He prided himself on always being open at the beginning of any relationship, letting girlfriends know from the outset he couldn’t offer them anything long-term. He never lied to anyone about it. He’d been upfront and honest with Priya that he had a duty to make an advantageous marriage. He loved his country, but his country needed proper investment and economic growth. Without it Adysara would decline and even lose its independence. He couldn’t allow that to happen. He didn’t have the freedom she did to choose who she married, or, with the expectation now on him to find a bride soon, even who he had a relationship with.

  Just as quickly as it had risen, his anger left him. It wasn’t a fair reaction. He’d let his frustration at the situation cloud his thinking.

  All Priya had done was stand up for what she wanted. Put everything on the line to do that. He knew what it would have taken for her. He grinned, wishing he could tell her how proud he was—how he wanted to applaud her.

  She was so brave telling him how she felt. Telling him she loved him. His heart had beaten so fast he thought it would explode from his chest when he heard her say those words.

  Three little words. He never expected such a simple phrase could have so much power over him.

  But love wasn’t enough. People fell in and out of love so quickly—and he’d seen, in close friends, the hurt caused when a love affair ended. He’d always been grateful it was an emotion he hadn’t experienced before. He’d also seen how love and affection could come after marriage and be strong and lasting—he was a product of that kind of love—he’d convinced himself that kind of love was better because it came from companionship and shared values. Because of that belief, Rohan had never objected to carrying out his duty before. He thought by making his family and his people happy, he would be happy too.

  The way he was feeling now wasn’t remotely close to happy. Rohan released a slow, miserable sigh.

  How could he feel happy when his lack of response, his inaction, had made Priya unhappy? She’d become so important to him his happiness depended on hers.

  The previous evening, Priya hadn’t told him whether she’d decided to take on the role or not. Or perhaps she had, he didn’t remember much other than her saying she loved him and asking him to choose her.

  He hoped she would take the role—he knew it would make her happy. Theoretically he would be happy too, simply knowing she was. But whether Priya took the role or not, he couldn’t see her any more. And how could he be truly happy when he was letting the love of his life walk out of it.

  Rohan clasped onto the balcony railings. The love of his life. Priya was the love of his life.

  How was it, he was only able to admit to himself the true depth of his feelings now, when it was too late. But now he had admitted it he couldn’t help repeating it—he loved her. He wanted to rush to her side, to gather her in his arms and to feel her heart beat in time with his as he told her how much he loved her.

  If she really loved him too, if the way she felt was one scintilla of how much he adored her then perhaps they could—

  No, he didn’t want to think about it. Couldn’t let himself wish for that possibility. It would make things so much harder. He wasn’t free to act on his feelings. He needed to bury them deep if he had any hope of doing his duty to make an advantageous marriage.

  He laughed without humour. This suitable wife he was supposed to marry seemed more hypothetical every second. How could he promise forever to another woman when the only woman that pervaded his thoughts, who filled his heart and soul with joy, was Priya—someone who wasn’t meant to be his.

  Rohan wanted to yell. To rail against his fate. He accepted he lived a privileged life. He knew it came with responsibility. With duty. He had never shirked his duty.

  But he’d never been in love before.

  How could he ever contemplate marrying someone else when his heart belonged to Priya? How could he do his duty to his people and his country if he couldn’t be true to himself?

  Priya had asked him to choose her. What were his choices? He could do what was expected of him, marry someone of his parents’ choosing. It wouldn’t matter who. He could never love that woman, but he knew there were women who would accept a loveless marriage for the privilege of being queen.

  Or he could follow his heart and risk everything for Priya.

  The thought scared him. How he felt for Priya scared him. The feelings were new. They made him vulnerable. What if those feelings left as quickly as they came? Not for him. But he was worried Priya’s feelings would fade or she’d realise she made a mistake.

  What would happen if he gave up everything for her and she stopped loving him?

  Not that she’d asked him to give up anything. She hadn’t asked for ever. She’d only asked for a longer relationship. Perhaps it’s all she wanted.

  He discarded that notion. No, Priya had said she knew it was impossible for her to be his queen. She’d asked for what she thought she could get.

  All Priya had asked was for him to delay choosing a potential bride until their relationship had run its course.

  It was a foolish suggestion. If he and Priya started a real, out in the open relationship, the way he felt wasn’t going to ‘run its course’. His love was the never-ending, undying kind. And Priya wasn’t the sort of woman who did things by half measures either. When she gave her heart for real, she would give it wholeheartedly.

  He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Priya. He couldn’t imagine any other woman being his wife. If Priya decided to return to England, he would go with her. Priya was his world. He had to be with her.

  His choice was simple.

  With the weight of making his decision removed, Rohan could breathe easily again. There was still a lot to do. He had to make plans for seeing Priya and telling her how he felt.

  But first, he needed to speak to his parents. He went to their rooms. If they were surprised to see him so early in the day they didn’t say anything. His mother’s welcoming smile gave him the courage to begin.

  ‘Father, Mother, I love you.’ He swallowed when he saw the concerned expression on his parents’ faces at his declaration. His parents had always supported him and encouraged him to strive to make his dreams come true. He never wanted to disappoint them, but he had to make them understand how he felt. He took a deep breath. ‘I respect you as my parents and as my Maharaja and Maharani. I love the people of Adysara and my country. You know I have always tried to live up to your expectations. I’ve always done my duty when I could. Now I need to tell you something.’

  ‘Of course, beta,’ his father replied.

  ‘You can tell us anything, darling,’ his mother agreed.

  ‘I’ve chosen the woman I want as my wife and yuvarani.’

  ‘Well, that’s wonderful news,’ his mother said. ‘You had me worried for a moment.’

  He noticed his father reach out and cover his mother’s hand, clearly sensing there was more to come. ‘Carry on, Rohan,’ he said. ‘She’s not one of our guests, is she?’

  Rohan shook his head. ‘No. It’s Priya. Priya Sen.’

  His mother furrowed her brow. ‘Isn’t that the art conservator?’

  ‘Yes. She’s amazingly talented at her work. You should hear her proposals for the caves. She’s incredible.’

  His parents exchanged glances.

  ‘Beta, if you aren’t ready to get married yet, if you need more time, then there’s no hurry. You don’t have to choose someone straightaway,’ his father said. ‘Spend some time with this Priya if you want to.’

  Rohan straightened. Did his parents think he was indulging in a brief fling or having a small rebellion against his duty? He was all too aware of what his decision to marry Priya would mean for Adysara.

  ‘I love Priya,’ he said, with a quiet determination. ‘I don’t need more time. I love her. I want to marry her.’

  His parents were silent. Looking at each other and him with concerned expressions.

  He hated that he was worrying them; that he was disappointing them. He had to make them understand how difficult this was for him, but also how important Priya was to his happiness.

  ‘Adysara means so much to me,’ he said, ‘I will do anything to improve life on the island for our people and help us remain independent. I know that would have been easier and faster if I married someone who could help with our country’s growth. But I’m certain Adysara will prosper anyway—we have the basic infrastructure and we can find other ways to bring in investment. Maybe if I hadn’t met Priya I would have married one of the lovely women you’ve introduced me to and I probably would have been happy. But I have met Priya and I can’t be with anyone else now. I love her.’

  He noticed the sheen of tears in his mother’s eyes. He would always regret that his choice made her sad but he couldn’t lose Priya.

  His mother reached out her hand. ‘We love you, beta. All we want is for you to be happy. Come,’ she said.

  ‘Yes, Rohan, come over here,’ his father added, ‘Tell us all about this wonderful woman. Our future daughter-in-law and yuvarani. When can we meet her?’

  Rohan went over to embrace both his parents.

  ‘I’ll contact the wedding planner,’ his mother said as they all broke apart. ‘We have so much to organise.’

  Rohan laughed. He shouldn’t have doubted their love for him would support his decision. They would learn to love Priya too. But not nearly as much as he loved her.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  PRIYA STOOD IN front of the mural her team had been working on since the gala ended. It had been in better condition than the other ones they’d completed and would probably only take a few more days to finish.

  ‘Mac wants to speak to you, Priya,’ one of her team members said after returning from her break.

  ‘Did he say it was urgent?’ she asked.

  ‘He said whenever you’re free. But you know Mac. He probably means now.’

  Priya grinned as she removed her gloves. Since she didn’t know how long she’d be away, Priya left instructions for the other members to adjust for her absence, reminding them to take their breaks as necessary.

  She still hadn’t given Mac her decision on whether she wanted to leave Adysara. Perhaps that’s why he asked to see her. She didn’t have an answer for him. Working on the palace murals weren’t a problem. They didn’t have any association with Rohan for her.

  But would Rohan’s invisible presence be with her at the external murals and in the caves they visited together? Priya pursed her lips. Her work was all she had left. Rohan had promised her he would hand over the project so she wouldn’t have to deal with him any more. She knew what a big gesture it was for him to make, the preservation work was vital for his regeneration plans. He was making it as easy as he could for her to stay. She would be foolish to turn down the job of a lifetime simply because she’d been a bigger fool and fallen in love with someone so far out of her reach.

  And when Rohan got married? Well, then she would take a very long vacation back in England.

  She was ready to give Mac her decision.

  ‘Ah, Priya,’ Mac began when she found him, ‘Mr Agrawal says he’s heard there’s been a development at cave six. Would you mind going to take a look?’

  ‘Of course. What kind of development?’

  Mac shook his head. ‘No idea. Mr Agrawal didn’t know much.’

  ‘Okay. I’ll head over first thing tomorrow.’

  ‘A car’s already been arranged for you today. It’s probably already outside waiting.’

  Priya furrowed her brow. If the development required her urgent attention it could be something serious had happened. Cave six was the one with the palace megalith. Her stomach churned at the idea it could have been damaged.

  ‘Go now,’ Mac said, ushering her towards the exit. ‘I’ll make sure your team’s sorted.’

  There was a strange twinkle in Mac’s eye and she was sure he was trying to hide a smile. But it made no sense. Perhaps, because it was such a rare sight, she’d misinterpreted his humour.

  Unfortunately, as soon as she was in the car, memories she’d rather not relive flooded her mind.

  It had been two days since she’d laid her heart and soul bare before Rohan. Two days. His silence, as the saying went, was deafening.

  She’d allowed herself one evening to brood at the final sign her love for Rohan was going nowhere, then she’d thrown herself into her work, spending long hours on the palace murals until the light prevented her from making progress then, after work, she made sure she stayed in the common areas, never on her own.

  She’d told Rohan she loved him. And he hadn’t replied. He barely said three words their entire exchange.

  It was surprising she hadn’t cried. Yet. Perhaps she was too numb, too hollow, and the emotions hadn’t had a chance to rise to the surface.

  She couldn’t regret the time she did have with Rohan. After her previous failed relationships, she was convinced she was done with romance. Instead, she’d been given a couple of wonderful weeks with an interesting, intelligent, thoughtful, not to mention unbelievably gorgeous man. And she would concentrate on those memories, rather than the ones that came recently.

  Why should there be tears? She’d started her relationship with Rohan with her eyes open, knowing there wasn’t a future. She hadn’t asked for anything but the few days they would have together—a weekend away and stolen kisses in the moonlight. She had no expectations. She’d certainly hadn’t expected to fall in love.

  And she didn’t regret asking him for longer. She was proud she’d been honest about her feelings and asked for what she wanted. She was never again going to measure her self-worth on the acceptance or rejection by other people. Not even Rohan.

  Her body clenched as the car slowed down near the cave entrance. She couldn’t see any signs of damage from the outside.

  Was her trepidation due to the possibility her megalith was damaged or was it because she was going to be entering cave six—the cave where she kissed Rohan for the first time? This would be the perfect test for her to find out whether the ghost of his presence would make working on the caves difficult.

  She first examined the rock-cut structures inside the cave but couldn’t see anything had changed from her last visit. She took measurements of the humidity and light but the readings were also within safe limits. That left the megalith.

  She started walking down the passageway. It was so dark, Rohan probably hadn’t needed to cover her eyes. She laughed at the memory although she felt a pang in her chest.

  Once in front of the megalith she stood frozen in awe, as if seeing it for the first time. At least nothing was wrong with the stone sculpture. She slowly began to walk around the structure to check for changes, taking the opportunity to examine the cliff face in case there were any visibly loose rocks.

  As she was finishing her examination of the final side, she heard movement coming from the tunnel. She peeked her head round the side expecting to see her driver.

  Instead, her heart began to beat at a rapid pace, her breath became shallow as if the oxygen had been sucked out from round her and her mouth went dry. Her typical reaction every time she saw Rohan.

 

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