Alexander & Rebecca (Royals of Valleria #1)

Chapter 21

More nightmares had plagued Rebecca in her sleep, but Alex's comforting presence had driven most of the bad memories away, at least for now. Alex may not want to spend another night without her, and she definitely did not want to spend another night away from his comforting arms and lips.

Rebecca was dressed in Alex's silk robe when she heard a knock at the door. She had sent a maid to get her things from the guest room and so went to answer the door, thinking it was her. Although Alex had not minded that she had been either naked or dressed in a robe for the last several hours, she needed a dress for dinner.

"Marie, did you find everything?" Rebecca said, her voice trailing off when she saw not the maid, but Catharine outside.

Catharine was holding a bag, one Rebecca recognized as her own, and she was wringing her hands on the handle. Catharine was already dressed for dinner in an elegant, fitted, rose-hued dress.

"Oh, Rebecca." Catharine dropped the bag and pulled Rebecca in for a fierce hug. Rebecca winced as Catharine's hands rubbed against the scratches on her back.

"Ow. Catharine, please," she said, foregoing formality.

Catharine let go suddenly, causing Rebecca to falter slightly before she balanced herself again. "Did I hurt you? I'm sorry. I'm just so glad you're all right."

"Are you?" Rebecca murmured as Catharine picked up the bag and stepped inside without an invitation first.

"Rebecca? Who was it?" Alex asked as he rounded the corner in another robe. "Oh, it's you, Cat." He flicked a glance to Rebecca as his brows furrowed. "We need to get ready for dinner."

"I know. I intercepted Marie in the hallway with your things. I've brought Rebecca's clothes or, I guess, my clothes, though you can keep them as long as you like. Marie's bringing everything else, but I wanted to see you before dinner. I can help you get dressed, if you like," Catharine said with a bright smile.

Rebecca merely felt more and more annoyed by Catharine's presence, and she was sure Alex was picking up on it. How Catharine could pretend to like her one minute and not think her good enough for Alex the next, was beyond her.

"Why don't you take a seat in my office, Cat? I need to speak to Rebecca about something while I'm getting dressed. You can help her afterwards, all right?"

A look of confusion crossed Catharine's face, but she agreed and walked away, leaving the bag behind.

Alex took Rebecca's hand and led her back to their bedroom, where he sat down on a plush couch and drew her gently into his lap. "Are you all right?" he asked as he gently rubbed her arms.

"I'm not sure how to act around her."

"Because you'll be my wife soon?" he asked with a smile.

"No," she said, unable to return the smile except with a frown. "Because she doesn't want me to be your wife."

"I don't think that's true, not anymore."

"I just keep hearing her words in my head over and over again. I'm imagining all of the other people who'll say similar things."

Alex wove his fingers through her hair and gently forced her eyes to his. "Do you have any doubts about me? Or about us?"

"No," she said simply. "None. I really don't. After the last few days, I know I can count on you and depend on you, even if you will be king one day."

"Don't forget that you'll be my queen."

"Let me deal with being a princess first before I have to think about being queen."