Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Fourteen

She had finally found her voice, even in a room of peers. Not merely as a servant talking back, but as a princess.

As a queen.

Even if Addie never became queen, she knew that deep in her bones, it was who she was.

She'd worried that the moment she'd put on the face of Adelaide, her words would go back to failing her. But she had embraced them at long last. Perhaps...perhaps Addie could be deserving of royalty yet.

When Andrew had asked to speak with her before their meeting, he had offered an option. Addie could have decided to walk away from everything. She could have decided to remain in the shadows of a country that once belonged to her.

But that country still belonged to Addie. To Adelaide. And she owed at least this much to her father. Besides, Andrew confirmed that the rumors about George were true; he was to marry Princess Louisa. And Addie could not let George fall in line with Ernest's schemes. She could not let England's power become twisted in such a way. She must return.

If only the triumph of the evening hadn't been dimmed by the memory of Theo's dejection. He'd been so cold and unresponsive. Even as they had ridden home together, he'd barely spoken to her. Could he not see why she hadn't told him the truth? Addie only hoped he would forgive her eventually. She could not bear it otherwise.

She could not—

All of Addie's previous thoughts froze as she heard the door to her room open with a creak. Her brain automatically thought of Theo, but that would not make sense. He would never come to her like this, especially after tonight.

Had one of the people she met today already betrayed her? She wished to bestow trust upon them, but the truth was that those people now knew where she lived...and where she slept. Could this really be such a coincidence?

Addie rolled over in her bed, her motions achingly slow. Searching the blanket of darkness, Addie tried to spy evidence of an intruder. At the same time, she dropped her hand over the side of the mattress to find the space beneath it. A small but sharp knife was wedged there in its hiding spot. Gripping the blade as tight as her fears allowed, Addie forced herself to take a deep, steadying breath.

Inspecting the doorway, she couldn't tell who had entered her room. But her whole body ran cold as she made out the distinct outline of a body.

"Who is there?" she asked, praying her voice didn't betray her concern. But knowing that it did.

"I thought ya would be used to men visiting ya, Addie," a voice jeered at her in the dark. Addie's breath left her as she registered who had slipped into her room. She knew that voice. Her body knew that voice and the clammy, crawling hands that accompanied it.

It was hard to know whether to be relieved or horrified. While Princess Adelaide was safe for another night; the same could not be said for Addie Singleton.

She kept her white knuckle grip on the knife as Adam advanced in measured steps. Addie moved slowly as well, positioning herself, and her blade, to face him under the covers. Her heart was surely beating loud enough for him to hear it. It was uncontrollable. Well, it was controlled, but only by fear.

Somehow, Addie managed to say, "I assure you, no one has slept in this bed but me. And that is not going to change anytime soon." She swallowed hard. "So I suggest you leave."

But Adam didn't even pause as he continued to stalk toward her.

"Don't play the innocent, Addie," he said darkly. His sneer was evident even through the din. "I know ya been whoring around with the duke. And I know ya think ya better than the rest of us because of it."