Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Fifteen

Theo was crossing the hallway to his study when he saw Addie leaning against the wall. She looked...tentative as she glanced his way. He understood her sudden changes in demeanor so much better now. Always balancing between the inner princess she used to be and the maid that she was now, it was no wonder her candid moments of daring insight were often followed by a strive to be more timid and respectful.

He was instantly taken aback with the realization that it must be exhausting. How would it feel to go from having the world listen to you and value your words to having no one? At least now, after several years, she had him. And Andrew.

What was he taking from her in his determination to ignore her?

She crossed her arms around her waist, appearing uncertain, and he couldn't stop his feet from moving in her direction.

As he approached, she addressed him with politeness and formality. But there was a quiver to her voice. She must be uncertain about how he would respond after he had ignored her in the carriage. After he had been cold to her. Guilt slithered into his bones.

"You are up late. How do you fare tonight, Your Grace?" Her voice was breathless, almost as if she had run through the mansion to get here.

He reciprocated her cordiality. "I am doing quite well. And you? On a midnight stroll?" He paused and then, after consideration, added quietly, "Your Highness."

Theo caught the look of slight frustration that passed over her face and couldn't help himself from saying, "Now you know how it feels."

"It is not the same." Addie was visibly irritated, flustered. "And you are well aware."

"I'm afraid I am not, actually," Theo retorted.

Addie opened her mouth in swift reply. "We are trying to make people believe I am not royalty, but you are publicly acknowledged as a duke." He chortled a bit at her point. At his light response, she began to laugh as well but stopped short with a wince. Addie gripped her stomach tighter in response.

Theo reached out with concern. "Are you quite alright?"

Addie did her best to compose her face, giving him a stiff smile. But Theo was not convinced. "Yes, just an ache of the stomach is all." She looked past him, down the hall. "I was on my way to the kitchen to see if I could find anything to ease it a little."

"You are certain that is all that is wrong?" Theo asked, doubtful as he saw her wince once more. She shifted against the wall.

"I am certain." Her words were strained. "If you will just excuse me, Your Grace." She stared at him expectantly; he was blocking her from continuing down the hallway.

Automatically, Theo responded, "I will escort you, of course."

Addie appeared distraught at the idea and took a step to move past him, ignoring his offer. "No, please—" she started, but as soon as the wall was no longer supporting her, she crumpled to the ground with a cry.

Her hand fell away from her waist, and Theo's stomach lurched at the blood dripping from her hand.

"My God, Addie." Theo dropped to the floor beside her. He stripped off his coat in a matter of seconds, pressing it into her hands. "Where are you bleeding? Press this down on it." His voice was tight, betraying his mood at seeing her nearly immobilized in pain.

Before Addie could reply or even make a sound more than a whimper, Theo changed his mind. He slipped his arms beneath her, hoisting Addie against his chest so he could carry the princess to his chambers. As they entered through the doorway, Addie stiffened in his arms.