Love, Lorena by Ivy L. James

Author:Ivy L. James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA+, contemporary, lesbian, bisexual, light romance, royalty, matchmaker, arranged/forced marriage, modern fairy tale, flirting, interracial/intercultural, pets, family drama
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2022-09-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

A Day Together (with Nana)

THE BLAIRHILL POST

ROWDY ROSAMUND EXPOSES SELF AT NUDE BEACH

Crown Princess Rosamund was allegedly sighted at Playa de Ses Illetes in Spain, sunning herself in the nude. Beachgoers debated whether or not it was actually her, but fans swore the beauty mark on her hip was indisputable.

The next morning, Lorena awoke to a reminder on her phone calendar: Rose’s dad’s birthday. Today, there would be no dates, no dedications, no princess duties at all. A single day for Rose to remember her father. Lorena was a little surprised Queen Catriona allowed it, but then again, maybe it was a special day for her too. In the meantime, Lorena got dressed and sat down at her puzzle.

Someone knocked at the door, a slow, quiet rhythm Lorena didn’t recognize. Neither heavy enough to be Graeme nor playful enough to be Rose. Housekeeping, maybe?

“Come in,” she called.

The doorknob turned, and Rose poked her head in. “Morning,” she said softly. She stepped inside, wearing a long black romper with simple gold jewelry.

Shit. Of course she wasn’t feeling playful. Lorena set down her puzzle piece. “Hey. How are you feeling? Do you want to hang out?” She kept her tone careful, no pressure.

“I already have plans, but that’s actually why I’m here.” Rose mustered up a smile. “So, you want to spend the day with me and—”

“Rosie! Is she coming or not?” Aileen’s voice came through the half-open door, and the walker banged on the hard floor.

“I’m asking her, Nana!” Rose called.

“Well, hurry up! I’m not getting any younger!”

“Are you with us or not?” Rose asked Lorena.

Lorena hesitated. “Are you sure? I know it’s an important day. I don’t want to intrude.”

“I’m asking you. That’s the opposite of you intruding.”

Taking a careful step closer, Lorena touched Rose’s arm. “Honestly.”

“Honestly?” The princess laid her hand over Lorena’s, holding her there. “I want to be with you. But this is my and Nana’s day, so we’re kind of a package deal.”

“I’m honored to be included, then.” Lorena looked down at her periwinkle dress. “Should I wear black too? I can change.”

Rose shook her head. “You’re fine. Nana’s wearing blue, too—it was my da’s favorite color.”

“Okay, that works,” Lorena said, but Rose still hadn’t let go of her hand, and she seemed so sad. “Hey…can I give you a hug?”

Rose’s eyebrows jumped, but she sagged. “Aye, that’d be nice.”

So, gently, Lorena pulled Rose in and wrapped her arms around her. Hugging her back, Rose buried her face in Lorena’s neck and sighed.

“Thanks,” she whispered, the words a warm breath against Lorena’s skin.

It felt like the cosmos in an embrace, an eternity to themselves. Lorena gently rocked Rose, whose breaths came ragged in the air they shared.

“I miss him,” Rose whispered, and a tear dripped from her eye onto Lorena’s shoulder. Then another.

“I’m sorry.” Lorena pressed her cheek to Rose’s temple and let her cry. Poor thing. To have a parent who got along with you, who loved you, and lose them early… Lorena couldn’t imagine.

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