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desperately. Something I believe you needed, too. The kiss came from the comfort of that gesture. You are leaving in the morning. Can we not forget it ever happened?”
    He studied her in silence so long her nerves grew rattled. Finally he beckoned. “Come here.”
    Leery, she forced apprehension aside to approach him slowly, until she had to tip her head back to look up at him. He stared down into her eyes, his gaze penetrating. Again he rattled her with his intensity. Would he agree to put her indiscretion aside?
    “Yes?” she prodded.
    “Just checking your pupils,” he stated. “How do you feel? Any nausea?”
    The question confused her until she remembered her concussion.
    “No,” she assured him. Did he think her injury affected her thinking? No, only her actions. It was the only excuse she could come up with for her uncharacteristic advances. “I am fine.”
    “So it would appear.” He nodded formally. “Tessa is next door. You may use the bed in Samson’s room.”
    “Thank you.” At the mention of bed, fatigue washed over her. “I checked on Sammy when I put him down. He was doing fine.”
    “Good. That’s good.” He turned back to the fire, clearly dismissing her.
    But she couldn’t leave without knowing if he meant to speak to the Prince in the morning. The loss of her career was the least of her worries. She respected and honored the people in this household and wished no harm or embarrassment on them. Not again.
    She couldn’t bear her father hearing of this. The disgrace might well jeopardize his friendship with the Prince.
    “Please, Your Highness.” She dared to disturb him. “I must know if you plan to reveal my indiscretion to the Prince.”
    He stiffened but did not turn. “It shall be as you requested. We simply shared a moment of comfort.”
    “Thank you.” She backed away, eager to put this encounter behind her. There was much more to Prince Julian than his reputation gave him credit for. Tonight she could only be thankful for his mercy.
    *
    Sleep eluded Julian. He worried about Donal, his father, Samson, while thoughts of duty warred with his natural inclination to stay in the background. Every instinct he possessed rebelled against losing his brother.
    At five in the morning, he gave up all pretense of trying to sleep and rang for coffee, a hot breakfast and an array of items for Samson and the nanny. In anticipation of an early departure he also asked for Tessa to be roused so she could pack and get Samson ready for travel. Next he called and advised his security detail of his plans.
    One of the advantages of being in the palace was not having security underfoot every moment.
    He’d dressed and packed his own bag when the knock came at the door. He glanced at the closed door of the temporary nursery as he crossed the room. There’d been no movement from that quarter, a hopeful sign Samson was getting the rest he needed.
    Another knock sounded as he reached the door. He opened it to find his meal and the lady of the palace awaiting him.
    “Bernadette.” He bent over her hand. “You look fresh and lovely, considering the early hour. To what do I owe this honor?”
    She moved gracefully into the room. “I have something to discuss with you. I am hoping I might share a cup of coffee with you while you eat.”
    “Of course.” He waved her toward the elegant cart the steward had situated near the window and pulled the desk chair around for her use. The steward produced another chair and Julian joined her.
    “Thank you, Pierre.” Bernadette smiled a dismissal.
    “What do you wish to discuss?” Julian picked up his napkin.
    “ Non, mon ami , you must eat first,” she insisted. “You barely touched dinner last night.”
    “I had a lot on my mind.”
    “As you will until Donal is returned to us. First rule of being a ruler—take care of yourself.” She lifted a dome, revealing a hot plate of steaming eggs. “Take a few minutes and enjoy a peaceful meal. Then we shall