I grab the napkin, trying to stop a tear from making its way out. "So, he's not trying to fight just for the sake of fighting anymore?"Victoria takes my hand and her face goes soft. "Not since the moment he was sure that you loved him back."The sound of shuffling footsteps draws my attention to the door and I look up to see my brother's face appearing through it."Katie?" Zack asks while his eyes search the room. He tentatively steps in, spotting me on my bed, "Oh, I didn't realize you had already retired," he glances over to the curvy brunette on his right.Thankfully, I'm fully dressed and smile, focused on the young, attractive woman standing next to him, "It's okay, come in."Zack nods in her direction and she gives me a quick curtsey before following him further into the room, "Allow me to introduce doctor Emily Mansfield," he smiles, looking over to her in a way that makes me suddenly curious, "she is our new resident psychiatrist."I can't explain why, but she gives off

I awaken to the sound shuffling footsteps and rushing water filling the bathtub. Victoria comes into focus as I pull up on my elbows and watch her hang one of my emerald gowns on the door of the armoire. She tilts her head, comparing earrings and necklaces against the beaded fabric. "Good morning," my voice squeaks and I give out a slight grunt to clear my throat. Victoria jumps a little before bending into a deep bow, "Oh, good morning, your Highness," she looks up and smiles, "I hope you slept well.""Yeah, I did," I lie. It took forever to fall asleep once the room went quiet and I was trapped with my own thoughts. I miss Dominic terribly and the next five days are going to be excruciatingly long."That is good to hear." She goes back to rushing around the room, "I've drawn you a bath when you are ready." she says, heading to the bedroom door, "Oh, and Zack will be here in an hour.""Thanks-Oh, Victoria, wait," I say when something pops in my head. Something I thought of last

He doesn't say a word he just looks at me so I keep going."C'mon, Zack, her photo was the first one that popped up on your search? Then, all of a sudden you two had an immediate connection the second you met," I tilt my head, "If that doesn't make you stop and think, even for a second..." "Coincidence, Kate, that's all it was," he runs another hand through his hair. "They happen all the time."He's not giving in. Even after I pointed out so many red flags. It's not like him, to be this unreasonable. I have to do something. I have to try another approach."Okay," I scoot back from my chair and walk closer to him."What?" he stops pacing, his expression draped in curiosity."I'll talk to Emily," I lock eyes with him, "Maybe you're right. Maybe this is all a coincidence," I smile, trying my best to fake it, "Maybe talking about my feelings would be good for me."Zack's face lightens up and he rushes over to me."Really? You'll really give her a chance?" he lets go, walking back

Dominic's face contorts slightly and I know I've struck a nerve. He slowly lifts his hood and moves over to the altar. He stands in silence for a moment and I'm not sure if I should leave or stay when he finally leans in, gently blowing out a single white candle. The silhouette of his face glowing against the tiny candle flames and I watch his eyes close. I can tell it is killing him to break his vigil, I can feel his anguish. He whispers something in Latin but I can only make out broken words before he opens his arms, chanting what sounds like a prayer. I remain silent, studying him in awe as he reaches for another candle, repeating the whole thing again another three times before gently blowing it out. Eventually, he kneels down and bows his head; the silence in the room so calm, it comforts me as he takes his time, praying quietly. His motions so pure, so honest, the seraph in him glows even through his thick, black cloak. Slowly, he gets back to his feet and turns to face me,

"Yes, your Highness," Victoria answers, looking away. I can tell she's trying to hold back her emotion on the subject. Dr. Mansfield has already taken Zack away from her, and now this. "Why?" I ask, my mind spinning with more questions. "Who gave the resident psychiatrist permission to order me a dress?"Victoria arches her brow, "Zack, of course," she says, the disapproval in her tone palpable. "That isn't right," I say under my breath, "What else has Zack given her permission to do?" My mouth suddenly dry thinking of the possibilities."I am not sure, your Majesty," her face goes white.Zip it, Kate, before you say too much."Oh, I'm sure it's fine," I shake my head and smile, trying to recover my words, "I guess I still need to learn how everything works around here," I lie."I think these will go nicely," Victoria thankfully changes the subject, holding a set of dangly, pure white, oval diamonds and I'm in awe all over again."Sweet Jesus...they're beautiful," I whisper a