Chapter 151

RYKER’S P.O.V

It was our last day at the vacation house and I could clearly see that what started out as something fun had now turned into a source of stress for Camilla: She walked around with her head in the clouds and a million different things on her mind. I wished it was possible to take all her troubles from her but it wasn’t. She liked to act strong especially when she wasn’t and this was one of those cases. She was more comfortable pretending like nothing was wrong when in reality, she was hurting.

I had originally planned the best paddle ride across the lake for us but I wasn’t sure if that was going to be possible. Just being near the lake meant being right next to that tree and I knew she would start a downward spiral so I had another thought. I woke up around five a.m. and made my way over to the fields. I knw Briggs took a walk there every morning, I had seen him a couple times. I was curious as to why but I also knew that it was none of my business so I never asked.

“Your majesty,” he bowed once he sighted me. “How nice of you to join me, is there any way that I can be of help?”

“I was thinking of going out for a ride with the girls later today. Can you set things up at the stables? I want it to be a surprise, Camilla doesn’t know anything about it.”

“Of course, that won’t be a problem. Everyone wakes by seven and we can have everything arranged before nine if that works for you. I guarantee that you will love the horses that we have here. They have been carefully bred and selected.”

“Thank you,” he nodded and I started walking away when I heard him speak.

“I know it is not my place but I have seen the Queen looking out of it sometimes. Am I wrong to presume that it is because of me?”

I didn’t understand what he was implying at first until I remembered the incident we had with him by the tree when he touched her. We had never addressed it again and it did seem like the most likely reason and as much as I wanted to lie and say that was it, I didn’t want him to worry so I shook my head.

“That is long forgotten, fear not,” I assured him. “She has a lot on her mind but I assure you that she holds no grudges in regards to you.”

“Is it about the box then?” his voice was soft and almost careful as if he didn’t want to come across as probing. “I just haven’t seen her around the tree anymore. I thought it would be safe to assume that she found a way to open it.”

I turned to him and crossed my arms over my chest. Briggs had been on these grounds since her father was alive. He was a friend to him and privy to a lot of things that others were not. He saw the box and there was no way he wouldn’t know where it was kept. I found it hard to believe that a box. was buried at the base of the tree and he never realized it for twenty years.

Chapter 151

“What do you know about the box?” I asked and he opened his mouth to defend himself but I cut him off. “I want the truth.”

For the first time, he hesitated almost as if there was something he wasn’t supposed to be saying.copy right hot novel pub