The comparison to his father made Richard feel like a cad. His father had been a respectable and honorable man. Richard was neither. A battle of duties raged inside him. Duty to his country or duty to himself. Had his father ever felt so torn? “I try my best.”
“You do better than try.” She kissed his cheek. “Happy birthday, Richard.”
“Thank you, Mother. For the ball and…everything.”
“It has been a long evening.” She stifled a yawn. “I will see you in the morning.”
“Good night.” Richard escorted her out of his room, closed the door and locked it. He hated lying to his mother, but he had no choice. He had to keep the ring on Christina’s finger a secret. It wasn’t as if the ring fit her. It did not; it was only stuck. But all San Montico wanted him to marry. He could not let them think the legend had come true.
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