“Shh!” Trev couldn’t be discovered with her. He looked around to see if anyone was coming, then took her hand and dragged her back to her room. He shut the door behind them and shoved her farther into the room, causing her to stumble just a bit. Feeling bad, he released her and backed away. He hadn’t meant to be so forceful with her.
Renna whirled around to face him. “Are you insane?”
“I’m sorry.” He raised his palms, signaling he was there in peace. “I just want to explain.”
“How kind of you to squeeze me in before you have dinner with your fiancée,” she huffed.
“That’s not fair,” Trev said back to her. “You know I’m not that kind of guy.”
“I don’t know anything about you,” she spat. “You lied to me.”
“I did not!”
“I should have known better when you said your name was just Trev.”
He grimaced, hating how she made him sound like an idiot when she imitated his voice. “When I’m outside the palace walls, I am just Trev, the soldier. Especially when I’m in New Hope.”
Her arms folded across her chest. “Playing the part of an unattached soldier is fun for you, I’m sure.”
“I am unattached.” He said it before thinking, then stammered through a pathetic rebuttal. “I mean, I was . . . kind of.”
She laughed mockingly. “That’s your explanation for flirting with me? Dancing with me? Not to mention the whole grass fight.”
“Last I checked, none of that is illegal when you’re engaged to someone you haven’t met before.” He took a step forward. “And since we’re bringing everything up, you forgot to mention swimming together in our undergarments.”
She rolled her eyes. “How could I forget that?”
He scoffed. “Yes, how could you forget that?” He couldn’t seem to get it out of his mind.
She glared at him, unconvinced.
“Okay.” He shrugged. “I admit that I shouldn’t have flirted with you when we first met. But to be fair, I later believed you were my betrothed. My actions were in earnest.”
“What are you talking about?” Her brows furrowed.
“You said your mother was the queen, and the prince was expecting you. What else was I supposed to think?”
Renna went silent and looked down at the floor as if playing back the memory in her mind.
Trev continued. “I felt so comfortable around you, and we got along so well. When I thought you were the princess, I couldn’t wait to surprise you in Albion as your fiancé.”
Renna gave a shuddering sigh and ducked her head, hiding her expression.
“I should have told you who I was.” His voice softened. “I never meant for any of this to happen.”
For a few tense moments, Renna didn’t move. Then, quietly, she said, “My mother is the queen of New Hope, and Prince Ezra was expecting us.” She raised her head slowly. But when her eyes met his, Trev was surprised by the hardness there. “If you ever thought about anyone other than yourself, then you would have known that the princess you expected is not the daughter of the queen, but the stepdaughter.”
Trev flinched. She was right. He should have known that she wasn’t Seran. But he let himself believe that she was because he wanted her to be. He looked to the floor, running a hand across his face.
“Did you skip your history lessons, Prince Ezra?” Her voice was cold. “Or did you never care enough about your fiancée to actually learn anything about her?”
Trev bristled, the judgment in her tone striking a nerve. Without thinking, he snapped, “It’s not my job to know the history of your country. I have people who do that for me.”
Renna’s eyebrows flew up in shock, and Trev’s stomach clenched. Why on earth had he said that?
“Well, you’re exactly what I expected of Prince Ezra.” Her voice was harsh. “Stuck-up and arrogant.”
He shook his head, and defensively shot back, “You seemed to enjoy my arrogance the other day. You practically begged me to kiss you.”
Renna took a step closer, her fiery eyes burning into him. “Your memory fails you, Your Highness. You wanted to kiss me.”
He had wanted to kiss her. His eyes dropped to her lips for a moment.
What was with this complete lack of self-control when it came to Renna? It was just one more thing to feel embarrassed about. He hadn’t known she was the princess the first time they’d met. He shouldn’t have flirted with her or returned to Wellenbreck the next day, hoping to see her again. He was getting married . . . and soon.
“When I did all that, I thought you were the princess,” he argued even though it was a lie.
“Well, I’m not.”
“Thank goodness for that.” His words came out harsher than he meant. Why was he behaving so terribly? He had come to apologize. He wanted her to forgive him.
Renna closed the distance between them. “Yes. Thank goodness for that.”
Heat rose in his chest. Renna was here, in Albion, inches from him, looking more irresistible than ever. He wanted to run his fingers through her hair and get lost in her lips. It was weird how much her anger made him want to kiss her even more. He hadn’t kissed a woman in years, so why was that the only thing he could think about now?
They stood there, staring at each other, nothing between them but the rise and fall of their chests.
A hint of desire flickered across her face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.
“I wouldn’t want someone like you anyway.” She pushed past him, bumping his arm with her shoulder on her way out. The door slammed behind him. Trev paced back and forth before slapping his hand against the closed door.
He hadn’t wanted someone like her, either.
Until now.
The great hall bustled with servants and guests ready for the feast celebrating the arrival of the New Hope royalty. Men from Albion’s ruling class wore tailored suits with colorful ties, while the women on their arms showed off fancy gowns and glittering jewelry. Servants walked through the crowd with trays of drinks, keeping guests happy as they waited. Everyone stood in the center of the room around the bottom of the grand staircase, talking about the princess and the upcoming wedding to Prince Ezra. Across from the stairs, tables were arranged in a semicircle around the royals’ head table. Tall, arched windows lined the walls beyond the tables, but the darkened night sky prevented anyone from seeing the view out of them.
Trev waited on the dais at the head of the room, brooding. He should be mingling with the guests like his father was, but he didn’t feel like it. It wasn’t like he hadn’t done anything. He had met Seran’s friends and passed them off to some soldiers who were lucky enough to have the night off.
Drake hopped up on the platform next to Trev. “Prince Ezra! Don’t you look dashing tonight in your suit. You almost look as good as me.”
“Let’s get this night over with,” Trev growled.
“That’s no way to act at your wife’s welcome party.”
“She’s not my wife.” He was starting to pace now, but paused to add, “Not yet, at least.”
“And she won’t ever be if you don’t cheer up. You’re very ugly when you’re angry.”
The horns sounded, signaling the entrance of the New Hope royalty. Queen Mariele stood in the center of the balcony overlooking the ballroom in a turquoise gown that bunched together on the sides. Princess Seran and Renna stood on either side of her.
The crowd hushed, and all eyes turned to them as the herald’s voice reached the far corners of the hall. “Her Royal Majesty, Queen Mariele of New Hope. Her Royal Highness, Seran Alyssa Haslett, Princess of New Hope. And Miss Renna Degray.” All three women made their way down the middle of the staircase, perfectly centered between the two marble banisters.
Seran wore a shimmering gold dress that trailed to the floor, and her long black hair was pulled back halfway. She looked stunning, but Trev stopped pacing when he saw Renna. He could see her indignant feelings written all over her fa
ce, from her blazing eyes to the way she tightened her lips.
“She’s not making this easy,” Trev muttered to himself. There was an unspoken rule now. She was off-limits. Without turning his head, Trev leaned over to Drake and whispered harshly, “She’s the most infuriating woman I have ever met! Accusing me of lying! And to think, she doesn’t want somebody like me.” Trev let out a rough laugh. “Well, I don’t want someone like her!”
Drake looked confused. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but you need to escort the princess to dinner.”
“Huh?”
Drake signaled with his head in Seran’s direction. “The princess is waiting for you to escort her to the royal table.”
“Right.” Trev tugged on his suit jacket and made his way to the center of the room where the three women stood at the bottom of the stairs. He couldn’t let Renna distract him. He needed to stay focused on Seran.
His father had already collected Queen Mariele and walked with her toward their table at the head of the room. Arriving before the princess, Trev bowed. “Your Highness.”
He offered her his arm, and Seran glided forward, wrapping her long fingers around his forearm. He took a deep breath.
I can do this. For Albion.
“Princess Seran,” he began, lightly covering her hand on his arm with his own as they walked. “Were you able to get settled?”
“Yes, thank you.” Seran smiled up at him graciously. “My room is very comfortable, and your staff has taken good care of me. I already feel welcome here.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Trev responded, but he was distracted. Behind him, Drake’s overly pleasant greeting to Renna made it difficult to focus.
“Miss Degray, I am Officer Drake Vestry. May I escort you to dinner?” Drake asked.
“Of course, Officer Vestry,” she said, sounding a little too pleased, in Trev’s opinion.
“I’m so happy to finally meet you.” Seran’s smooth voice cut into his eavesdropping, jolting Trev’s attention back to the woman beside him. “We’ve been engaged so long, but it hardly felt real until I saw you today.”
“Yes, it definitely feels . . . surreal.”
As they walked, Trev strained to hear Drake and Renna behind him. He should return Seran’s polite conversation, but his curiosity was powerful.
“Do they always go to this much trouble when guests arrive?” he heard Renna ask.
“When the guests are as breathtaking as you.”
I’m going to kill Drake.
“You know none of this is for me,” Renna said, as if to shrug off his praise.
“Actually, it is. I spoke with the head of the royal staff and specifically told them you were coming. When they thought it was just the princess, they had leftovers planned for dinner.”
Renna let out a laugh, and Trev’s fists tightened.
She responded, “Well then, as the guest of honor, I demand a seat next to you at dinner.”
Trev turned just in time to see Renna’s full smile on Drake.
It’s going to be a slow and painful death.
“Don’t you agree?” Seran’s voice broke into his thoughts for a second time. She looked at him expectantly, and he realized that she must have been speaking to him. He hadn’t heard a single word.
“Yes, of course,” Trev managed.
King Carver and Queen Mariele walked in front of them, reaching the royal table in the center of the great hall first. The queen gathered her turquoise dress in her hands, sweeping it to the side as the king helped her into her seat. Trev followed his father’s lead, pulling the chair out for Seran. Trev sat to the king’s right with Seran taking her place beside him. Seran’s friends flanked her other side. Queen Mariele sat to the king’s left. Drake pulled out the chair next to Renna’s mother and gestured for Renna to sit down. Trev caught his friend’s eye, giving him a warning look.
Once the head table was seated, the rest of the guests found their seats at the surrounding tables. Chairs scraped against the floor, and hushed conversations whirled around the room as everyone waited respectfully for dinner to start.
The servants appeared with the first course—chilled strawberry bisque—and laid a bowl before each guest. Renna eagerly grabbed her spoon and dipped it into the cold liquid, bringing it up to her lips. Her eyes closed with the first taste, savoring the flavor.
“This is delicious!” she said, mostly to herself. She reached her spoon in for another bite and closed her eyes again, repeating her sounds of satisfaction.
Trev hadn’t even lifted his spoon yet. All he could do was watch her.
“You seem to be enjoying it,” Drake said, amused.
She smiled sheepishly. “I’m enjoying it a little too much, aren’t I?”
“Not at all. Like I said, it’s all for you.”
“In that case, I’ll make sure I enjoy every bite.” She glanced pointedly at Trev before leaning her shoulder into Drake’s, playfully nudging him.
Trev wanted to punch his best friend, even though Renna was the one doing the flirting. Drake must have sensed it too, because after a quick look at Trev, he turned to Seran seated across the table from him. “So, Princess Seran, how do you like Albion so far?”
The princess smiled perfectly. “Your country is beautiful. The mountains we saw along our journey were absolutely stunning. We have nothing like them in New Hope. And I am impressed with your palace. There are many . . .” She hesitated for a moment. “There are many . . . upgrades compared to New Hope. We don’t have marble flooring or elaborate decorations.” She paused and looked at Trev. “But I’m sure the prince can tell me all about the palace and the upgrades. I look forward to getting to know him and the royal family.”
Trev gave a polite, albeit awkward smile in response.
King Carver interjected. “Yes, we have a few advancements in Albion. Nothing that the Council needs to concern themselves with, and certainly nothing to trouble yourself over, Princess Seran. We want you to feel comfortable here while we work through the final details of the marriage alliance. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let us know. And I’m sure Ezra will be delighted to entertain you.”
Renna looked up from her soup at this and chimed in, her smile as sweet as an angel. “How gracious of Prince Ezra.”
The queen nodded, obviously pleased by her daughter’s seemingly kind comment. But Trev wasn’t fooled. He heard the thinly veiled sarcasm behind her words.
Trev smiled back at Renna, answering through his teeth, “Of course.” Then he turned to Seran. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you as well, Princess. I haven’t been able to think of anything else these last few weeks.”
Renna’s spoon paused midair as she took in his words, but she only faltered a moment before shoving the soup into her mouth.
“I suppose our advisors will convene first thing tomorrow?” Queen Mariele asked.
“Yes, I see no reason to delay,” King Carver agreed.
The servants came to retrieve the bowls of soup so they could serve the next course. Renna was still sipping hers as a young girl reached between her and Drake to clear it.
“Oh, I’m not quite done!” Renna awkwardly reached for the bowl as the girl lifted it onto her tray. She managed to dip her spoon in for one last bite and carry it to her mouth, but not before a large drop fell onto Drake’s shoulder. Everyone around the table held their breath at the spectacle.
A sardonic laugh escaped from Seran’s blonde friend. Trev couldn’t remember her name. Jen-something?
“I’m so sorry!” Renna choked through her mouthful of strawberry bisque. She grabbed the napkin in her lap with her free hand, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and awkwardly fumbled to wipe the stain from Drake’s shoulder.
Drake batted her napkin away good-naturedly and used his own napkin to dab the stain. “Leave it. This actually couldn’t have worked out better.” Renna looked mortified and confused, as he continued, “You see, I love the sme
ll of strawberries. For the rest of the night, the smell of this soup will stay with me. I can literally turn my head and smell strawberries.” Drake’s face remained completely serious. “In fact, people will wonder why I smell so good.”
Another reason to kill Drake. The list was getting long.
Renna let out a small laugh and then looked to the king to recover. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. You have an excellent chef here.”
King Carver’s brow furrowed in what could only be disgust.
The young servant girl still hovered over Renna’s shoulder, squirming uncomfortably.
“That will be all. Thank you,” Renna said when she recovered enough from her own embarrassment.
“My lady, I need your spoon,” the girl replied in a quiet voice.
“Yes! Of course!” Reaching up, she handed the girl the spoon, and the servant quickly scurried away. Trev noticed Renna’s cheeks burning again.
“Renna, have a care for manners, please.” Queen Mariele laughed nervously. “I shouldn’t have to remind you who we are dining with.” She picked up her glass and raised it toward King Carver before lifting it to her lips.
Renna’s embarrassment seemed to turn to irritation. With a cautious glance at Trev first, she leaned over and whispered to her mother loud enough for Trev to hear. “Don’t worry, Mother. It’s not like I’m here to marry the prince.”
Trev choked on his drink—sputtering out a series of coughs.
“Are you all right?” Seran put a concerned hand on his shoulder.
He cleared his throat. “Yes, I’m fine.”
King Carver spoke. “I heard you stopped a day at the border.” He looked at Queen Mariele. “Near the city of Vassel?” His question was an obvious attempt to appear engaging.
Queen Mariele dabbed at her lips with her napkin before answering. “Yes, we stayed one night at an extensive property there.”
The king continued, “And did you enjoy yourselves?” He looked at Seran for an answer.
Seran’s dark eyes turned to the king. “It was nice to rest from our travels, but Wellenbreck was a bit too quiet for my tastes.”
From down the table, Jen-something piped up. “Wellenbreck Farm was completely boring. There was absolutely nothing to do there.”
The Promised Prince: A YA Dystopian Romance Page 10