Pretend Princess With Benefits: A Royal Fake Marriage Romance

by Lara Swann

  Mikhael comes back with the drinks into that slightly uncomfortable atmosphere, and I use that as an excuse to divert attention - which Hanna does very well when she thanks Mikhael in Aldoran.

  I raise my eyebrows at that, and see her go faintly red - but she just mumbles something to me about wanting the practice. I didn’t even know she’d been learning, and I immediately want to get her to repeat it, because hearing her voice speaking in my language—

  “So what did I miss?” Mikhael asks with a small smile, raising his glass towards us.

  “To our new Princesca-attenciano.” Tobias raises his too, ignoring Mikhael’s question to offer an impromptu toast. “Long…long may you last.”

  He glances at me as he stumbles on the phrase. “Is that how it goes?”

  Hanna works out what the hell he’s talking about before I do, and laughs. “Do you mean ‘long live the king’?”

  “Yes, yes I think so!” Tobias says merrily, then swallows half of his wine at once. “Long live the Princesca-attenciano.”

  Hanna snorts, covering her mouth with her hand as she shakes her head. “I think ‘long may you last’ might have been better here. That’s what we were just talking about, huh?”

  She seems more comfortable joking about it than I was, and that eases the conversation between us all a little.

  “Yeah.” Samuel nudges Mikhael. “You didn’t miss much - we were just telling Derek that between him and Nicolas, we want someone to settle down and stop putting the stewards’ office through this Princesca-attenciano bullshit. Sorry.”

  He glances at Hanna as he apologizes, seemingly unsure whether she might be taking the whole court thing a little more seriously than the rest of us. But she is my Princesca-attenciano, and I brought her here to see them - they’re safe in assuming that she’s more in line with my way of thinking.

  “You do realize that when that happens, you’ll have a royal wedding to organize, right?” Mikhael points out, and Samuel’s eyes almost bug out of his head.

  “Well, shit.” Tobias says, then takes another large sip before glancing at us. “Take all the time you like, buddy.”

  I laugh, grinning at Mikhael.

  Good point.

  “Yeah, I think I’ll wait for Nicolas to go first.” I say easily. “After the Crown Prince’s wedding, no one will be too interested in mine.”

  Anton is looking between Hanna and I, obviously confused, and it seems to take him a few minutes to work himself up to say whatever he’s puzzling over.

  “So…” He starts, glancing between us again. “You aren’t—you don’t mind? If it doesn’t work out?”

  I pause for a moment, confused. Then I realize the way I’ve been talking - as if there will be more Princesca-attencianos for me, or Nicolas might have the chance to go first. Damn. I’m just used to telling it how it is with these guys, but with Hanna here…that’s not how you talk when you have a Princesca-attenciano that you’re currently presenting to the court.

  Hanna answers before I can, shrugging.

  “Well, that first presentation didn’t go too well - I’m sure you all heard, right?” She glances around at the group. “So we’re kind of resigned that it might not work out, now.”

  I squeeze her leg subtly, impressed at the quick answer and how naturally it seemed to come.

  “Oh.” Anton says, but he relaxes just a little. Yep, he has definitely heard things. “And you don’t mind?”

  She gives a small smile. “We always knew it was a long shot - Derek warned me that Aldora wouldn’t be…too fond of an American Princesca-attenciano.”

  I know a couple of them will be curious about why she came along at all then - and why I brought her - but they don’t press. Probably assuming the it not working out was something we’ve just gotten over recently, and being slightly more sensitive than they are usually.

  It makes it easier that they know that much now, too, and they aren’t expecting anything to come from this. Even if I still feel strange about it, and kind of wish we’d never ended up in the middle of this conversation. But I guess it was to be expected - bringing a Princesca-attenciano along was always going to prompt discussion.

  “So I’m sure you’ll soon be free to work on Nicolas’s next Princesca-attenciano instead.” I smirk at Samuel, teasing, and he groans.

  “Does Nicolas have someone else lined up? Have you heard something?” Tobias asks, and we descend into court gossip for a few minutes as people float different names that they’re largely making up.

  “We could always ask him ourselves.” Anton says after a while, grinning and looking over at Mikhael.

  The whole group goes silent again, and I look around in confusion.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I, err…” Mikhael shrugs, glancing at me. “I invited him along, tonight.”

  I blink. What?!

  I don’t even have to say it - it’s obvious from my expression.

  “He comes along occasionally.” Anton says, and I look around at them all, brow furrowed.

  “I’ve been working more closely with him.” Mikhael finally volunteers. “Now that I’m with the palace guard - and…he’s not so bad, Derek. So I took to inviting him along, in case he was interested.”

  “And he came a couple times.” Tobias nods, shrugging. “It’s not a big deal.”

  It’s not. It shouldn’t be. But it kind of feels like it is anyway.

  “Oh.” I nod slowly. “Right. Okay.”

  “He probably won’t tonight, anyway.” Samuel says. “He’s not already here, and it’s getting late.”

  I nod again. “Yeah. Maybe.”

  There’s a brief, awkward pause - and then someone asks Hanna something about America. I don’t catch what. I’m not sure I’m really paying attention. But it’s enough to move the conversation on, and eventually I get drawn into describing what I’m up to in America, as well. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen these guys, and they’re always curious about what it’s like over there.

  This was what I came for - to catch up with them all and see what’s going on in their lives now. I’ve never been that good at keeping in touch from America - I’m not sure I like thinking about what’s going on back home while I’m away - but I always look forward to these evenings when I get back. I’d like to think that even though we don’t see each other so often anymore, this won’t change. There were times these guys were more family than my actual blood relations and I don’t want to lose that feeling.

  Eventually, I start relaxing again, as I hear about their exploits and accomplishments while I’ve been away - which seem to be getting more impressive every year - and Nicolas doesn’t show up. A little voice in the back of my mind keeps reminding me that they invited him and wonders what the hell is up with that, but mostly I can ignore it.

  Until he actually does arrive. We’ve almost finished our second drink - good Aldoran wine, not the piss-poor excuse we have for beer here - when the door to our private room opens, and we turn to see Nicolas standing there.

  In full royal uniform, with our family crest displayed and everything - the kind I deliberately avoid whenever I come out of the castle.

  Great. So who knows how much attention he’s attracted coming in here.

  It’s not that any of Salda is dangerous - especially not here within the castle walls - but I like keeping a low profile. As a general rule - the fewer people that notice I’m Prince Derek, the more fun I have and the fewer tedious interruptions I get. Then again, Nicolas probably wants people to be able to find him if they need something important. Hell, when they come to find him, maybe it is even about things that are actually important.

  I nod along with the group as they greet him, and he comes to sit down at the table.

  “Derek. Princesca.” He nods to us both, expressionless as usual, and I try not to sigh.

  “Nicolas.” I respond in kind, and Hanna gives him a formal nod as well.

  There’s a moment of slightly unco
mfortable silence - then Samuel breaks it by offering another round of drinks, and even though I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to want to stay, we accept anyway.

  After that the conversation continues, but I’m still trying to work out what Nicolas is doing here. These aren’t really his kind of people, or his group of friends. His circles are usually the nobility - at least, I’d guess. I’m not sure I see him hanging out with anyone in particular.

  I’m still thinking on it, his general silence not giving me any indication as to why he might want to be here, when Samuel comes back with the drinks.

  Hanna thanks him in Aldoran again, and I smile over at her. She, at least, doesn’t seem too bothered by Nicolas’s presence, and as she leans into me, I get that familiar warm feeling again.

  “Did you teach her that?” Nicolas asks, speaking for the first time since he arrived.

  It takes me a moment to work out what he’s talking about, then I glance between him and Hanna, a little annoyed.

  She’s not a trained monkey.

  But I try to be civil, and shake my head. “No - Granna did. She’s helping Hanna prepare for the Court Ball in a few days.”

  “I didn’t realize she was teaching you Aldoran, too.” Nicolas says, looking between us.

  Neither did I, until tonight.

  I don’t say that as Hanna responds easily. “It’s only a few words and phrases - I haven’t been learning long enough for more than that. But I’m hoping it might help.”

  He nods, his expression not changing, but at least there’s no reason for him to disapprove.

  “How’s it going?” He looks between us again. “The preparation?”

  I try to tell myself this is just casual conversation, that he’s just interested. But I’ve spent too long having my family ask pointed questions and judging exactly what I’m doing for their own purposes, for this not to grate a little.

  “Pretty well, I think.” Hanna says. “Adele has been amazing - I thought we’d just spend a little time talking about Aldoran culture, but she’s told me so much. She’s helped me find a language tutor, and a dance instructor and—”

  “Wait, what?” I ask, looking over at her in surprise. “I didn’t know you had a dance instructor.”

  I don’t know why, but the idea of that provokes me in some strange way.

  She laughs and shrugs. “Yeah, well I haven’t seen him yet, but apparently there are a couple of dances I need to learn for the Ball and—”

  “I can teach you.”

  It comes out before I think about it, but then it’s there - and I know immediately it’s what I want to do.

  She looks at me, her brow furrowing.

  “I’m very good at the Aldoran traditional dances.” I say, and it’s true - one of the few areas I picked up naturally. “And it’ll be more fun learning with me.”

  I can’t help the sparkle that comes into my eyes at that, and I can almost feel her reacting to it, the corners of her mouth turning up as well.

  “Well…I think I should check with Adele…” Her eyes flit away from me, which is probably a good thing because we’re in other company at the moment, and when she looks like that, I feel about ready to combust at any moment.

  “Sure.” I say easily, letting the attention of the table disperse before my hand wanders up her thigh and I lean in closer.

  I lower my voice, murmuring into her ear. “You’re learning with me, Princesca.”

  I feel the involuntary shudder under my hand and smile to myself, already imagining what it will be like to dance with her. Maybe the Court Ball won’t be so bad.

  By the time I’m paying attention again, the conversation has moved on to other parts of the Court Ball - some of the preparations necessary, the security plans, and Nicolas is wrapped up in conversation with Mikhael and Tobias. Maybe it’s just me, but it starts to sound more like a meeting than a casual group of friends over a few drinks.

  I don’t say much more, and I’m not sure what to make of Nicolas there. It’s not like he says or does anything wrong, but still…it doesn’t feel the same. I don’t feel like I can be the same, around him. It’s just…not quite as comfortable, I guess. But maybe while I’ve been gone, my friends have gotten used to having him around, and they don’t feel the same way. It’s a disconcerting thought.

  Eventually, the evening wraps up, and I’m still slightly lost in thought. Partly about dancing with Hanna, but also about Nicolas and my friends and…just everything.

  I’ve got the uncomfortable feeling that things are changing. I’ve always had a great time with that group, running around and causing chaos as kids, struggling through growing up in a castle and court. But…it’s also obvious that they’re settling into their own places now, too. They have jobs and are training and doing well. They’ve got interesting, adult futures.

  And I still haven’t figured out my place at all.

  I’m not sure what to make of it. And I can’t stop thinking about Nicolas being there. It’s probably paranoid and stupid, but…while no one can deny my place in any of their pasts…I wonder whether Nicolas fits better in the futures they’re all creating.

  I only realize how quiet I am on the way back when Hanna asks if I’m okay.

  I squeeze her hand, but I don’t answer, not quite sure myself.

  It’s not until several hours alter, after I leave her room for the night, that yes, I’m okay.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hanna

  I wake up the next morning thinking about dancing lessons with Derek.

  Which I’m sure he intended, with the things he started whispering in my ear before he left last night. He made promises to teach me how to dance sound an awful lot like promises to fuck, with his sexy, melodic voice and his fingers trailing down my arms…

  But then, everything Derek says seems to sound like a promise to fuck. And, considering how much we do that, maybe that is what’s behind everything he says to me.

  I wouldn’t be surprised.

  Heat coils through my body at the thought, and I feel on edge and eager just to see him again. Dancing, no dancing. Fucking, no…well, actually, I’d probably be kinda disappointed if there was no fucking.

  But despite how often I see him…it seems like I’m always thinking about the next time I get to. We can’t keep our hands off each other, and whenever I see him, it just feels like whatever we say or do…it’s all building to the next time we can rip each others’ clothes off.

  It’s one thing to fuck in every room of your house…I’ve done that a few times. But this is a god-damn castle. Part of me wants to make it a goal - see whether Derek and I can get everywhere during this crazy summer of seemingly insatiable lust. But the larger, better, part of me tells me just how stupid that is. We really don’t want to get caught fucking.

  It would be too much of a faux-pas here - and I’ve already made enough for this whole trip. I resolved to myself that I’d be good after that debacle at the Court Dinner - and so far, I’m doing a pretty good job of it. At least, when Derek isn’t around. Then the sensible part of my brain seems to go into melt-down. I never knew someone could be…like that.

  I mean, I’d been mildly curious about his reputation, but…fuck. It’s like the best sex of my life, even when we’re not actually doing anything. When we’re just looking at each other, feeling at spark and heat and tension build between us. Starting sentences and then stalling to a halt in the middle of a conversation because we’re too distracted with that little touch or that look or the hint of something more…blinking, and trying to recover your train of thought, and then realizing the other person hasn’t even noticed because they’re having the exact same problem.

  It’s ridiculous, but what I thought was a fun, playful attraction…yeah, most intense chemistry I’ve ever had.

  This summer fling was the best idea I’ve had since I came out here. Last night was a nice surprise too - I wasn’t expecting him to do something like that.

  Introdu
ce me to his friends.

  It seems somehow a little more intimate - more serious - than everything else we’re doing. I mean, sure, introducing me to his royal parents is probably officially a little more serious but since that was the whole reason I came, it doesn’t count. And it was nice to talk to them. I got to hear a few stories about Derek growing up - which were exactly the sort of thing I would’ve imagined - and I was surprised how relieving it was to hear other people who didn’t take any of this Princesca-attenciano stuff seriously. Not to mention actually talking and laughing around each other.

  I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed that camaraderie until I had it again last night - I’d started wondering how anyone in Aldora enjoys anything, but I guess if they hold those things back for private gatherings…at least it exists, right?

  I’m starting to feel like I’m only just scratching the surface of Aldoran culture, and I’ve been spending a lot of time on it. Adele is amazing, but there are still some things that it just doesn’t occur to her to mention, simply because some of this stuff is so ingrained that she doesn’t realize it’s not obvious.

  I’d been a little concerned about Derek a couple of times last night, and I know some of the conversation about what the hell we were really doing was tricky - I guessed he just felt awkward about lying to his friends. I feel bad enough lying to my parents, and they’re not close enough to know any better or be the slightest bit affected. But by the time he left last night, he seemed fine again - more focused on the idea of teaching me to dance today than anything else.

  He said he’d clear his afternoon - which leaves me the morning to suggest to Adele that maybe I don’t need that dance instructor later on.

  You better be as good at teaching as you think you are. I think to him, as I knock on Adele’s door. If I turn down her offer and then end up screwing up the dances at the ball…

  But Adele doesn’t seem to mind the suggestion at all - in fact, her eyes almost sparkle when I tell her about Derek’s offer. Apparently, he can dance. The thought makes my stomach flutter - even as I’m then promptly distracted by all the other plans Adele has for the Ball.