To Steal a Prince

by Cora Caraway

  There’s just one thing left to do. Gingerly picking up the pink thong, I throw it behind the bed. Some hapless maid will find it someday, but I’m sure they’ve found worse. I shimmy out of my lacey black panties, and toss them on top of the crown. Next time Damon looks in here, he’ll be forced to think of me.

  I close the safe, pleased with my handiwork. That went perfectly. It’s only now that I notice how quiet it is. The water has turned off.

  “Did you pick out a tie?” Damon stands next to me, dripping, a towel around his waist.

  Shit, I completely forgot about that. Of course, that seems like a minor issue when I’ve been caught red-handed tampering with his safe. “How long have you been here?”

  “Long enough. What were you doing?”

  “Well… I am your new security advisor, aren’t I?”

  “And why were you trying to get into my safe?”

  At least he doesn’t know I succeeded. I wish I could tell him that I did, but I’m too embarrassed to admit why I felt the need to open it. I’m not sure the prince would think that a panty swap was worth the security scare.

  Damon closes his eyes. “Do I need to check in there?”

  “No…” Shit! If he opens it, he’ll catch me in a lie when he sees the panties. Why do I keep digging this hole for myself?

  “I don’t normally do this, but I’m going to take your word for it. Because if your word isn’t good, then neither are we.”

  I really shouldn’t have lied. The guilt is a far worse punishment than his anger would have been. Plus, now I can’t tell him that his safe was dangerously easy to break into.

  Damon takes my picks off his nightstand. “Why do you have these?”

  “I never know when I’ll need them.”

  “You won’t need them here.”

  “You don’t trust me?” Why would I say that? I wouldn’t trust me at this point.

  The prince puts his hands behind his head. “My whole life, I’ve been taught how unwise it is to trust people.”

  I smile grimly. “It sounds like some of our lessons overlapped. Do you trust anyone?”

  “Nic.”

  “What about your father?”

  Damon starts pacing the room. “He wants what he thinks is best for me. In the past, he’s been known to connive to reach those ends.”

  Even in a bath towel, he looks so regal. I wish I could comfort him. I know how lonely it can be when you have no one to trust.

  “Can I give you something?” I ask.

  “Is it the crown?”

  I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be a joke, but it feels like I’ve been punched in the gut. I try to hide how much it hurts. “No. I want to give you these.” I hand him the set of lock picks. I haven’t been without them for the last fifteen years. There’s no way he could ever fathom how huge of a gesture that is from me.

  “Keep them if it makes you feel better. Just know that you don’t have to pick locks to get by anymore, Grace.”

  His disappointment is eating away at me. I stare at the river as it tumbles into his pool. “Could you ever trust me?”

  “I just did, didn’t I? Don’t give me any additional reasons not to. I’ll try to do the same. Next time, just ask me to open the safe for you.”

  “Okay.” I pointedly set the picks on his nightstand. I’m going to leave them there whether or not he accepts them. “Do you still want me to pick out a tie for you?”

  Damon walks into his closet to dress. “Like you said, I’ll see your dress tomorrow night. I’m sure I can select something acceptable.”

  There’s no one to blame for this mess but myself. I feel like I should walk into the pool and let myself sink to the bottom.

  Damon emerges fully dressed. I can’t read the expression on his face.

  “Do you want me to go?” I ask.

  “Come here.”

  I run to him, and he holds me tight. It’s such a relief that I have to hold back sobs. I don’t want to upset him. He’s given me so much.

  “Grace, you’ve gotten a taste of life here. I’m beset on all sides by backstabbing, intrigue, and people out only for themselves. I don’t want to have to hide anything from you, and I want you to be able to tell me anything.”

  Like how his safe isn’t all that safe. But I want to start with something more innocuous.

  “Can I tell you something now?”

  “Like I said, anything.” He squeezes my arm in reassurance.

  “Even in a bath towel, you look very regal.”

  “Good to know. I’ve always wondered about that.” Damon runs a comb through his hair. “Now that I’m freshly pressed, would you like to escort me to the paddock? I want to check that Felix is being conditioned properly.”

  “I’m not sure I should.” Really, I doubt he wants to spend time with me after the stunt I just pulled.

  “You should. Everyone needs to get out of the palace now and then. It can get a bit too insular, and before you know it, you’re blowing small things out of proportion.”

  I hope this means that he forgives me for tampering with his safe. “Do you mind if I change first?” There’s no way I’m riding a horse in a dress while going commando.

  “Of course. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  Before long, Damon is driving us through the rolling hills behind the palace.

  “Are you sure you don’t want Nic to come?”

  The prince steers the golf cart onto a dirt path. “We aren’t leaving the property. I’ll be fine.”

  I try not to show how pleased I am at Nic’s absence. I’m not looking forward to facing the bodyguard again, especially knowing that he’ll try to pay me to leave.

  Damon parks the cart, then retrieves Felix from his stall. The horse lowers his huge head, nosing my shirt.

  “Hey,” Damon tugs the lead rope. “She doesn’t have any treats. Maybe later, if you’re good.”

  Felix blasts hot air from his nose to inform us of his displeasure.

  “You want to ride?” the prince asks. “I’ll show you how to put him through his paces.”

  Damon helps me onto the horse. He calls out instructions, and together we get Felix to walk, trot, and canter around the paddock. I pat the horse’s muscular neck. Felix is magnificent, but the magic is gone this time. Maybe it’s because I’m not riding double with Damon along a beach. Though I did prefer that method, I’m more concerned about how much longer I’ll be welcome here. Damon may be a prince, but I’m guessing that the King’s word is final. No doubt Darius will find a way to get rid of me sooner or later.

  I’m also distracted with trying to remember the dance steps I learned. I’ll need them tomorrow. Maybe I should have begged off horseback riding and practiced instead, but it’s too late now.

  “I think you’ve got the hang of it. Can you get him to stop?”

  I tug on the reins. “Whoa.”

  Felix stops, though he stamps a hoof in protest.

  “I’m not sure he’s done.” Damon swings up behind me. “Would you like to go on a trail ride?”

  “Sure!”

  Damon flicks the reins, guiding Felix from the paddock. The horse sets out over one of the hills like he knows where he’s going. I try to keep a count of three in my head, envisioning myself sweeping across a ballroom.

  “We’re having over 200 guests tomorrow,” Damon says.

  “That many?” The number alone unsettles me. And I’ll have to dance in front of all of them?

  “I don’t want you to be overwhelmed with the new people. This seems like the perfect time to run you through the guest list.”

  “Right now?”

  “Not all of them are nobles or dignitaries. I’ll just list their names, titles, and countries of origin. You’ve already met Lady Natalia Fa of Andova. Her father won’t be joining us, but her cousin Carlo might. He’s nothing like her, so don’t worry.”

  I try to remember how to execute a Left Closed Change while Damon continues his list. He sometimes d
rops in tidbits, such as how a certain diplomat is known for sneaking tarts from the kitchen, or the time a young Reggie startled a baroness in the bathroom.

  Battered by name after name, my brain feels like it’s turning to mush. There’s no way I can retain all of this, though Damon is enjoying the telling. By the time he finishes regaling me about the Zaleski family of Ukraine, the sun is sinking, casting a pink glow over the hills.

  “Time to turn in, Felix.” Damon guides him back toward his stall.

  We dismount, and the prince hands me a carrot.

  “Thanks?”

  “It’s for Felix. Unless you’re low on vitamin A.”

  The horse has already found his treat. He noses me impatiently.

  “Here you go.” I hold my palm flat. Felix snatches the carrot, chomping greedily.

  Damon pulls a blanket over the horse’s back, securing him in a stall. “We should turn in early too. Do you mind?”

  “Not at all.” Maybe I’ll have some time to practice solo waltzing.

  The stars start to emerge as we drive back to the palace. The night air smells like roses. Fireflies glisten all around as Damon pulls up to the stairs outside my room. The prince parks the cart, then walks around to offer me assistance.

  “You do know that I can get out myself.”

  “I know.” He holds out an arm. “But I don’t want you to have to.”

  I’m secretly pleased by his chivalry. I know helping me out of a cart is a small gesture, but I don’t know anyone else who would do that for me without being paid.

  I take his arm, and we walk up the steps. It’s still hard to believe that the prince is even willing to acknowledge a nobody like me.

  At the top of the stairs, he turns to me. “I’m so lucky to have met you.”

  I look deep into his hazel eyes, but I can’t sense a hint of sarcasm—or insanity. “Really? If you’ll recall our first meeting, you were picking me out of the wreckage of your car.”

  “I offered to buy you a muffin first. That’s a better start, isn’t it?”

  I lean against the railing. “Are you sure I should be here?”

  He frowns. “This room is yours for as long as you want it.”

  “No, I mean in the palace. I don’t fit in here, do I?”

  “But that’s why you’re so perfect.” Damon curls a hand around my waist. “You don’t spend all of dinner telling me the latest court gossip. You don’t take three hours to choose a riding outfit.” He grins. “You keep Nic on his toes, and you get along with Eris. That last one really takes something special. And who else could have helped me safeguard the crown like you did?”

  “When you put it like that, I don’t sound so bad after all.”

  His eyes shine in the moonlight as he tilts my head up toward his. I close my eyes, ready to give into his lips.

  Something beeps in the night. Damon curses under his breath as he fiddles with his watch.

  “I’m sorry, Grace. I’d stay here in a heartbeat if I didn’t have guests to greet.”

  “That’s all right.” I try to look on the bright side, though it’s difficult. More time to practice, I guess. I’d rather spend the night with Damon and completely embarrass myself in the ballroom tomorrow.

  The prince frowns at his watch as he turns a dial. “Eris will be up shortly to bring you dinner. Could I meet you for lunch tomorrow?”

  “When?”

  “Does sometime around noon work?”

  Noon? That seems so far away. “I’ll be there.”

  “Great. I’ll send Nic to get you when I’m ready. After we eat, we’ll both need to get ready for the ball.”

  I have less than 24 hours to attempt to perfect my dance steps. The idea makes me lightheaded.

  “Try to relax tomorrow morning,” Damon says.

  “I’ll do my best.”

  The prince steps down two stairs, then hesitates. “Your day wasn’t completely wretched, was it?”

  He’s perfectly level with me. This is too good of an opportunity. Leaning in, I kiss him. His cool lips feel so good against mine, like a balm for my soul. Finally I have to pull away, before I forever lose my willpower to do so.

  “Ask me again,” I tell him.

  He looks a bit dazed. “Your day wasn’t completely wretched, was it?”

  I think of the uncertainty and ugliness Darius and Natalia brought into my day. One kiss erased it all, and then some. “It was spectacular.”

  He kisses me on the forehead. “Goodnight.” The smile he gives me makes my heart swell. Of course, it shatters when he walks down the steps and into the night. But he’ll be able to repair it again tomorrow.

  I must have been tired. It’s almost eleven when I wake. Kicking off the covers, I roll out of bed. I get ready as fast as I can. I fell asleep immediately after getting back last night, and I have to see if I remember anything about dancing.

  The morning sun has warmed the terrace. A rumble in the far corner startles me. Reggie turns onto his back, showing me his belly.

  “Sorry, Reggie. It’s not a good time.”

  I try to imagine where my partner’s feet would be, then place mine. Doing my best to visualize a box, I hum the tune to a simple waltz. I raise my arms to meet my imaginary partner, and begin.

  I only make it around the box once before I mess up. Putting my hands on my hips, I turn to face my audience. “I thought I had it down better than this.”

  Reggie yawns.

  “No one asked you.”

  Humming again, I meet my imaginary partner. This time, I waltz more freely around the terrace.

  “How am I looking?”

  The lion closes his eyes, more interested in sunning himself.

  I waltz around the terrace twelve times, working in a few Reverse Turns. Maybe I can actually do this.

  At this point, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I should stop now before I twist an ankle or something.

  Reggie seems like he’ll be fine lounging for a few hours, but I need something to eat. I’ll have to leave my room and go in search of food.

  I notice the difference immediately upon opening the door. My hall used to be deathly quiet, but now voices echo down it, along with an occasional raucous laugh. I edge along the hall, afraid of what I’ll find at the end.

  The main hall has been transformed. Paper lanterns are strung between the pillars, lighting a swarm of humanity. All manner of important people converse with each other, some in hushed tones, others shouting and slapping each other on the back. As horrifying as my first glimpse was, the mass of people should help me out. No one will notice me in a crowd like this.

  Striding forward, I aim for the kitchen. Conversations hush around me. People point, or turn to stare as I pass. Oh god, do they all know who I am?

  It takes everything I have not to break into a run. I can’t have that be this hemisphere’s first impression of me. I’m suddenly aware of how hot it is in here. And there are so many eyes, all looking at me. I’m really not that interesting.

  I have the sensation that there’s not enough air in this room. I suck in a lungful. Am I breathing too loudly? And can anyone hear how my breath hitched in fear? There are too many people here, and the weight of their gazes and judgments presses down on me.

  They all know who I am, every single one. I wish there were an alley for me to duck into, a group for me to hide behind. I like to stick to the shadows, and it’s much too bright in here. The sunlight streaming through the windows blinds me. I can’t see everyone, can’t be sure from their expressions how to react.

  The spotlight is scorching. Was the king right that it would be too much for me? A chill rustles through me as I remember his words that I could never be anonymous again. Can I handle that without going mad?

  Stiffening my spine, I push my way through the crowd. I do my best to nod to those who murmur a greeting, though I’m having trouble telling if they’re talking to me or about me. I’m no good at any of this, but I’ll do my best. I’ll try,
for Damon.

  It’s over. I’ve survived the crossing of the hall. Gathering myself, I look around. People still mill around, some flitting from one group to the next. The noise of the crowd echoes off the pillars. I seem to have been forgotten. Did I just imagine all that?

  I certainly didn’t imagine how it felt. At least it’s a masque ball tonight. If I only tell Damon who I am, maybe the night won’t be so stressful.

  A long table is loaded with scones and bagels for the guests. I heap a plate with anything that looks good. Doing my best not to draw attention, I sneak out of the hall. One trip through that crowd is enough for me this morning.

  I get back to my room by taking the outer stair. Besides cracking one eye open, Reggie doesn’t bother to move.

  “You’d make a terrible guard lion.”

  He flicks his tail, then drifts back to sleep. I wish I could be so relaxed.

  “Grace? Is that you?” Inside, Eris is hauling a huge garment bag. I rush to help her. Together, we wrestle it into a closet.

  “Is that the dress?”

  “That’s the one.” She gazes at it like a proud mother. “Want to check that it fits?”

  “I’m sure it does.”

  Eris hoists a basket onto an end table that’s overflowing with fabric, needles, and spools of thread. “I know. I’m just never completely satisfied until the final fitting.”

  “Do you mind if we do that after lunch? I’m supposed to meet Damon.”

  “That’s fine. Make sure to come back right after lunch so we have time to get you ready.” Eris pulls out the bronze mask, half of which is fringed with feathers. “Mind if I finish your mask here?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot.” The maid retrieves her omnipresent laundry cart. “Here are the clothes you arrived in. I made sure to personally pick off all the little bits of glass.”

  My face burns at the memory of crashing the prince’s car. “Thanks, Eris.”

  “Next time you need me to clean up after a theft gone wrong, just let me know.”