6
Just turn it off.
But Crystal was frozen on her sofa, her eyes glued to the cricket match on the television.
She'd meant to turn it on in the background as she folded and ironed her laundry, but her clothes were still in the hamper next to her feet on the coffee table.
Because the camera kept panning to Valentin and Pansy sitting close together in the stands, watching the match. He'd made good on his promise to connect with her again after the aborted coffee date.
And Crystal felt sick to her stomach as she watched the interplay between the two.
Leaning close enough that their shoulders touched as they spoke to each other.
Laughing together.
Unlike his date for the state dinner, it was clear to anyone with eyes that there was a connection between them.
The coverage cut to a commercial, and she blindly reached for the remote, turning off the telly completely.
But she didn't get up, didn't fold clothes.
This was good. She'd known Pansy would be a match for Valentin. Pansy was beautiful and sensitive and successful.
This was what she'd wanted. How many matchmakers could say they'd made a royal match? With a few whispers in the right ears, she'd have so much business she wouldn’t be able to keep up.
So why did she feel like this was wrong?
She swiped at an errant tear. Stupid.
She stood, but only to throw a punch at the nearest throw pillow.
What had she really thought? That just because Valentin had let her offer him comfort that... what? He'd fall in love withher?
She might be successful at her job, but she didn't come from a royal lineage. Didn't have extensive connections in the political world.
She had two younger brothers whom she loved more than anything else in the world.
But she wasn't anybody special.
Her brothers had joked about it during that most recent breakfast together, but it was true. She wouldn't be able to hold her own in conversation about current events or the political climate. She wasn't a fashionista who could demand every eye be on her when she was in the public eye.
And most importantly, she wasn't in contention because she'd been hired by the crown. No matter how unconventional the royal family was—three princesses married to cowboys and a secret half-sister princess—royalty didn't marry the hired help.
She tried to think, but it was like trying to force her brain through frozen sludge.
The prince had asked for a meeting with her tomorrow. But if he'd hit it off with Pansy—and it seemed like he had—he wouldn't need her assistance anymore.
Maybe she could cancel.
Then she'd never have to see him again. Except in her dreams.
I had a great time tonight.
Valentin stared at the text message from Pansy. The day limo had pulled in to the castle garage, but he delayed as he tried to formulate a response.
He liked Pansy, but...
His phone buzzed again.I hope it works out for you and Crystal.
