It’s just meant to be ironic,Skye said with a shrug.Depending on who yourteacher is, they’ll try to tell you it was the hand of God striking him down or some shit because no one is truly innocent. It’s all open to interpretation.
Except Aiden has a new affinity that’s eerily similar,Rafe said.Skye, darling, the time has come for you to perform a distraction.
Skye grinned slowly.Well, this will be easy since you’ve given us a head start.
I wasjumpy without Rafe or Wyatt around.
It was silly, I knew that. Skye was right here, and she was the most powerful person in the room. I had no reason to be afraid while with her, and I wasn’t exactly, but…
I blew out a breath. Skye had moved us to the center of the room where the light caught on thehumongousdiamonds Rafe had her wearing. I knew the Crown Jewels were worth a lot, but I’d never actually seen one diamond this large, let alone three.
How is this going to cause a distraction?I asked.
Just wait, Aiden. Rafe is gone and we’re alone. The vultures will circle any minute now, especially after that kiss.
I was still jumpy.
Every person that strayed too close was met with a savage glare. Skye eventually sighed, then pulled me to the dance floor. We swayed back and forth together, and I was pretty sure she forced my heart to slow.
I didn’t even care. I needed all the help I could get.
After several songs, we made our way back to the party, and it was then that the nightmare started.
“Hello there,” my mother’s voice purred, but I could hear the deception. My mother was the queen of speaking with honey dripping from her teeth.
Skye didn’t immediately turn to greet her, but when she did, she looked around for a moment.
“Oh, you’re speaking to me?”
I froze.
So did my mother.
So did everyone else in the room.
“Yes, dear child, I’m speaking to you.” Lucille smiled sharply. My neck grew hot.She called Skye a child?“You’re a guest of the Prince?”
“His Royal Highness, yes.” Skye said, her eyes taking in Lucille’s form with a clear look of dismissal.
“I am a guest of his father, Alexander.” Lucille said, still speaking even as Skye seemingly ignored her. “He’s such a good man, you know.”
Skye hummed, but kept her gaze wandering the room.
People were starting to gather. They couldn’t believe Lucille Brandt was being insulted this way.Icouldn’t believe Lucille Brandt was being insulted this way. Skye was a natural. I didn’t sense any impending doom from her, not like what was stirring in my stomach.
“Have you met him?” Lucille asked.
“Hmm?” Skye hummed then turned back and whispered loudly to me, “She’s still here?”
“Yes, baby. She’s still here.” I chuckled.
Lucille still didn’t look at me. She cleared her throat. “Have you met Alexander?”
“Oh yes, I’ve met Alex many times. He’s the one who invited me here.” Skye said. “You do know he’s Link to the Crown Princess?”
Lucille must not have had botox in a while, because her eyebrows rose in surprise. “I…of course I know that. What is that supposed to mean?”
“Just a question,” Skye said with a giggle. “Don’t go assuming things.”
