Vivian only remained in possession of her life because Roman didn’t think Violet would take her death well, despite their strained relationship.
Violet and the man glanced up, both looking like they’d seen a ghost. The man looked from Vivian to Violet and back again, no doubt shocked at their likeness. He didn’t know Violet well, then, if he didn’t know she had an identical twin.
Roman pasted a smile on his face and sauntered forward, prepared to find out everything he could about the man foolish enough to touch the future queen.
* * *
No. Of all nights to run into her sister, why did it have to be tonight? Violet didn’t miss the way Vivian glared at her as they approached. No relationship existed between Vivian and Violet other than random encounters when their parents had them both over for dinner, and every word out of Vivian’s mouth contained a tinge of negativity aimed at Violet.
Titus looked between Violet and her sister several times and whispered, “Is that your sister?”
“Can’t you see the resemblance?” she joked back. Hopefully they could say hi and leave as quickly as possible.
“You don’t look happy to see her,” Titus observed.
“It’s not that.” She pushed a strand of wayward hair out of her face and tried to take an inconspicuous deep breath.
Titus ran his thumb soothingly over the back of her hand. “Want me to make an excuse to leave immediately?”
Her eyes snapped to his, finding them full of mischief. Violet felt the weight of her sister’s presence lift. She hadn’t realized it, but part of her worried Titus would see Vivian and wish he’d been with her instead. “We’ll say hi, and if they try to lock us into a conversation, can you fake a medical emergency?”
He barked out a laugh. “I’ll do what I can.”
“Hey!” Everyone turned toward the shout across the street. Slayton waved and jogged over, and Violet breathed a sigh of relief. If anyone could make a situation more comfortable, it was him.
He threw his arm around Violet. “There’s my girl.” He smacked a theatrical kiss on her cheek.
She side-eyed her friend, and Titus playfully tugged her closer. “Is there something I should know?”
“Yeah, there is,” Slayton played along and puffed out his chest. He made to kiss her again, but she covered his face with her hand and pushed him back. “I’m going to loosen all the crotch seams of your pants the next time you ask me for alterations.”
“I’m Vivian,” her sister interjected and held out her hand to Titus.
Titus shook it with a polite smile. “Titus.” He held his hand out to Roman. The prince watched him closely and took his proffered hand.
“Roman.” He withdrew and turned to Violet. “Where have you two been?”
Titus gestured toward the building behind them. “Gus’ Tavern. They have the best steak.”
“I could go for steak,” Slayton butted in before Roman could reply. He gestured toward Gus’ and asked Roman, “Do you two want to grab dinner?” Violet held back a laugh. Those two weren’t friends in the least, and SlaytonhatedVivian.
Vivian’s contemptuous glare would have scared a lesser man. “No.” The woman tossed her glossy hair and batted her lashes at Roman. “We have a date at the theater tonight.” Roman pursed his lips, and Vivian snuggled into his side, or tried to until he smoothly adjusted his stance, blocking her attempt to burrow against him.
Slayton snapped his fingers with feigned disappointment. “Damn.”
Everything about this impromptu meeting made Violet want to jump in front of a carriage. Awkward did not begin to describe it.
Titus sighed noisily. “I hate to cut our conversation short, but Violet and I have plans. It was nice meeting you two.” Titus nodded to Slayton. “Good to meet you.”
Slayton shook Titus’ hand and smirked. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”
Roman tipped his head to Titus. “I’ll be by the armory to more properly introduce myself.” It sounded like a threat.
The prince stepped forward and pulled Violet into a quick hug that stunned her into paralysis. “It was good to see you, princess.” He glared at Slayton. “Bye.”
Slayton laughed like Roman had told a joke only they understood. “Bye, Your Grace.”
Roman ignored him and guided a silent Vivian toward the theater.
