“Maybe we’d both be better off if we’d never met,” I say.
Theo winces. “I don’t know how to do this.”
“Neither do I.” For the first time since Italy, I feel like I could use a drink. I walk away, and with a glance back at Theo, I open his backpack and rummage through the first aid supplies and spare clothes until I find a small bottle of booze like the one that Brooke slipped to Winston.
“Wren!” Henry swims to the bank of the hot spring, wet curls plastered across his grinning face. “Come settle a debate between Brooke and me. And bring the whisky with you.”
CHAPTER23
“Where’d you find that?”
Brooke motions to the small whisky bottle in my hand as I sit on the bank and dip my feet into the steaming pool.
I spin the bottle between my fingers. “In the backpack Theo was carrying.”
“I didn’t know it was there,” he says, slipping into the water and swimming to the other side of the circle.
“Never have I ever lied about hiding booze from my fellow castaways.” I arch a brow.
“Neither have I,” Theo says.
“Over here.” Henry motions for me to throw him the bottle. “I nicked it and didn’t tell anyone. A lie of omission.” He grins, flashing his dimple in the dusky light.
I toss him the bottle and he looks very pleased with himself as he untwists the cap and takes a small sip.
“What were you and Brooke debating?” I ask.
“Whether the monarchy has a place in modern society, but I won. She can’t argue with the fact that countries with monarchies are more politically stableandhave more money than countries without.”
“To be fair, I’m not sure that’s justification enough in the twenty-first century,” Victoria says.
“Traitors, both of you.” Henry motions between Victoria and Theo.
Victoria rolls her eyes. “Everyone our age hates the monarchy, and we need to change to keep up with the times.”
“You haven’t heard my strongest argument,” Henry says.
Victoria quirks an eyebrow and motions for him to continue.
Henry holds up his hands and waits for silence. “It’s really fucking wicked to live in a palace! Debate that, Brooke!” He takes another drink.
Brooke rolls her eyes. “I don’t debate eighteen-year-olds.”
“Told you I won.” Henry smirks proudly. “What about you, darling?” He turns his attention to me. “Ever given it any thought?”
“Given what any thought?”
“Living in a palace.”
I do not let myself look at Theo as my face turns scarlet. “Not really.”
“Too bad. We could have fun togeth—”
“Cut the shit,” Theo snaps.
“What?” Henry shrugs innocently. “I’m not stepping in the middle of something, am I?” He throws Theo a loaded glance that makes my insides squirm.
“Never have I ever been jealous of my brother and pretended I wasn’t,” I say pointedly.
