“Probably because they aren’t a virgin.”
I choke on the sip of wine I just took, thankful I didn’t spew it everywhere. Where in the world did this woman come from?
“Your Highness. What will it be for dinner?” The waitress bats her eyes at me, completely ignoring Zara.
“Zara?” I tip my head in her direction. She gives her order to the waitress, a knowing smile on her face. I give her mine and dismiss her.
“Will this be my new normal? My very existence being ignored?” She waves a hand in the direction our waitress went in.
“For now? Yes.”
“Way to sugar-coat it.” Zara rolls her eyes, taking a sip of wine.
“Zara.” I cover her hand on the table with mine. “It’s a hard life. But once they realize who you are to me, you’ll wish for anonymity.”
“I guess I should be thankful then.” Her voice is quiet now.
“Enough about that. Tell me about yourself, oh future bride of mine.”
She rests her chin in her hand. Her brown eyes cut into me, flecks of gold sparkling at me. “Let’s see. I’m twenty-nine, teach music at a local conservatory, and am newly betrothed.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“Are you always this cheeky?”
“Apparently you bring it out in me.”
I give her my most winning smile. “That’s not what I usually bring out in people.”
“I’m well aware.” Zara’s eyes are anywhere but on me.
“Something wrong?” Her eyes zip to mine. She looks nervous now.
“Sorry. I just feel like all eyes are on us in here.”
The room is relatively dark. The club is meant for privacy inside, but wandering eyes are always glancing around to see who is here.
“It comes with the territory. You’ll get used to it.” I take a long draw on my scotch.
“Will I though? I haven’t the first clue as to what I’m supposed to do in this role.”
Zara’s fingers are playing with the napkin on the table. She’s nervous. Of me or what she’s gotten herself into, I don’t know. Reaching over, I still her hand with mine. Zara’s tall, but her delicate hands fit perfectly under mine. It’s a bit jarring how perfectly my hand holds hers.
“It’s not as if you’ll be thrown into the role of Queen tomorrow. I won’t hang you out to dry all on your own.” I give her hand a squeeze.
“That’s oddly reassuring.”
“Well, I have been doing this my whole life.”
“Seems like your mum might think otherwise.” Zara gives me a soft smile behind her wine glass.
“Coming out with the big guns, I see.” Our food gets dropped off, and I notice Zara once again being ignored by the waitstaff.
“So, what’s the best part of being royal?” she asks, cutting into her food.
“The best part of being royal?” I don’t think anyone has ever asked me that. Sure, people always assume it’s being in the spotlight, but to be honest, I’ve never thought about it.
“There are some days where I feel like I’m helping people. Not just doing it in name only, but really helping them.”
“And here I thought you were going to say the women.”
