“Gin and tonic?” James has a drink at the ready in front of me. It’s like he knew I’d need one.
“Thank you.” I give him a shy smile, not wanting to give any more ammunition to the rumours his sister is telling me about. He walks back over to Sean and his grandmum as I gulp down the drink.
“I believe that answers my question.” Ellie leans back, rubbing her baby bump.
“How did that answer your question?” I’m confused as she just continues staring at me. It’s unnerving. Ellie and James are mirror images of one another. Her bright pink hair is a contrast to James’s dark waves, but they have the same bright blue eyes.
“He knew what you needed. There’s this invisible thread connecting the two of you. Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not.”
“It’s still too early for that.” I don’t want to acknowledge my deepening feelings for James. It’s scary, the world he lives in. I was hoping there wouldn’t be any chemistry between the two of us and we could each continue living our lives. But the deeper I move into his world, the harder it is to reel in my emotions.
“Zara, it’s never too early. I knew Sean was it for me within an hour of meeting him.”
“An hour? You knew that soon he was the love of your life?”
Ellie nods her head. “Do you really think I’d give up my entire life for anything less than true love?” Her eyes get hazy as she drifts them to look at Sean. Their connection is palpable to anyone in the room as his eyes are drawn to hers.
“I’d say the feeling is mutual.” I take another sip, trying to hide my smile.
“Just don’t dismiss him because of this life. There’s more than meets the eye with him. He’s a good one.”
“I know he is.” She doesn’t have to tell me twice. The persona that James shows the public is vastly different than who he is with me. He’s flirty and fun with the press. They eat him up. But in the quiet moments I get with him, he opens up to me. I see the real James. And I am easily falling for him.
“Zara, it’s so wonderful to see you today.” The Queen’s voice pulls me away from Ellie, a smile painting her face.
“Your Majesty.” I stand, dipping into a low curtsy.
“Please. It’s Katherine. We’re all family here.” She gives me a quick peck on the cheek before turning her warm gaze on Ellie.
“And how’s the little one?”
“Doing just fine.” Ellie’s hands rub her growing belly as her mum sits between us.
“Still not going to find out what it is?”
“Mum. I’ve told you several times, no. We want to be surprised.”
The Queen turns her stern gaze at me. “I’ve even tried telling her—as her Queen—that she should find out, but it’s no use. And don’t you get any ideas about not finding out.” She wags her finger in my direction.
I hide my chuckle behind my hand. “Of course. You’ll be the first to know. But that’s still down the road.”
“And I thought it would be a few years away for me but here we are, my first grandbaby is on the way.” Her excitement is palpable.
“Darling, stop bugging them for grandchildren.” Prince Frederick approaches his wife, pulling her towards the door. “Lunch is ready if you would like to head to the dining room.”
Katherine gives her husband a tender look as she follows him. I can’t help but wonder if these two were a love match or an arranged marriage like James and me.
“Ladies, shall we escort you into the dining room?” James and Sean appear before us. Sean helps Ellie, pulling her into his arms and dropping a chaste kiss on her lips.
“Can you two not do that in front of me?” James turns into me, burying his face in my neck.
“I think we’ve all seen enough of you plastered all over the tabloids, so get over it.” Ellie doesn’t turn to face him. She links her arm through Sean’s, and they head off in front of us.
“She might have a point, you know.” James's scent overwhelms me, as he drapes his arm across my shoulder, tugging me close.
“You’re supposed to be on my side.” His voice is a low growl.
I give him a smug look. “Well, you’re all mine now. I don’t want anyone else seeing any bits of you.”
