“What was that?” Elle asks me, hurrying to catch up.
“He seems like an ass,” I snap.
“Mae. You cannot act like that with the other princes. Asmo is an ass, but the other princes are not, and they’ll be offended if you act like that with them. Don’t forget that all eyes are on you, judging your every move.”
“Fine,” I say shortly.
She releases a long groan. “Mother help us all.”
Elle leads me to the edge of the veranda where a stunning male and female stand, both watching the guests as they pass by. Based on their lean but powerful builds, I would guess House Panthera or Canis. As we approach, their eyes shift to us. Even from a distance, their emerald-green eyes are striking, and are unmistakably Panthera.
And now they’re fixed on me and me alone.
The female tucks a lock of dark brown hair behind a pointed ear and stands taller as she watches me. The male tucks his hands into his pockets, gaze roving over my crown and antlers.
They form deep bows when I approach. When they stand, they offer polite smiles and wait for me to speak first. Thankfully, I don’t have to.
“Prince Koa and Princess Cassia,” Elle says beside me. “Lovely to see you both again.”
“Your Majesty,” Cassia says to me, ignoring Elle. “Congratulations on your newly appointed title. It was a beautiful ceremony.”
Congratulations on taking the throne after your father was murdered, Mae! Oh, and their funeral was very well done.
“Thank you,” I respond curtly.
Koa steps forward, drawing the attention away from his sister. “It’s nice to see you too, Elle,” he says warmly. “And an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Prince Koa,” I say. “Since we’ll be getting to know each other more, I’d much rather you call me Mae.”
His answering smile is disarming. His perfectly straight teeth are dazzlingly white, and his green eyes crinkle. Oh, he’s gorgeous, too.
“Thank you so much for coming,” I say politely, not sure what else to say.
“Absolutely. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m pleased to be here and to meet you, but I wish it were under different conditions,” he says solemnly. “Although, I’m certainly looking to get to know you better. I think the whole kingdom is if I’m being honest. I’m honored to be one of the lucky few who gets the privilege.” He runs his hand through his hair again and smiles sheepishly.
Oh, he’s a charmer. I bet he’s charmed the pants off hundreds of females.
The thought doesn’t sit well with me. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, I’ve always been attracted to males with less…ego. Despite my relationship with Killan, my type has always been the shy male.
Koa’s charm has reminded me that I’m in an entirely different dating scene. These are High Princes. They’re nothing like the males I’ve dated before. They’ve grown up knowing they’re royalty and are used to being treated as such.
“Yes, thank you. I’m looking forward to it, too.” I offer him a smile that doesn’t meet my eyes. “Please do enjoy the food. If you’ll excuse me,” I say, motioning toward the food before stepping away, leaving House Panthera in my wake.
Elle doesn’t leave my side, each of her steps matching my long strides. “I just need a minute,” I say hurriedly before she can ask. I lead us upstairs to the terrace overlooking the yard and assemble a small plate of appetizers and finger foods. It’s late afternoon now, and I haven’t eaten all day.
I stuff a petit four in my mouth and groan at the sweetness on my tongue.
Elle looks at me, her brow furrowed as she eyes me carefully. “What’s wrong?”
I shrug. “Holly warned me that House Panthera could be vain, and I just got that sense from him. I didn’t exactly like it.”
“Well, you got the worst two out of the way first. The other three are better. Want to go meet them? I’m happy to introduce you.”
“Can I just wait for them to approach me?” I groan. Instead of responding, she just looks at me, which I suppose is a response of its own.
“Okay, fine. Put me out of my misery,” I say, heading toward the stairs.
She rolls her eyes and says, “You’re so dramatic. This gives you the power. Not to mention, meeting them now is going to make your dinner easier tomorrow.”
