I know she’s right. The idea of tomorrow does seem less frightening now that I’ve met two of the princes.
Elle spots Ivan across the crowded lawn, waving us over to his table. He’s seated at a table next to a couple, both of whom are wearing silver-gold crowns atop hair as white as snow. I take a deep breath, steel myself, and hold my head high as I walk over to them. Like Asmo, their eyes are also shocking, but in a different way. They’re a piercing light blue, instantly reminding me of a frosty glacier.
As I approach, Ivan says, “Mae, please meet King Conall and Queen Sasha of House Canis.”
They begin to stand, and I say, “Please, stay seated. I assume you’re going to bow, and to be quite honest, I’d love nothing more than for you not to.”
I feel Elle stiffen beside me, but Sasha bursts into laughter. “Ivan did say you were…unconventional,” she says, her voice low and sensual.
I look at him and say, “Oh, did he now?”
“You’re welcome to be unconventional with us, dear,” Sasha says. “We were good friends with your father. We’re so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you for your kind words. I’m also sorry for your loss. I was unfortunate to never know him, but he seems to have made quite an impact on everyone that he came across,” I respond.
Connall nods solemnly. “Yes, well said. He was one-of-a-kind. As you seem to have inherited.”
Sasha hurriedly adds, “He means well. We’ve both been shocked by the news of your family’s deaths, so please forgive my husband if that came out wrong.”
I shake my head. “No, no. It didn’t. Thank you both for coming.”
Connall offers me a warm hand, and I accept it. He holds my hand in his before slightly bowing his head. He releases my hand, offering a small smile before saying, “Whatever we can do to help you adjust to your new role, please just ask.”
“Thank you so much,” I say, meaning it.
“Oh, there’s our son,” Sasha says, looking over my shoulder and waving. “August!”
I turn to find a tall male striding toward us, and once again, I’m struck by how otherworldly handsome he is. All the princes are attractive, each one tall, dark, and handsome, but August is the opposite. He is a golden prince, his sandy blond hair brushing against his forehead, just above his bright blue eyes. He’s tall and lean, also packed with muscle.
As he approaches, he runs a hand through his hair and smiles at me with perfectly polished teeth.
His mother calls, “Whatever you do, don’t bow!”
Yep, I like her.
His face contorts in confusion, and he glances at me, tilting his head as if to confirm. I smile and nod when he approaches me. “I’m not used to the whole bowing thing yet.” I offer my hand and say, “Hi, I’m Mae.”
He gently takes it and places a light kiss on the top of my hand before returning to a stand. “Hi, Mae. I’m August.” His voice is rough and low, yet boyish somehow.
Up close, he’s even more gorgeous. His eyes, the color of the sky, never leave my face as we speak. A singular dimple appears whenever he smiles, adding to his charm.
“Lovely to meet you,” I say for what feels like the millionth time today. This time, I mean it.
“I think the pleasure is all mine,” he says, that damn dimple deepening with his smile.
“Thank you for coming today,” I nearly stutter, fully disarmed by how stunning he is.
His smile drops at the reminder of today’s purpose. “I was devastated when we heard the news. Princess Etta and my sister, Lola, were close. She was a family friend.”
“I’m so sorry we had to meet under these circumstances.”
“Me, too,” he says solemnly. “Etta was…she was special. But I am happy to meet you and to learn about you.” He offers me a smile, and it feels genuine, but I do feel a pang of jealousy. And I hate myself for feeling it.
I shove the thought away and force the smile back to my face. “I’m very excited to meet you, too, August. Please enjoy the food. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon. If you’ll excuse me.”
He forms another bow, and I turn, Elle right at my side. As we walk away from August, I have a feeling that someone is watching me. When I turn, Prince Asmo stares at me from across the lawn, his eyes tracking my every movement.
I shake off a shiver as it slithers its way up my spine.
