“I’m sorry, Amos,”Roland said finally.“I love Amelia, and Clover is all she has. I’d be a terrible pet if I didn’t fight for her.”
“First you’re wearing clothes and riding in pockets, now you’re calling yourself a pet,”Amos grumbled.“Have you no shame?”
“Say what you will, but I live a very comfortable life.”He could feel Roland’s haughtiness down the bond.
He chuckled despite himself.“I’ll be in touch later. Be safe, and call for me if anything happens.”
“Goodbye, Amos.”
If their bond were a door, Roland would’ve slammed it in his face. He appreciated that hisfamiliarwas attached to his sister, but a little understanding would be nice.
The shop came back into focus when Roland cut their connection, and he unfolded himself from the chair to find his mate.
“She’ll be out shortly,” Vetta said, appearing from the back. “We took her measurements and picked out different styles. She’s changing into pre-made clothes I had on hand.
Clover pushed open the dressing-room curtain and stepped out in a sleeveless top and fitted pants tucked into her boots. “The pants are a little snug, but they’ll do,” she told Vetta. Noticing Amos, she smiled. “How is everyone?” Her gaze flicked to Vetta.
Vetta was high in the ranks, but not high enough to know about Amelia.
“I’ll tell you when we leave.” He pulled out a sack of coins, but Clover swatted his hand away and handed over her own. Amos glared at the offending bag in her hand. “I’m paying for your clothes.”
Vetta froze, her hand hovering over Clover’s bag of coins. Clover looked at him and smiled—the expression sharp enough to warn him off. “I’m paying.”
He shoved his sack of coins back into his pocket. “When will her things be ready?”
Vetta tipped her head forward to look at him over her spectacles. “She paid for rush services. I’ll have a few pieces for her by tomorrow. The rest will trickle in over the next week.” The woman picked up a bag near the dressing room. “Here are a few more pre-made items for tonight and tomorrow, until your new items are delivered.”
Clover took the bag with a genuine smile. “Thanks, Vetta. I appreciate your help.”
Vetta smiled sweetly— something she’d never done toward Amos. “It was no problem, dear.”
As the two left the shop, Amos glanced back at the older woman. “She likes you more than me.”Everyone should,he added silently. Clover was perfect.
“Halt.” The voice sent ice through Amos’ veins. Amos turned slowly as his father’s royal carriage rolled to a stop not far from where he and Clover stood.
“Clover, you need to leave,” Amos said quietly, his eyes trained on his father as he stepped out of his carriage. “Now.”
“I can’t run now,” she whispered. “He’s seen me. It would look odd.”
Fuck, she was right.
“What are you doing here?” his father asked, surveying the market with distaste. “Send Alice to run your errands. Her entire reason for coming with you was to see to your needs and oversee the estate staff full-time.”
“I like getting out,” Amos replied smoothly. “I forced Alice to stay home.”
His father didn’t like that answer. “You’re a prince. You don’t shop for yourself in a lowborn market.” The king curled his lip. “If you insist on shopping for yourself, the North Oasis isn’t far, and they have a luxury market.”
Clover’s anger burned through Amos’ chest. Amos started to remind the king the North Oasis was a few hours away, but his father cut him off. “This only further proves my point in coming.”
Paul appeared behind the king, a disingenuous smile stretching across his face. “Hello, Amos. Philip and I were just on our way to see you when we spotted you on the sidewalk.”
Amos gritted his teeth. “So he said, though he made no mention of you.”
A vein pulsed in Paul’s temple as his sharp eyes moved from Amos to Clover. She stood slightly behind Amos, silent. “Is this a friend of yours?”
Amos craved to slaughter the man where he stood for even looking at her. Even more so when the king took notice. “Who is this woman, son?”
Twisting to look at Clover, silently imploring her to play along. “I forgot she was here.” He forced out a condescending laugh. “You can go.”
