“Amelia, how does it feel to screw the other brother even though Prince Philipp isn’t cold yet? Don’t you feel ashamed?” a few idiots yelled from the crowd behind the reporters.
That last one makes me falter for a split second, and Amelia beside me sharply inhales. I clench my teeth to keep my expression neutral, even though I want to tear someone apart.
A wave of irrational fury rises in me, begging to find the person who shouted that. I want to protect Amelia, but I do the only right thing. I keep pushing her forward and ignore it.
“This is going to be a disaster,” she mutters under her breath as we reach the lobby, safely away from the press.
“Only if you lose control. So pull yourself together. We’ve got this,” I reply curtly. She throws me a quick, venomous glance before putting that breathtaking smile back on.
Damn, she’s good.
The royal security spreads out, since inside the hall the highest security level is in place, and I don’t need them glued to me anymore. I can finally relax a little.
Still, I don’t let go of Amelia. My arm stays firmly around her waist, and to my surprise, she doesn’t resist. She plays along as if she needs my support. And seeing all the gawking faces around us, I almost understand it.
The entire nobility, the high society of Harlington, is gathered here. All of them are watching us with more or less veiled curiosity.
Fantastic.
“It’s like we’re a novelty act they’ve never seen before. God, I hate this,” Amelia mutters in disgust beside me, and I have to bite back a laugh.
“Baby, wearea novelty act. I’ve never brought a woman to a public event before. You have the honor of being the first.” I wink at her, as she looks up at me in shock, which only makes me grin. But as acquaintances of her late father approach us, she straightens and turns on that thousand-watt smile again.
She fools them all.
And she’s breathtakingly beautiful while doing it.
We play our roles, greet everyone, and when my father gives his speech and announces our engagement, we receive many congratulations, along with plenty of skeptical, wary looks. Amelia doesn’t flinch once, which is sadly impressive. How hard must they have trained her to make her this flawless?
Once the official part is over, we mingle with the guests. Even now, my future wife keeps her mask on.
“Amelia, my dear, you look enchanting. And you even got my son to dress properly.” My father’s voice is like a bucket of ice water, and I tense up immediately as he approaches us with Minister St. Claire, Damien’s father, and the city’s mayor, Robert Sterling. My stomach knots, and I want to run.
“Father. Gentlemen.” I nod at them with a tight, practiced smile and pull Amelia, who has visibly stiffened, a little closer, as she also greets them with a friendly but reserved smile.
“Brace yourselves. The press will be all over you like vultures now that the news of your engagement is out. And Nicolas…” My father gives me a sober, emotionless look, and I meet it evenly, waiting to hear what he’ll say.
“Behave yourself. Tonight is important and in honor of your brother’s foundation. Don’t forget that.”
A sharp stab hits my chest. Of course, how could I forget? It is my brother’s foundation.
Wrong,I want to scream.It’s mine.But I hold it in. Still, the bitterness lingers. So does the pain and this unbearable black void that’s slowly eating me alive from the inside.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I won’t bring shame to you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my fiancée would like a drink.” Without waiting for Amelia’s reaction, I take her hand and steer her toward the bar, where I spot Cedric.
I need to get out of here.
“I didn’t know I wanted a drink, but fine, let’s go to the bar,” she says dryly, and I barely hold back a smirk.
“Don’t tell me you would’ve preferred the company of those three,” I say with a raised eyebrow, and she wrinkles her lovely nose.
“Ugh, God, no. I’d rather put up with you,” she mutters in disgust, and this time I really laugh as I navigate us through the crowd to reach Cedric.
“You’re more entertaining than I thought, Goldilocks. Maybe tonight won’t be so boring after all.”
I smirk at her and greet Cedric as we arrive. He eyes our linked hands skeptically. I immediately let go of her, and she now throws me a look like I’ve completely lost my mind. Shit, maybe I have. I’m certainly close to losing it.
“I need a drink.” That’s all I say before Cedric bursts out laughing and greets Amelia with a kiss on the hand. I watch the exchange with skepticism, and I don’t like it. What’s worse is how much I don’t like it. It seriously pisses me off.
