“Believe me, there was no negligence. From anyone,” I say instantly, eager to protect Stef. Can princes be charged with negligence? I don’t want to find out.
“Very good.” He gives me a sympathetic smile. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to insinuate?—”
“No, no?—”
“Or offend?—”
“No offense taken.” I cough abruptly. “Sorry, champagne went down the wrong way.”
We consider each other in a sudden silence.
Then, the music fades, and someone announces dinner. The crowd starts to move toward the doors to head toward the banquet ahead of tonight’s dancing. Getting food into everyone should help keep things from getting too out of hand. Then again, who knows with James and John and what may unfold.
Trust James to have a sit-down dinner for at least a hundred of his friends and family to celebrate his twenty-fifth birthday. There’re probably more than that. Entering the sumptuous banquet hall better known for state dinners than private Windsor family events, the table shines with crystal and china, impressive spring floral bouquets with a spill of spring flowers, and fine linens. Every seat has a name card, and the staff guide the guests to their assigned seats.
I’m seated with Duke Edward in the royals section. Then, I blink as Prince Auggie comes to sit beside me at his assigned seat, with Thomas Golden sitting down opposite him. Further down are Auggie’s sister, Anne, and her boyfriend, Gav. On the other side of Gav, James’ brother John is deep in animated conversation with Gav.
As ever, Auggie’s fashion sense is impeccable, my protégé. He has a great smoky-eye look for the evening.
“Hey, so good to see you,” I tell him honestly, surprised at how relieved I am to see him. A glance across the table shows me that Edward and Thomas are already making introductions and engrossed in conversation. “It’s been a while.”
“Good to see you too, Theo.” Auggie smiles, looking happier than I ever remember seeing him. He’s relaxed. “This is a great surprise. Please, let me introduce you to Thomas. Thom,” Auggie calls out to get his attention.
Thomas glances over and gives Auggie an affectionate smile.
“Thomas, I’d like for you to meet my friend Prince Theodor.”
“Theo,” I say easily.
He grins. “Auggie’s told me good things about you.”
“Oh God.” I laugh, shaking my head. “I can only imagine.”
“Good to see you too, Eddie.” Auggie smiles.
“Boys!” James manifests at the end of the table, thrilled to see us. “Excellent, you’re all here.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Auggie says.
“Ha, you just want to be sure I don’t bring the kingdom to ruin,” James tells Auggie with a grin.
“Well, I suppose there’s that too,” Auggie says easily. “By the way, my father sends his regrets. And I quote: ‘I want all the young people to have an excellent time, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do when I was twenty-five with far less impulse control.’”
Everyone laughs.
“Twenty-five is a milestone,” I tell James. “Very worthy of celebration. Joyeux anniversaire.”
“What did you do, Theo?” Auggie asks me curiously. “For your twenty-fifth birthday?”
“Ah, I think I was drunk in my pants from noon on the Amalfi Coast, I think.” I shrug a shoulder to more laughter from the group.
“I’m still sorry I missed that escapade.” James shakes his head. “College exams being what they are.”
I wave him off. “There are always other birthdays. And celebrations. Anyway, I’m now, in fact, trying to minimize the number of public-facing and private events where I’m drunk in my pants.”
“The night is young,” Auggie teases me.
“Theo’s turned over a new leaf.” James tries to look solemn. I’m fairly sure he fools no one.
