James peers at me, appraising. “You still look terrible.”
“I didn’t sleep well,” I protest, smoothing my grayscale floral-print shirt, a Dolce & Gabbana number I put on as a pick-me-up this morning. “Is that a crime?”
Ethan laughs. “You look well enough, Theo. Don’t worry.”
“All I have left is my vanity,” I complain. “Please don’t take that away from me too.”
“Aidan also showed up this afternoon,” Ethan informs James. He gives James a meaningful glance. I shudder at the reminder.
James splutters on his pint. “You should warn a man about such things before he takes a drink,” he admonishes Ethan, whose grin spreads.
“Now you know,” I tell James, matter-of-fact. “The truth is, I’m worn the fuck out with everything. The drive alone to and from Scotland for a weekend would do it. Never mind the Aidan factor.”
James tsks. As ever, he zeroes in on me without faltering. “Never mind presumably fucking your brains out. Though I trust Stef has some sense, at least.”
Wisely, I say nothing and sip my drink.
“You did see him, yes? The odometer suggests you made it to Edinburgh.”
“I did,” I confirm, doing my best to look as prince-neutral as I can, the royalty game face. It’s one I’m going to need, so I may as well start practicing now.
James isn’t buying my impassive look. “And then what?”
“And then what?” I shake my head at him. It looks like the benefits of stalling have run out. “We visited.”
“You’re back a day early,” James points out.
“True,” Ethan agrees, giving me a curious look. “You honestly didn’t say much about your trip. Which is an even faster trip to Scotland than planned. Are you a drug mule now?”
“Yeah.” I sip my pint and weigh out the fact that it’s safer to go along with this. The two of them together can take a turn if I’m not careful. “I’ve got a new calling. I was meaning to let you know. Tell that to the tabloids. Aidan’ll make a killing.”
James shivers. “Don’t mention that man’s name. You may summon him. I’m very cross with him for what he’s done.”
“Me too.” Ethan lifts his pint, shaking his head. “Not a shred of decency, as it turns out.”
There’s definitely some satisfaction to be had that my friends are as upset with Aidan as I am.
“Maybe slap on some garlic to keep him at bay,” I advise.
“So a day early and no duke updates,” says Ethan, taking stock. He mulls me over his drink.
“Stefanos, for the record, hasn’t returned my text.” James’ gaze doesn’t give way in the slightest. “You didn’t murder him, Theo, did you?”
I squawk. “Of course not. I’m not that sort of prince. I’m a very non-murdery sort of royal.”
James narrows his eyes at me. “You better not have hurt him.”
Startled, I blink at him. “No. Definitely not intentionally. I mean…”
“Theo, I was going to introduce you both for a quick fling after Aidan dumped you. And that’s all.” James gives me a stern look. “Don’t forget you have a whole kingdom counting on you. You’re both my friends, but believe me, neither of you needs the complication of the other.”
“Oh God.” I slide my drink aside, fold my arms on the table, and bury my face. A moment later, Ethan’s patting my shoulder. My voice is muffled. “Don’t remind me about the kingdom.”
“And what about the complications?” James presses, concern in his voice.
“There are none to worry about.” I haven’t moved.
“Good. There better not be. Also, don’t forget about Edward.”
