“No. No way. It was a mistake introducing the two of you.”
Evelyn smiled conspiratorially at Daphne. “Too late now.”
Desirée’s laughter carried over to them, and Damien hung his head in defeat.
Is this what my life will be like after the wedding? Laughing with Nicolas, Damien, and his sisters. Teasing my guards as they fall in love, too. I think I’ll be happy here.
50
Friends
The party moved to the rooftop of the palace. In Gryon’s southern climate, the roof was more decorative than utilitarian. A stone fire pit was surrounded by plush couches and chairs. Other seating options filled the rest of the space, including tables, low-slung beach chairs, and a hammock.
“Why haven’t we been up here before?” Evelyn asked.
“We’ve been a little busy,” Leo said. “Do you like it?”
“Obviously! This is where all royal meetings should be from now on.”
Nicolas pulled wineglasses from a freestanding bar while Damien popped corks. They had brought enough bottles of wine for everyone to have two and were still arguing over whether it was enough.
Rory and Desirée found a high-top table in the corner and stayed in their own flirtatious little world. Everyone else gathered around the fire pit, lit by Evelyn’s magic. Damien and Simon had to remove a few weapons each in order to sit comfortably.
I love how normal it feels to be with all of them. No politics, no rank, no expectations. It’s easy. I wish Rowan were here, even if Damien chased him away from Daphne. He would fit in with everyone. Should I have invited Hannah? She would probably have fun, but she hasn’t spoken to me since Leo proposed.
They lost track of time chatting, debating, ranting, and flirting on the roof. Dinner dishes and additional wine appeared on a long table, thanks to the merciful kitchen staff. Rory and Desirée joined the meal before drifting back into their corner.
Two guards arrived after sunset, intending to take over for Rory and Simon, but Leo sent them back downstairs. Simon took advantage of his shift being officially over and grabbed a bottle of wine on his way out to meet Josephine.
The roof was bathed in white starlight and orange firelight. Damien looked over at Rory and Desirée for the millionth time, just as Rory whispered something that made her smile. They had been moving closer to each other all evening.
“Are you going to accept them or not?” Daphne snapped at her brother.
“I thought they would get bored with each other and give up,” Damien said.
“You thought or you hoped?” Nicolas challenged, earning a glare.
Damien sat up and yelled toward the corner. “Flynn!”
The use of his surname startled Rory. He gave Desirée an apologetic look and met Damien on the far side of the roof. Evelyn got up to eavesdrop under the guise of getting more wine.
“Is this real or are you messing with her?” Damien asked.
“It’s real,” Rory replied.
“Then I need you to understand something. If you hurt my sister, I will cut off your feet and strap you to a tree until you bleed out. Got it?”
Evelyn had never heard Damien’s voice sound as deep and villainous as it did then.
I think he means it.
Rory didn’t even blink at the threat. “Yes, sir.”
“Don’t make me regret giving you a chance. You won’t get a second one.”
Rory nodded and Damien dismissed him.
“I thought you liked Rory,” Evelyn hissed at Damien.
