Page 24 of Fit for a King

It was genuine, so open and bright that I felt a pang at the fact that it was happening without me. Here, in my library, at my table, but with my brother.

Noah glanced at the door, but then did a double take when he saw me and quickly shot to his feet, his smile vanishing. “Your Majesty.”

Gabriel took his time laying one of his tiles on the board and then grinned up at me. “Damn. You found me.”

“Did you believe I wouldn’t?”

“I was hoping you might be too busy ruling.”

“I am. That’s why you’re supposed to be in the reception room with the ambassador.”

Gabriel glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Ah.”

“Ah?”

“That would explain the feeling I had.”

“What feeling?”

“The sense that I was supposed to be somewhere else.”

I shook my head, looking over at where Noah stood beside the table, his hands clasped behind his back and his eyes lowered. If he thought he could blend into the wall and I’d forget he was here, he had another thing coming.

“Mr. Bennett,” I said, “is my brother holding you hostage?”

Gabriel put a hand over his heart. “Rude.”

Noah’s mouth twitched slightly as he struggled to keep his face blank. “No, sir.”

“Did he order you in here?”

“No, sir.”

Gabriel rolled his eyes. “I invited him. There’s a difference.”

“No, there’s not. Not when you’re a prince and he is our staff.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Noah’s shoulders straighten, while Gabriel waved his hand like that didn’t matter.

“He’s good,” he said, gesturing to the game. “Better than Baxter, but don’t tell him I said that.”

“Baxter doesn’t play mahjong.”

“Exactly. Noah’s much better.”

I wanted to groan, but didn’t need to react in such a way in front of Noah. “Gabriel, you’re late. Please don’t keep the ambassador waiting any longer.”

My brother sighed dramatically and got to his feet. “I’m wanted everywhere. It’s exhausting being so beloved.”

“I wouldn’t know. Now go.”

He clapped me on the shoulder as he passed and leaned in close. “Try not to scare him back into the walls. He was having fun.”

I clenched my jaw, but Gabriel grinned.

“Mr. Bennett,” he said, turning as he stepped into the hallway, “we’ll continue later.”

Noah bowed his head. “Your Royal Highness.”