Nolan remains standing in the doorway, looking far more relax than normal. Probably because this entire place is filled with insane security.
We’re only alone for five minutes, but it’s enough for the dread to curdle into panic.
“If I throw up, you have to kill me,” I whisper.
Raelynn doesn’t reply, but Nolan’s eyes soften a millimeter. “Noted.”
I close my eyes and try to slow my breathing. I instantly regret it because now I’m remembering every embarrassing detail from the gala. The performance and quick retreat into a chair after. The swooning and the alpha scents. All of it.
I’m still trying to make my brain go numb when Raelynn sits next to me and looks at me like I’m a particularly gnarly spreadsheet.
“I’m happy you were able to find something suitable in your suitcase,” she comments.
I glance down at my “funeral or lawsuit” dress and try not to resent it. “What’s the plan here? Are they going to interrogate me?”
“I think they want to make it disappear,” Raelynn says, matter-of-fact. “Or at least control the narrative. Royals don’t get in the news unless they want to.”
“Joke’s on them. I was never in control of my own narrative to begin with.”
Raelynn clicks her tongue. “Try to be nice. It’s not just their reputation on the line.”
As if I need the reminder.
We don’t have to wait long. A second staffer—male, tall—appears and announces, “Their Highnesses will see you now.” He gives me a smile that’s either “I’m genuinely rooting for you” or “I know a dead woman walking when I see one.” I can’t tell which it is and that only sends my nerves skyrocketing higher.
I rise and follow Raelynn as we’re led out the room. Nolan falls in beside me and, for the briefest of moments, he holds my hand. Our fingers interlock and his scent and warm presence rush over me as if heisa fire. It’s reassuring and anchors me in place.
I give him a quick and rather shy smile. “Thank you.”
Nolan only nods. Then, as quickly as his fingers touched mine, they’re gone and we’re led down a corridor. Oil panting line the walls. It feels like each one is watching me and already developing an opinion of what’s to become of me.
The corridor ends at a set of double doors that, when revealed, lead to another much grander sitting room. The king and queen stand in the middle and Prince Kellen is at a window on the far end. His bodyguard is right next to him, always present the same way Nolan is with me. Ocean and pine flushed by sandalwood overcomes me. I nearly swoon again. Nolan presses a light hand to the small of my back, gentle and professional. I breath deep and force my body to relax.
We meet the king and queen in the center of the room and bow in turn.
“At ease, please,” the king says, and gestures to a set of plush seats. He and the queen sit. Raelynn and Nolan follow suit. Kellen offers me the seat next to him, and for half a second I consider refusing, just to be a brat, but then I remember why I’m here. I sit, hands folded, posture so rigid it hurts.
Well, all right, then.
The king is older than he looks on the news, but his eyes are bright and the suit is flawless. The queen is regal in a way that seems physically impossible. I noticed these things at the gala, but here, without crowds of people and press, it’s even more pronounced.
The queen opens. “Ms. Sumner, thank you for coming on such short notice.”
I nod. “Of course. Thank you for the invitation.”
She doesn’t smile. “I trust you are feeling recovered from last night’s episode?”
All eyes are on me. Even Kellen’s bodyguard’s. No,especiallyhis.
“Much better, thank you.” How much do they already know? Did Raelynn tell them I’m an omega? DidKellen? “It was a, uh, low blood sugar thing. I sometimes get too wrapped up in performances and forget to eat.”
Kellen gives me a sidelong look that’s almost a smile. The queen does not.
“Let us address the matter directly.” The king’s voice kinder than expected, but I know he’d protect his son with no regard for others if necessary. “There is considerable public interest in your … interaction with our son.”
I stare at the carpet. “I’m sorry if it caused any embarrassment.”
“There is no embarrassment,” the Queen says. “We simply wish to contain unwarranted speculation and protect all parties from unnecessary intrusion.”
