AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Antonio takes another gulp of his wine. “Well, I’ll let you know whether they do or don’t. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” I say, thinking back to what Kaz told me in his chambers before theincident. “You’re a catch, and they should know it. If they don’t, that’s on them.”
“Yeah, well, everyone here is a catch.” He takes an exaggerated look around before he reaches for the bottle and tops off his glass before adding another splash of wine to mine. “Do you know what I think?”
“What?”
“We should get at least a little bit tipsy on the Royal Family’s dime. While we still can, you know? We might be sent home in the morning. If it’s our last day, we should have a little bit of fun. Besides, I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep otherwise.”
I chuckle. “You just want to be able to say you got drunk in a palace, don’t you?”
“Tipsy,” he reiterates as he winks at me. “And yes. Why not? Let’s have some fun, calm our nerves, and badmouth our competitors.”
I raise my glass and clink it against his. “That sounds like the perfect potential last night to me.”
“Wonderful. I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
“Aww, thanks. I like you too.” Out of all the Omegas here, in fact, if it can’t be me, I hope the Eaton Pack ends up choosing him. At least that way, I’ll know for sure the three Alphas who have taken up residence under my skin will be in gentle, caring hands.
I just really wish those hands could’ve been my own.
THIRTEEN
—
T A I
I shouldnotbe here.If anyone sees me in the Omega wing, rumors will fly. The last thing we need is for it to get back to the queen that I’ve been sneaking around withthe commoner.
The whole situation with Maddie has caused enough tension in our pack as is. If the queen starts throwing her weight around, we’re going to end up back at each other’s throats.
As I glance from left to right once I’m at her door, relief ripples through me that no one seems to have seen me so far. There are no windows in this corridor. I haven’t seen another soul since I walked into this part of the palace.
It’s late, though. I waited until I would have the best shot at getting in and out unseen before I came. Of course, it means Maddie may be sleeping, but I need to talk to her someplace private, so here I am. Hopefully my scent is masked enough from the chingara root tea I drank earlier and the heavy cologne I applied before leaving my room. If the knocks have already happened, then hopefully all the Omegas are either asleep or too busy packing to be out in the halls.
I didn’t want to wait for our next date to speak to her. This deal she made with Kaz bugs me, especially because I don’t think he should’ve told her she’s out of the running completely. I respect his decisions, and if we really can’t be with her in the end, then I’ll find a way to be okay with that.
But I also think it warrants more thought and a few more conversations at least. She’s a commoner, yes, but she’s participating in the Trials like everyone else. I’ve checked her ratings online. She’s doing well. People like her.
The cameras aren’t around all the time—thankfuck—but the Omegas have been having these “confessional” sessions at least once a day, where they’re recorded giving updates and talking about their experience. It’s not broadcast live and not nearly all the footage is used, but the world seems to be liking whatever they’ve seen of Maddie so far.
I like whatwe’veseen of Maddie so far, too. While I’ll play the game and do what Kaz said to keep looking at our options, I haven’t written her off quite as completely as he has. Which is why I’m here. I need to either talk her out of this deal with him or find a way to change the terms.
For example, she can keep spying for us, but she needs to know she’s still in it, too. That I’ll do my best to make sure she has a fair shot.
As I raise my fist to knock, it occurs to me that she might think this istheknock. The one that means she’s going home.
The thought gives me pause, but then I rap my knuckles softly across the wood anyway. I’ll just keep knocking until—
“Come in,” she calls from inside, and I frown.
Is she…drunk?
“Yes, enter the future royal’s chamber,” another voice calls out drunkenly, and I grin.
I like the sound of that…Maddie as the future royal. Maybe it’s a sign.
When I open the door, I find Maddie and Antonio curled up on her bed with a bottle of wine. Surprise flickers behind her eyes. When she sees me, she sits up, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear and nearly tumbling off the mattress with the movements. Antonio sees her teetering, and he lunges for her, pulling her back with a loud giggle before he says in a stage whisper, “Maddie, why is the earl in your bedroom?”
