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“Sounds great.”
They hurried down the steps and then down the hallway to the spacious, gorgeous library. Macey hadn’t had any free time besides her spa time earlier tonight, and that hadn’t been relaxing or fun like she’d hoped. She swam until her lungs hurt and her arms trembled.
Maybe after the interview she’d explore the library and find herself a book to escape into. She had numerous medieval romances loaded on her kindle, but they would probably remind her of the handsome prince she couldn’t have. A print book on seventeenth century politics or farming tools used in ancient Egypt might be a better fit.
Unfortunately, the sun had set outside so they couldn’t take advantage of the view. A man stood by an obviously high-dollar camera pointed at a leather sofa. The lighting was cozy and the background was a towering display of antique books and a gorgeous wood and granite fireplace.
“This is James. He’s our videography and photography expert,” Tristan said.
“Nice to meet you,” Macey said.
“You as well.” He smiled kindly and gestured. “Sixty seconds to showtime.”
Tristan guided Macey to the couch. They cuddled onto one cushion while Ray sat next to Tristan and relaxed back with his leg crossed over his knee. He looked like a male model and a military tough guy combined. Like heaven. And Macey needed to stop looking at him.
“I’m so sorry about all of this, but we have to play the part,” Tristan whispered against her cheek, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and clasping her other hand in his.
“I know.” She did know, and she’d get through this. She snuggled into Tristan. It wasn’t awkward just no sparks or thrills like when she was close to Ray.
James counted down and then pointed at them on ‘one.’ A screen went live next to James’s cameras and Macey could see the talk show host Jessie and a live studio audience. Macey, Tristan, and Ray were displayed on a huge screen behind Jessie. Dang, Ray looked irresistible. She hoped this show didn’t backfire and have women the world over rushing to Augustine to fight over General Raymond August. Hot jealousy churned inside her at the thought.
The host was giving an intro and quick background on her first guests. Macey liked Jessie’s show. The lady was classy, real, and not snarky or overly sensational.
This would be good. She had this. As long as she didn’t look at Ray. But she might have to look at him when he spoke, or that would be an obvious tell. Dang, she didn’t know. She’d never been trained in diplomacy while falling in love with the wrong brother.
“Oh, my.” Jessie beamed at them as she finished her intro. “If you two aren’t the most gorgeous couple of the century. Welcome, welcome. I’m ecstatic to have you on my show.”
“Thank you, Jessie.” Tristan was all confidence and charm. “We’re honored to be here.”
“Yes we are,” Macey inserted. She smiled at the camera, then looked at Tristan and pretended he was Ray. It kind of worked.
“Ooh, you two are … sparky.”
Oh good. Maybe it was working.
“And the twin, General Raymond, is here with us as well. Hello, handsome. Are you truly unattached?” Jessie winked at Ray, and Macey’s stomach tightened. She clung to Tristan’s hand.
“It’s all right.” Tristan leaned in close and whispered against her ear as Ray grinned and flirted with Jessie. “Put the claws away.”
Macey laughed. Too loud. Interrupting Ray and Jessie’s flirtations.
“What are you two whispering and laughing about?” Jessie raised an eyebrow. “Never mind. Keep your secrets, but we need to hear this incredible royal romance firsthand—how you met, fell in love, the proposal. Spill it all.”
Tristan, luckily, started talking. Macey pitched in a few details. She prayed nonstop in her head, and that helped.
She could feel Ray. His presence distracted her, but it also strengthened her. As did heaven above. She and Tristan talked, laughed, and showed off the gorgeous ring she’d put back on her finger after swimming. The ring was beautiful. An heirloom with a lot of significance and meaning for this royal family. It fit her finger, but it didn’t fit her personality.
She forced herself to look at Tristan as if he was her soul mate and cuddle as close to him as she could without actually climbing onto his lap. Somehow the time passed, and she thought she might make it through.
“Now, Prince Raymond,” Jessie redirected when Macey was certain their fifteen-minute slot was up. “You handsome hunk, you. It’s rumored that you and your brother switched places for the press conference and you’re also head over heels for your future sister-in-law.”
Macey’s body got far too warm. If only she could be with Ray. Handsome hunk? He was, but he was so much more. She let herself look at him but tried to hide the longing.
Ray smiled easily for the camera. “Obviously Macey is an incredible lady and T is a lucky, lucky man.”
Fire raced through her as Ray gifted her with his incredible smile. Her lips trembled as she tried to return the smile without revealing Ray’s smile made her body turn to liquid heat.
“But I would never make a play for my brother’s fiancée. My family and responsibilities always come first, and you can easily see how gone Macey is over T and vice versa. They’re perfect together.” Ray said all of this with a confident grin at Jessie, and no obvious feelings for Macey. The fire and warmth cooled to freezing, and Macey shivered. Ray would never make a play for her. Never.
