Page 79 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

“You know, there’s these things called birth control and condoms that prevent that from happening,” she tells me, smiling and shaking her head.

“I know, but those aren’t one hundred percent effective.” I recline back in the chair and tuck my legs onto the cushion. “Honestly, it’s not just about that. It’s about the risk of falling for someone, or falling for the wrong someone, and then my life gets off track. I want to be here more than anything, and I don’t want to risk messing that up. And this is the first time I only have to worry about myself. It’s been nice.” Although, I do need to get rid of the last northside attachments I’m still dragging around, like Drew.

She eyes me over. “If you dated someone here, you wouldn’t have to change your plans.”

I snort a laugh. “Aw, Lily, there’s no way in hell a royal will ever end up with a north-sider, unless they’re just a side piece. Trust me; I’ve seen it a ton of times. It even happened to my aunt.”

“I get what you’re saying, but I have heard of a few stories where a north-sider and a royal ended up married.”

“I feel like you’re making stuff up.”

“I so am not,” she protests then digs her phone out of her pocket. “Hold on. I’m going find an example.” She types away and skim-reads for a moment before showing me her phone. “See?”

I slant forward and see a couple on the screen. While the woman looks all dolled up, her eyes carry shadows that remind me a lot of my own. They do look happy, though, all smiles and sunshine.

“That’s cool and everything, but it’s obviously rare.” I sink back into the sofa. “It doesn’t matter, anyway. I have a bunch of other stuff I need to deal with before I even think about dating.” I shift, lowering my feet to the floor. “Which is what I need to talk to you about. I don’t know if you can help me or not, but I’m giving it a go because I’m running out of options.” I summon the courage with a deep breath. “I need a job badly, and I’ve tried to find one in the city, but I’m having no luck. And I can’t work at the job I had on northside because it’s too far,” I lie. “So, I was wondering if you knew of something since you’re more familiar with the city.” God, I feel like an idiot. Why would she? She doesn’t have to work?

“Actually, I may know of something.” She starts texting on her phone. “My mother is friends with this woman who runs a party planning business. She does everything from decorating to the food to the waiting staff.”

“I have experience as a waitress.” A bit of hope sparkles in my chest. Please, let this work out.

“Let me get her number from my mom, and then we will go from there.” She sets her phone down. “It’ll probably take her a bit to reply—today’s ‘spa day.’” She makes air quotes as she says this, and when I give her a questioning look, she adds, “Don’t ask.”

“I won’t then.” Lightness is spreading through my body as I rise to my feet. “Thank you so much for doing this. I really, really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. It’s what friends are for.” She smiles as she stands up. And it’s weird because I feel like she’s my friend.

Sure, I’ve had people I’ve considered my friends before, but this feels different, perhaps because I feel like I can trust her.

“Now, I get to ask questions.” She clasps her hands together and grins. “What is up with you and my brother?”

“Finn? He just likes to annoy me.” I’m aware she’s referring to River, but I’m avoiding.

With her hands on her hips, she narrows her eyes at me. “You know that’s not what I meant. I’m talking about River, my broody brother whom you’ve spent so much time with.”

“Training,” I emphasize. “And he really isn’t broody.” I wander toward the kitchen. “He just comes off that way sometimes.”

“Oh, I know.” She follows me. “But only people who know him know that.”

I open the fridge, mainly to avoid eye contact with her. “I’m not saying I don’t know him.” I shut the fridge without grabbing anything. “I’m just saying that we’re friends. And friends know each other.”

“Mmhmm …” She continues to assess me with her arms crossed, her gaze dissecting me. “So, if I asked River if tonight was a date, he’d say no.”

Nodding, I face her. “Both of us know we’re just friends. And you know as well as I do that River doesn’t date.”

“Well, he should,” she mumbles then sighs. “Fine, you guys are just friends. But I’m glad you are because he needs someone like you in his life.”

I point at myself. “What do you mean, like me?”

She shrugs. “Someone not connected to our world. Someone nice. Someone who’ll make him smile—he doesn’t smile a lot.”

“Yeah, I noticed that.” I briefly pause. “This Isla girl he’s betrothed to, has he ever spent any time with her?”

She nods. “When we were kids, all of us would hang out as friends. But I think, as River and her got older, the arranged marriage hovering over them started to taint their friendship.” She walks back into the living room. “She’s nice, though. Quiet, but nice.” She heads to her bedroom then pauses in the doorway. “So, I’m going to this club opening this weekend, and I want you to go. Wren’s going, too.”

I hesitate, wishing I could go but knowing I can’t afford it.

“Everything’s free because my father is a partial investor, so you won’t have to pay for anything.” She folds her fingers together in front of her. “Please, go. I want to get to know you better, especially since you’re hanging out with River.”

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