Page 99 of Royal Reluctance

“I’m really surprised you’re not over there now,” Amy says.

“Maybe she knew there would be more excitement here tonight.” Penny Black motions to a group by the bar. Two men are gesturing wildly but Fenella shakes her head.

One of the men… His back is to me, but there’s something about him. I glance at Abigail and when she grimaces, I head over.

“You can’t refuse to serve me,” the man says loudly. “It’s not right. It’s not done here in Battle Harbour, which you don’t know nothing about.”

“’Cuz you’re from some fancypants place, thinking you know more than us here. Well, you don’t—don’t know anything,” the second one shouts. He’s slurring his words more than the first, but both look like they’ve been overserved somewhere.

“Thinks she does,” the first man says and there’s something about his voice. And then Fenella Carrington glances at me and my blood freezes, because I know.

It’s Reggie.

And like he knows I’m watching, my brother turns around. “What are you staring at?” he demands. It takes a moment but I can tell when recognition sets in. “Hettie?”

“Reggie,” I manage even though every instinct is telling me to run.

“What the hell are you doing back here?” He glances between me and Fenella. “You friends with her? She won’t give me another beer.”

“I don’t think you need another beer, Reggie. Why don’t we go outside and catch up.” I grab his arm, but he shakes me off.

“Not going anywhere with you—unless you got money? Help a brother out, Hettie.”

“Let’s go outside and I’ll give you some. You can go over to Sailors Salon.”

“They’ll serve me,” Reggie grouses, letting me lead him outside, his friend following. I don’t recognize him but that’s not surprising, since I barely recognize Reggie. He’s thin and pale, and the laughing brother I used to know is nowhere to be found in his face.

It’s sad but I don’t let the disappointment dissuade me and push through the crowd.

I refuse to meet anyone’s gaze as I get Reggie and his friend to the door, but Bo’s face swims before me.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

One night. I go outone nightand this happens. Reggie has been back for days and he’s already making trouble. Who knows how quickly he’ll end up back in jail?

“Everything’s fine, no thanks to you, Prince.” And my heart lodges in my throat as Reggie gives Bo a shove. “Get out of my way.”

It doesn’t really move him, but still. “Big man,” Reggie’s friend taunts. “Thinks he’s so tough. All of them royals do.”

“Not really, but… sure.” Bo glances down at me, his jaw tight. “Let me help.”

“It’s my problem.”

“No.” Bo grips Reggie’s arm. “It’s ours.”

There’s a short lineup to get in, so Bo steers Reggie down in front of Coffee for the Sole. It’s dark inside but I still imagine I can smell coffee even from outside.

I shiver in my short skirt and wrap my arms around myself. I can’t even be in town for one night before one of my brothers ruins it. I was having fun and then Reggie—

Reggie is being Reggie and I reacted. I need to stop doing that because my brother is not going to change.

But I can.

“Let’s make this quick.” Bo pulls out his wallet. “I’ve got—”

I push Bo’s hand before he can do anything else. “You are not giving him money.”

“Hey, you said—”

---