Page 38 of A Wise Prince

August

I rollmy eyes as we pull up to the restaurant. Americans. It’s like they want to broadcast their existence from the sky in neon lights and fireworks. There are at least a dozen Secret Service agents standing around and on top of the building. It’s as subtle as a gun. Oh wait, some of them have those, too.

I’m curious to meet Kate’s sister. I don’t know much about her. Their family sheltered both of them quite a bit from the press. Ashlyn Bradford is a typical college student from what I can tell. And yes, I did some digging. Where Kate looks like her dad, Ashlyn looks more like their mother. It’s been a few years since I have seen President John Bradford and his wife, Jessica. They are a pleasant couple from humble beginnings.

Nico opens the door for us as we walk inside. The restaurant is small and there are a few tables in the front room by the window. We are led by a server into the back. I’m taking in the details of the restaurant when my eyes come to rest at the dining table. And…what the fuck?

I don’t acknowledge the president or first lady because the daughter sitting at the table isn’t Ashlyn. It’s Kate, as in the woman I left in my bed this morning, as in the woman whose pussy I’ve claimed as mine, as in the woman who’s gotten so under my skin that my world about flipped upside down after a few days.

Kate’s eyes widen as she sees me. Neither of us was aware of all of our fellow dinner guests this evening. That makes me feel slightly less agitated.

The next thought in my head is concern that Kate is here. I don’t like all of these important people being in proximity to the auction, especially not Kate.

“John,” my aunt says warmly as she crosses the room, breaking the silence as she does so. She embraces him and kisses his cheek. My aunt has spent a fair amount of time biding our countries duties in North America, so it’s no surprise they are acquainted.

“Good to see you, Lara. You’re looking well,” the president says to her as she moves on to greet the first lady with equal enthusiasm. Sten follows and shakes hands and cheek kisses.

“Prince August, it’s been many years,” the president finally says as he turns to me with an outstretched hand.

“Yes, yes it has. So good to see you, sir. Thank you for letting us crash your dinner party,” I say to him trying to sound light-hearted and unphased by the presence of his daughter.

“No problem. We were happy to have you join us. I’m sure you and Kate can share fun stories from the ball last week,” he adds as he moves out of the way so I can kiss the cheek of the first lady.

“You’re just as handsome as I remember,” Jessica gushes. “I hope Kate has represented us well in Norddale.”

Her comment seems a little off-putting to me and I’m suddenly curious about Kate’s relationship with her mother.

But before I can contemplate that, I find myself standing in front of Kate. I can see her inner struggle that is not so inner as she clears her throat and hugs me casually.

“So good to see you again so soon, Auggie,” she says. She seems to get her composure as she pulls back. A polite smile graces her face.

“Well, this is quite a surprise. I assumed Ashlyn would be joining us.” I raise an eyebrow.

Kate’s face turns pink, but she’s saved when her mother pipes up. “Oh, Ashlyn had something at school, but she’ll be here the day after tomorrow. It’ll be so nice for us all to have a few days to relax here. We’ve been meaning to take a family vacation for a while now.”

“Yes, it will be great to have our girls together,” John adds as he motions for us all to take a seat.

I chose to sit across from Kate because I don’t want to seem too eager in front of her parents. I chide myself for caring too much. What is it about this woman?

“So, what brings you to the French Riviera?” John asks as he places a napkin in his lap.

“Oh, just taking a few days to enjoy some sun,” I say.

I’m saved by my aunt launching into questions about their family trip and what they plan to see. The conversation flows naturally as everyone talks about their favorite parts of the region. I’m surprised how normal Kate’s family is. They seem relaxed in our presence but also grounded as a family unit. It’s refreshing to see power not destroy a family.

Kathryn

It takes me a good hour to get over the shock of seeing Auggie at the restaurant. Never in a million years would I have thought he’d be dining with my family. Clearly, he didn’t know he’d be seeing me either from the look of surprise on his face when he spotted me.

His aunt and Logan’s uncle are both charming. I can tell Prince Sten is a bit of a wild child at heart, which makes it even funnier that he’s with Princess Lara who is much more formal than he is.

I’m a little taken aback when Auggie suggests we head down to Italy. What. The. Fuck. Why does everyone want us to go to Italy? Does Auggie not want to see me? I decide to stay cordial until after dinner. My skin crawls as I realize that I was just another fuck for him, a fling, a notch on his belt. I can feel myself stewing with anger that seems to grow with each course of our meal.

I pretend to stay interested in the conversation. Telling stories from the ball and my time in Norddale. But as dessert comes to an end, I try to think of a way to exit as quickly as possible without making a scene.

“Well, I—”

“Kate, why don’t you join me after dinner. I was thinking of taking out the boat for a sunset cruise,” Auggie pipes up as everyone quiets at the table.

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