Page 128 of Prince of the Palisades

Karan juts his chin. “Well—”

“Oh, shit. Wait. Let me get my phone out.”

It all happens so quickly. Lo gliding through the quad on Nate’s board. Karan waxing philosophically to Nate about histheater journey. Reiss tucked under my arm as we walk toward the waiting SUV. My heart backstroking through an ocean of warmth and affection and a freeness I can’t name.

Looking to my left and right, knowing I’m not alone. That I have realfriends.

That I can be just Jadon.

22

PRINCE JADON SPEAKS: “WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN HERE, BUT I’LL MAKE SURE THEY REMEMBER US.”

In an exclusive interview, Îles de la Réverie’s Prince Jadon sits down for a second time withTeenBuzz’s Khalia Matthews to discuss discovering more of himself while in America (including meeting his new boyfriend), life as a Black royal, and leaving his own mark on his family’s legacy.

“Is all this”—my eyes trail over the copious amount of food spread across the marble kitchen island—“really necessary?”

“Typically? No.” Reiss smiles shyly.

There’s a tray of hot dogs. Grilled vegetables on skewers. Stuffed peppers next to lightly charred corn cobs and seasoned fruit speared by toothpicks. A bowl of something called potato salad that I’m very wary of. In the center, a tower of sliders—a Mrs. Hayes specialty.

The whole house has an air of spice and smoke, but nextto me, I inhale earthy sweetness. Reiss worked a shift at The Hopper earlier. His parents left the café open long enough to serve the Saturday morning rush before shutting down for the day. With all the added attention from our relationship, business is great. They can afford to leave early.

“But,” Reiss goes on, “this is how my family celebrates things.”

It’s been less than a week since he submitted his short film. He still won’t show it to me, but the preliminary results are in:

He’s been selected as a finalist. One step closer to achieving his dream.

I press a kiss to his temple. “Fine. But I’m not touching that potato monstrosity.”

He laughs. “Promise not to tell my dad.”

It’s his family’s first time at the Palisades house. I stare out at the main lawn. Luc’s eagerly explainingParadise or Purgatoryto Mrs. Hayes. On the lounge chairs, Mr. Hayes, in a frond-print shirt and board shorts, shares boba with Annika. Dom splashes around in the pool while Ajani sits on the edge, bare feet soaking in the water.

She can pretend all she wants, but I can tell she has a soft spot for Dom.

In the foyer, Samuel paces. Constantly staring at one device or another. Maybe he’s searching trending topics to see if my name pops up. Nothing’s come out about the prime minister yet. The worst headline about me is Kofi’s backstabbing interview with Kip Davies, but I have a plan to counter that.

Maybe that’s what Samuel’s checking. Maybe—

The doorbell rings. I crane my neck. In Samuel’s haste to answer, he drops his phone.

“Who’s that?” Reiss whispers.

I try to shrug, but my shoulders are too tense. The last time an uninvited guest showed up, it was Léon.

But it’s not him.

Somewhere behind me, Mrs. Hayes gasps out, “Sweet baby Jesus!”

Every muscle inside me goes cold. Even with the sunlight backing them, I recognize the perfect posture. The regally lifted chins.

It’s Papa and Mom. The king and queen of Réverie. In the Pacific Palisades.

“Greg!” Mrs. Hayes whisper-shouts. “Get in here! Dom, out of that pool. It’s the—the king and the—”

“Mom!” Annika cries. “Papa!”

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