Page 87 of Prince of the Palisades

Annika grins politely. “Our deepest gratitude for organizing this.”

I almost gag. Somehow, I forgot whatPrincess Annikaislike. Eloquent, perfect posture, far from the girl I saw yesterday slurping boba in her pajamas.

“It’s nothing.” The senator waves her off. “This is needed. What with everything happening these days.”

I force myself not to roll my eyes. As expected, my appearance at the protest is everywhere. Me, clutching a sign. Me, fist raised, shouting at cameras. Me, on constant rotation for Kip Davies’s nightly show.

At least my parents haven’t called. Yet. Mom is at her women’s retreat, while Papa is busy, again.

“It is nice to have such a wide range of promising influence in one room,” Ime comments, water glass lifted.

Kaden lets out an obnoxious yawn. Grace discreetly elbows him.

“Yes,” Senator Miller agrees. “I rarely get to spend time with my Gracie like this.”

Grace’s smile barely touches her cheeks. As if she’s heard this same speech dozens of times. She’s in a simple black dress, a pink headband holding her bangs off her face.

“I understand.” Annika reaches out to tousle my curls. “It’s hard to let this one out of my sight.”

In a hidden corner, I swear I hear Luc laughing.

“What can we do?” Senator Miller shrugs. “Serving our people first is part of the job.”

I nod robotically. Funny, I don’t remember applying to be a prince. It’s been attached to me since birth.

Wistfully, Senator Miller adds, “She’s all I have.”

Grace’s smile tightens. There’s something unreadable in her eyes. It disappears when Kaden touches her hand on thetable. The smallest brush. All the tension in her shoulders fades.

Huh. Kaden’s actually useful. Shocking.

“You must miss Réverie.” Senator Miller’s eyes are focused on me, not Annika or Ime. “Have you ever been away this long?”

There’s a fist-sized knot in my throat. It’s been almost three months since I saw home. Touched my bare feet to soft shores. I tug at my collar, wiggling around in my chair. “Weallmiss home,” I get out. “Right?”

Annika, thankfully, nods.

Ime says, “Always. Especially my family. But I know the good I’m doing by properly representing my homeland here.”

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ambassador.

“Such an amazing country,” Senator Miller chimes in, swirling his drink. The sharp sting of whiskey hits my nose. “The definition of excellence.”

“Thank you,” Annika says, dipping her head.

“Mmhmm.” I’m so flustered, I cut into my chicken with the wrong knife. “It’s great.”

“I’ve always wanted to visit.” The senator sips. “I was so fortunate to chat with Prime Minister Barnard on a couple occasions.”

My knife clatters against the plate.

Grace tilts her head, mouthing,Everything okay?Even Kaden shoots me a weird, slightly concerned look.

Blood roars in my ears. The start of a flame in my chest. I hide my shaking hands under the table, my lips pinched.

“What a brilliant leader,” Senator Miller continues. “Admirable. Passionate.”

Annika clears her throat. “Réverie appreciates his dedication.”

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