Page 88 of Prince of the Palisades

Ime gives a small nod.

“A lot of my colleagues could learn from him,” Senator Miller notes.

A surprised laugh escapes me. “You think so?”

“Mon Dieu,” Annika whispers into her wine glass.

“The world needs more leaders like him,” Senator Miller announces, undeterred. “He thinks about his country’s values and needs. He’s very selfless.”

“I wouldn’t call it that,” I argue, barely holding onto my plastic smile.

In the corner of my vision, Ime is studying me.

Senator Miller leans back. “Reports show he’s a big inspiration to your people.”

“No, just his son,” I mumble.

Annika pinches my hip. A warning. Ime’s still watching.

“God, I hope not,” Kaden gripes over his plate. “That guy was awful.”

Another unexpected check in the Kaden Is Decent column.

“Listen, I get it,” Senator Miller says. “Your generation is all about reaction. You don’t trust the system. You want fast solutions. Change with no consequence.”

Grace sits up, shoulders drawn, but she doesn’t interrupt him. She doesn’t say anything.

“Like that Morgan girl I warned Gracie about,” SenatorMiller goes on. “What was she thinking? Showing up at that protest.”

My eyes cut to Grace again. More silence. Like at the parties when Kaden and Morgan argued. Like anytime a complex topic comes up.

“Iwas at that protest,” I say sharply.

With the expert air of a politician, Senator Miller effortlessly changes course. “I’m sure you were misinformed or coerced.”

This time, I purposely drop my knife. “I wasn’t fu—”

“For what it’s worth,” Annika jumps in, her voice calm, unlike mine, “my brother and I believe there are a multitude of ways to address political and social issues. Especially ones that affect those we care about.”

Senator Miller nods, as if to say,go on.

“Sometimes change requires being involved,” she says. “Standing on the front line.”

Ime smiles, a glint in her eyes. Annika has that effect on people.

Senator Miller, however, laughs dryly. “That’s what I mean. My staff has been working hard on laws, new proposals, to protect people. Change comes from the top. From patience. From trusting the onescurrentlyin charge.”

It’s a loud, verbal slap. A reminder: Annika’s only the crown princess. She’s not queen yet.

Her genial expression doesn’t falter. “Power is not defined by titles, Senator.”

“Agreed.” He grins confidently from across the table. “But it makes it a hell of a lot easier to get people to listen.”

He doesn’t wait for her response. Senator Miller waves down a server, asking about dessert options.

End of conversation.

Grace sits stiffly as Kaden whispers, “This isn’t going great.”

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