Page 17 of Royally Matched

Without wanting it to happen, excitement filled his heart. He looked forward to the upcoming evening with the woman who was slowly working her way back into his heart.

* * *

Lily took a final look in the mirror, making sure the folds of her plum-colored satin gown were laying correctly as they cascaded down to the ground. The lace details along the neckline and bottom gave the dress a vintage feel, but in all the right ways. She tucked a few stray curls into place and sprayed her hair one more time for good measure.

She picked up her clutch and shawl before heading out the door and climbing into the limo next to her parents.

“You look lovely tonight,” her father stated with a warm smile. “The prince will not know what to do with himself.”

Lily could feel the butterflies fluttering around in her stomach; butterflies she hadn’t expected on making an appearance. She wasn’t sure how it happened, but Lily looked forward to spending the evening with Max.

“Make sure to get plenty of camera time with Prince Maxwell. Even a couple of selfies wouldn’t hurt,” her mother directed.

“Max and I aren’t at the selfie stage in our relationship,” Lily stated, realizing she wasn’t sure if they would ever be. Though she was still physically attracted to Max, she couldn’t trust him. And if she couldn’t trust him, there was no way she could let herself love him again.

A half hour later, they arrived at the exclusive Rivera Club—the poshest country club in all of Triola. It was where Max’s cousin, Lord Richard Beaumont, was having not only his engagement party, but wedding reception in two months. He was marrying one of Lily’s friends from boarding school, Lady Margo Benett, daughter to a Triolan baron.

Many had speculated why the couple were getting married so quickly after their engagement. The rumors spanned from her losing her citizenship to Margo being secretly pregnant with Richard’s child. The couple insisted they simply wanted to get married quickly because they were so in love they couldn’t wait. They had even offered to forgo all the traditions of a royal Triola wedding to speed along the process, but the king and queen insisted they wouldn’t hear of it.

The footman opened the door for the earl and his family, allowing them to exit the limo and enter the expensively decorated country club. As they approached the double doors to the grand ballroom, security stopped them and asked to see their invitation. Her parents looked perturbed that they didn’t recognize them but complied with the request. A few moments later, they entered the club.

The room was filled with dozens of tables, elegantly set with white linens and gold-trimmed china. Giant, pink and white flower centerpieces graced each table. There were also candles sprinkled throughout the room, enhancing the warmth of the crystal chandeliers that were dimly glowing above.

“You look lovely tonight,” she heard her father’s words echo from Max.

She turned to face him, surprised he had been waiting for her arrival. “Thank you,” she whispered back with a smile. Taking in his appearance, she added, “You clean up well. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a tuxedo.”

He shrugged. “I hate them, quite honestly. I always feel like a penguin on parade, but, when in Rome, and all that…” he let the words trail off.

If she didn’t know any better, she would swear he was flustered by her compliment. But that made little sense; Max wasn’t the type. Not to mention the fact he got paid compliments all the time. Why would it matter now suddenly?

Giving her a charming lopsided grin, he asked, “You ready to make the rounds together?”

Lily nodded, allowing Max to take her hand and place it on his arm. Being so close to Max was more disconcerting than Lily had expected. As she walked beside him, the butterflies that had been mildly stirring had turned into a swarming hive inside her.

“Are you all right?” Max asked with concern.

“Why do you ask?” Lily inquired, worried her reaction to him had been obvious.

“You seem distracted. Usually, you are very focused.”

Distracted was one word for it, though it felt more akin to being unbalanced. She wasn’t sure how to calm herself, but if Max was noticing it, she needed to figure it out quickly. There was no way she wanted him to know the reaction he was causing in her.

“Do you mind grabbing me a glass of punch?” Lily asked, hoping a break from him would help her get herself under control.

“Sure, I can do that, but you don’t just want to come with me?” Max asked, raising his eyebrows in confusion. “The king and queen made it very clear we are to stay by each other’s sides for the entire evening.”

“Since when were you one to follow rules?” Lily challenged, not caring how she sounded, but simply wanting to get away before she ended up leaning up and kissing him.

“Since my parents threatened to implode my life if I didn’t,” Max answered. Pulling slightly away from her, he asked, “What is going on, Lily? You’re acting really odd.” Glancing around the room, a look of worry crossed his face. “You’re not meeting that Rogers fellow here, are you?”

“What?” Lily sputtered out. “You think I’m running off to meet someone secretly?”

“I know you told me you were just friends, but if that’s not the truth, now is the time to tell me,” he said, crossing his arms. “Don’t make an idiot of me.”

“I’m not. If anyone is going to be made to look ridiculous in this situation, itwill be me,” Lily stated, the words coming out in a more defensive tone than she had planned.

“Then you shouldn’t care if I stay by your side,” Max challenged, a look of “don’t try me," gleaming in his eyes. “It will keep us both on the straight and narrow path together.”

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