Page 50 of The Prince and the Double Shot
Layla held me in her arms.
PHIL
The knock on my door told me that the House of Grandir had arrived. I was a fucking mess. I hadn’t slept, and I was totally ill-prepared for their arrival, much less a goddamned ball. I tightened my robe around me and opened the door.
“You look like shit,” Seraphina frowned.
“Is that how you speak to your prince?”
“Damned right,” She scooted by me, and Marcus followed behind her, carrying a large garment bag emblazoned with the seal of Grandir on it and a large duffel over his shoulder. “Marcus, you were right. He needs a lot of work. Apparently, Your Highness cannot take good care of himself.”
“I resemble that remark. In fact, I think I have found a new low.” I scowled as I shut the door behind them.
“Well, youwillhave to get over yourself and make the best out of it. We don’t have time for a full facial, but we can at least help close those pores and try to make your hair look like it hasn’t fallen and can’t get up. Seriously, what’s happened to you?” Sera crossed her arms and stared at me crossly. “You were supposed to be getting better, Phillipe.”
“I slid backward.” My heart was cracked in two, once again.
“Because of a certain man?”
“Precognizant as always. It didn’t quite work out.”
“And now you're pining for him and suffering alone in your room. How things never seem to change. How are you ever to rule a kingdom if you can’t man up andgetyour man?”
“It’s not quite that simple, Sera. I’d… I’d rather not get into it if you don’t mind.”
“I mind.” She frowned. “We always get into it.” Her sigh was legendary. “I need to meet your parents and escort them downstairs. You have an hour, Marcus, to try to salvage whatever this sad sack is. Seriously, Phil… I don’t want to worry about you. Are you going to be alright?”
“I don’t know. But I have to be, don’t I?” That was the truth. I had to leave this behind me and start over once again. My country, my father needed me.
“Are you traveling back with us, Your Highness?” Marcus asked. “I can make sure that everything is packed while you are at the ball.”
“Please. I leave with you tomorrow.” My heart slowed to a dull sadness.
“That’s depressing, Phil. I was rooting for you. I hadn’t seen you so happy in a long time. It was nice.”
“It wasn’t meant to be, Sera. I’m surprised Mother didn’t tell you.” I pouted like a petulant child. Every thought I’d had was to call him, but I stopped myself. We were too different, and there was too much baggage between our people. He didn’t want to be with me anyway. Not your consort… “I’ll see you downstairs?”
“Wait until you see the dress the queen chose for me. I might actually go home with an American husband. I look very hot.” She giggled before walking out the door and letting it slam shut behind her. She was nothing if not subtle. It was one of the many reasons I adored her.
“Do your best, Marcus.”
“It’s very good to see you, sir.”
By the time he was done, Phil was gone, and Phillipe of Grandir stood in his place. Of course, Phillipe had dark bags under his eyes that Marcus could not get rid of, even if he put so much Preparation H under my eyes that they should have shriveled to nothing. The cover stick could barely hide them.
“I will pack your bags and have them ready for you, sir. I’ll leave your pajamas on the bed. Do you require my services tonight after the ball?”
“No, Marcus. Get your rest and explore the city. How often do you get to come to America? There's a great little place down the road a bit.”
“I’m exhausted, sir. I’m just going to tuck in for the night. Thank you, sir.”
“I guess that’s my cue.” I looked at myself in the mirror in all the regalia and costume of my role and country. I looked…royalish. The regalia wore me instead of me wearing it. But I knew the person in the mirror. He was tired and sad, but a prince nonetheless.
I walked out of my room and made my way to the ballroom. It was packed with a throng of people, and as I looked around, I saw quite a few people that I knew. Royals from other countries had made the excursion to be a part of Layla and Sheena’s ball. How many of them had found themselves here just as I had? Had they tried to help them along their journey, too. I was sure they had.
I saw Layla talking to a small group of people. One of them had a very pretty mask on. She looked lovely in her dress.
“There you are. I was beginning to think you decided not to come,” Sheena slid her hand in the crook of my arm.
