Page 14 of The Problem with Princes
The queen—I can’t believe this is happening—comes over and takes my hands in hers, smiling all toothy and wide. “I must apologize for my son’s behavior. I am afraid his near accident yesterday still has him a bit ruffled.”
Ruffled?Yeah, we’ll go with that one. Obviously, she doesn’t know the whole of my history with her son.
She places a hand at my back and leads me to the couch. She nods to Texie, indicating she can follow. How hostess-y of her.
The king ceases pacing and comes to join us on the couch. Once everyone is settled, we sit staring at each other.
Finally, the woman speaks up. “Perhaps introductions are in order. I am Queen Selene Theodoropoulos and this is my husband, King—”
Texie sucks in a breath next to me.
“Alesandro. And this is my son, Prince Tyrone.”
So this is the royal family. I glance over at the prince. It explains a little about his Modern Ares-ness and his underwhelming personality. He’s probably used to people falling all over themselves to attend to his every whim. That’s the problem with princes. Or I assume as much.
I frown slightly. How am I supposed to respond to this information? Shouldn’t I bow to them or something? I stand up and curtsy. “It is very nice to meet you.” Somewhere in my head I remember learning that you’re supposed to kiss a royal’s ring, but I’m not one hundred percent sure of that. I may have gotten that information from the Disney version ofRobin Hood. Instead, I just stay with my one leg tucked behind the other.
The queen and king stare at me, but I hear a small chuckle and see Prince Tyrone’s lips twitching.
I quickly stand, very glad I hadn’t attempted any ring kissing. I’m not certain if he is laughing at my poor attempt at a curtsy or if I’m not even supposed to curtsy. But that doesn’t seem right.
The queen motions for me to be seated. “I am sure you know the reason we asked for this meeting.”
I shrug my shoulders and retake my seat. “Actually, no. I don’t.”
The queen smiles at me. “After your heroic actions yesterday, we cannot simply allow you to leave our country without properly expressing our gratitude.”
I wave her comment away, embarrassed by the attention. “Oh, it was no biggie. Anyone would have done the same.”
“What is she talking about?” Texie whispers through her wide smile.
“I’ll tell you later,” I whisper back, guilt turning my stomach.
Texie and I tell each other everything. Or we usually do. But I haven’t wanted to worry her. At least, that’s what I’ve been telling myself. In truth, there is just something about my other encounter with Mod—Prince Tyrone that I want to keep to myself.
“Perhaps someone would have intervened, but I believe you are being too modest. According to our analysts, had you not informed Sander of the incident, the brakes on Tyrone’s car would have gone out on the coastline road. The chances are high they would have crashed into the sea below.” Her voice chokes up, and she withdrew a handkerchief from the clutch sitting next to her. “Which I am sure is no coincidence.”
“Do you know who did it?” I glance over at Texie, and she looks at me in confusion. My guts twist even more.
The queen regains control of her emotions and folds the handkerchief in her lap. “Not yet. But I am confident we will discover the person. Sander is very thorough.” She looks over at Sander a.k.a. Mr. In-Charge.
He dips his head to her. “Perhaps you can be of assistance in identifying the person when the time comes,” Sander says.
The queen returns her gaze to me. “Yes, well, as a show of our gratitude, we wish for you to join us at the palace for dinner. Do you have plans tomorrow night?”
Texie’s head shakes furiously. I’m pretty sure if I decline, I will be the only one murdered here today.
I sit forward slightly. “You really don’t have to do anything for me.”
Texie puts her hand on my thigh and squeezes.
“Ouch,” I scowl over at her.
The queen looks at us both with a furrowed brow. “It is the least we can do.”
“If you are certain it’s no trouble, we would be honored to join you.” I say with a British accent. Where that came from, I have no idea.
“It will be a small, intimate, family dinner. I hope that does not disappoint you.”
