Page 18 of The Problem with Princes
A footman —I’m guessing that is what he is—stands at the door. When we approach, he silently opens it for us.
A man in a black suit and tie waits just inside the door. He bows when we approach.
“Miss Martindale. Miss Kincade. Welcome. My name is Andino. Please, follow me.” He leads us down a long hall and up a set of stairs. Then we make a series of turns and I know I will never find my way out on my own. This place is way bigger than it looks on the outside.
Finally, after what feels like a mile of hallways, Andino pushes open a door and announces us. I take one last deep breath in the hallway and then step inside.
As I expected, from my vast knowledge of all things royal, we enter a sitting room. In all the movies I have seen, people always wait for dinner to be announced in a sitting room. It is finely decorated, but homey. The leather couches appear lived in, with creases and worn spots. The atmosphere of the room puts me instantly at ease.
Until I spot our hosts as they stand up to greet us.
ChapterSeven
Well,Jiminy Cricket! This is just the worst.
The queen’s wearing a pair of jeans—expensive and obviously ironed—but jeans, none the less. The king has on a nice pair of slacks and a golf shirt. Perhaps if he had been wearing an ascot, it might have dressed it up, but alas, the ascot is absent. My only hope is that Modern Ares is wearing a tuxedo. I close my eyes tightly, as if I’m wishing on a star.Please, let him be wearing a tuxedo.
I open my eyes and look around again. He’s sitting across the room in a club chair opposite another man. No tuxedo in sight.
“Seriously?” I mutter under my breath. My face flames with heat. How much money had I spent on this dress? And how much ramen was I going to have to eat? And for what? I could have worn a maxi dress!
But why are they dressed like this? Had they not said it was a family dinner? My brow creases. Doesn’t royalty dress formally for dinner? I mean they use words like highhanded. And I’m fairly certain in every movie I have seen with royalty, it shows them dressing formally for dinner. I tug on my skirt. My ‘research’—finger quotes are needed here—based entirely on TV and movies has led me completely astray. But in my defense, had I known I was going to meet Atraxia’s royal family, I would have researched the crap out of all this.
The prince comes forward, a smile playing at his lips. Unlike our past encounters, he is at least kind enough not to laugh aloud. He gives me a slight bow and places a kiss on my hand. “Miss Martindale, you look lovely this evening.”
I eye him suspiciously. Why is he being so nice? This is nothing like our previous interactions.
He glances over at his parents and speaks rapidly in Greek, telling them he will return shortly. Should I tell them I speak fluent Greek? It seems rude to eavesdrop on their conversation when they think they may speak freely.
His mother sighs and asks if it’s necessary. He nods and turns back to me. “I apologize, but I left something in my chambers. I shall return shortly.”
I paste on my fakest smile and nod. I know when I’m being blown off. He can probably already tell what a disaster this evening is going to be and is bailing now before the real carnage begins. He leaves and Texie and I am left standing in awkward silence.
The queen comes over, her smile twitching slightly. “I’m sorry. I must have forgotten to tell you it was an informal dinner.” She looks my gown over. “Although, Tyrone is correct. Your dress is stunning.” She glances at Texie. “Both of you look lovely.”
Texie self-consciously puts a hand to her hair and curtsies simultaneously. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Queen Salene motions to the couches facing the large windows. “Please, have a seat.” She waves to the other man who was seated with the prince. He comes over, meeting us halfway to our destination.
“Miss Martindale. Miss Kincade. This is my son, Prince Barak.”
He gives us a slight bow, kissing each of our hands in turn. A giggle escapes Texie’s lips, her eyes unable to leave the man’s face. I have never seen her act like this around a guy. She isn’t usually one to play the dumb blonde. I’m not sure what is causing this reaction. He is larger in stature than his brother, but equally handsome. But it can’t be the handsomeness or the prince-ness because she has never reacted like this around Modern Ares.
We both curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” I say.
Texie still seems unable to form a coherent sentence.
“My daughter is away at school. Perhaps we will meet again when she is home with us.” She says it like there is a chance we will be besties from here on out. While I wouldn’t push away such a relationship, I hardly think it’s going to happen. Look at this place. Never have I felt the disparity of my upbringing more so than I do now.
Queen Salene motions for us to sit down. “Dinner should be ready shortly.”
“Where is she at school?” I ask as we walk over to the seating area.
“Helene is studying medicine at Oxford.” Prince Barak says, coming to join the group.
I raise my brows. “Med school and Oxford. That’s impressive.”
The queen shrugs. “Yes, well it will be of no use to her. She has other responsibilities. But it is what she wants so we are allowing her the chance to do it.”
