Page 66 of The Problem with Princes
My heart hitches. “Do they know why he did it?”
Sander nods his head. “He’s part of the Petroleum Union. He was recently let go and he blames the royal family because they refused to negotiate with them.” He shifted on his feet. “I’m sure there is more to it, but that is the preliminary information we have from what evidence was found in his apartment. He doesn’t seem to be mentally stable.”
Ty smiles. “See? Now you’re totally safe.”
Maybe from MSG. But I’m pretty sure I’m in greater danger than ever of being hurt by Ty. “Yep. That means I can go home tomorrow as planned?” I look at Sander and he nods.
Tyrone scowls. “You don’t need to sound so happy about it.”
I put my hand on his arm. “It’s not that I’m happy. It’s just the way things have to be. We’ve known it was coming to this.” I bite my lip. “What happened to you coming with me?”
His whole face smiles. “Do you mean it?”
I nod. “Can you get away?”
“I’ll make sure my schedule is cleared.”
What am I doing? This is never going to last. As much as I want it to, we’ve been living in this private little bubble. What are we going to do when that bubble bursts?
He lifts my chin with his finger. “What’s wrong?”
I smile and shake my head. “I just can’t believe everything that’s happened this afternoon.”
“Maybe we should just relax on our last night here.”
ChapterTwenty-One
We barely sitdown to eat breakfast when Andino enters the room. He bows. “Your Highness, the king and queen have requested an audience with you.” His gaze flicks over to me and I feel my stomach drop.
We spent last evening planning our trip to DC. He is going to stay at a nearby hotel because my apartment is too small to fit another human being in it. And it’s not nearly posh enough for a prince. But we plan to spend every evening together. For now, the plan is for him to stay for two weeks, but we are leaving things open after that.
I watch Andino’s face. Had the king and queen learned of our plans? I’m sure they disapprove. They may like me fine as a person, but I’m probably not what they envisioned for their son’s girlfriend.
“Miss Martindale is welcome to stay here,” Andino says.
Ah, it’s that kind of meeting.
Tyrone shakes his head. “Today is her last day here. She leaves for DC in the morning,” he smiles at me. “Can’t it wait, Andino?”
“I’m afraid not, Your Highness.”
Tyrone sighs.
“Go ahead, Ty. I can wait here.” I take a small bite of my roll.
He grabs my hand. “No. Just come with me. They won’t talk as long if you’re there.” He pushes out his seat and helps me as I stand.
He keeps a firm hold of my hand like he is afraid I’m going to run. I have to walk quickly to keep up with him until we stop outside a set of double doors. This place has a lot of double doors.
Ty raps twice and then turns the knob.
The king and queen are in a large sitting room, the windows overlooking a courtyard below. They both look up when we enter, their brows rising and then dropping into displeased looks. “Tyrone.”
I pull my hand from his. Being here feels wrong.
Their gazes shift to me, and the queen speaks. “Miss Martindale. You are not needed for this conversation. I’m sure one of the maids can show you back to the breakfast room.”
I nod, taking several steps backward. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”
