Page 90 of The Problem with Princes
Texie’s eyes flick to Cordan on the other side of the room, but quickly return to me. “Yeah, well I have thought about it. But I think it will take more than just Grace living here for me to uproot my whole life.”
I flick my eyebrows up at her. “Perhaps there is someone else who could help convince you to stay?”
She bites her lip and tilts her head, like she is preparing herself to give me some bad news. “I think we should just be friends, Barak. It just feels too cliché for the best friend to marry the prince’s brother, you know?” Her eyes held sympathy.
Does she think she just broke my heart? The initial sting of her being more attracted to Cordan than me eases. And if I’m being honest. I feel nothing when I see Texie. She’s pretty enough, but there is no spark.
I grin wider. “I was thinking of Cordan. But thanks for letting me down easy.” I wink at her, and her face turns a dark crimson color. Ok. It eases the sting a lot.
Her hands fly to her face. “Oh, my heck. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed—” Her gaze flicks back to Cordan. “Why would you say that Cordan could convince me to stay?” She laughs awkwardly, twisting at a stray lock of hair at the side of her face.
“Because I have eyes.” Is she seriously going to try to deny that she is attracted to him?
“Am I that obvious?” She groans. “Ugh. I am such a hipster doofus.”
I squint at her. “Hipster doofus?”
She waves me away. “It’s from an old show called Seinfeld. Have you ever heard of it?”
I nod. “Yeah. I think it’s one that Grace and Tyrone watch a lot.” I don’t get a lot of the humor, but my brother and his now wife, think it is hysterical. I guess that is what love does to a person?
A throat clears behind me, and I turn to see my father.
He smiles at Texie. “Pardon me, Miss Kincade, I know you are dancing with my son, but might I have a word with him? There is something we need to discuss, and I’m afraid it cannot wait.”
Texie smiles up at me. Was it enough of a smile that I can convince my father that Texie and I are involved? Just long enough to get him off my case?
“Of course, Your Majesty.” She looks over at Grace’s family who seem in no hurry to leave. “I will just go see if there are any desserts I haven’t tried yet.” She takes several steps away. “Thanks for the dance, Barak.”
My father motions toward the doors leading out of the ballroom. “I think it best if we talk privately in Tyrone’s office.”
“Come on, Father. Is this really the time or place for this discussion?”
He nods and increases his pace. “Yes. You know I am leaving first thing in the morning for China. This discussion needs to take place now.”
I sigh.Fine.
We enter the study, and he shuts the door behind me, motioning for me to take the seat opposite him as he moves behind the desk.
I take a deep breath. I may as well take the offensive and end this discussion before it even gets started. “Look, Father. I know now that Tyrone is married, you and mother would like to see me in a similar situation. Let me just say that I totally agree, and I have already made great strides. Miss Kincade and I—”
His brow crinkles in confusion. “Miss Kincade? I should think you would want to look elsewhere, Son.”
I scoot to the edge of my seat. “Why? I should not think the whole American thing would be a problem after Grace.”
His face smooths and for the second time tonight, I get the breaking bad news head tilt. “It is not because she is an American. It’s because she is in love with another man. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
I squint at him. Who did he think Texie was in love with? “Who is it?” I challenge him.
“Cordan, of course. You would have to be blind not to see the way she looks at him. And though Cordan hides it well, I believe he feels the same way. That is why I suggest you find someone else.” He clears his throat again. “While I am pleased you have decided to take this seriously, your love life is not the reason I wished to meet with you.”
My brows rise high on my head. “Oh?”
He shakes his head. “Since the incident with your brother and the severed brake line, I have decided I want someone from the royal family on the security committee. Not just to attend meetings, but to play an active role in both the security of our family and that of our country.”
Why is he telling me this? Does he want me to fill in for Tyrone while he is gone?
“I wish for you to fill that position, Barak. You are a sound thinker and do not tend to act rashly. I think you would be a great benefit to the council.”
