Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

My palm rested on my cheek. It was the only thing that kept me from sighing aloud. I was as mesmerized as the four-year olds on the floor.

The prince was everything a royal should be. And they could see it. I knew those little girls were falling in love with him as quickly as he read the fairytale. I listened to him read the story and watched him point to the pictures.

Who wrote these stories? Life wasn’t like that. Knights didn’t ride in and rescue damsels in distress anymore. And what woman wanted to be a damsel? Was this truly the best message to send the children? It couldn’t be.

If I could, I’d jump in front of him and tell them they needed to protect their tiny hearts. Falling in love with a prince could only lead to

gut-wrenching pain.

I knew.

I lived with it every day.

11

Dominic

I cleared my throat and continued to read. I hadn’t let myself think about what it meant to be here again. It wasn’t like I was in front of the royal council, or even facing the cabinet. These were kids. They didn’t care what I did, as long as I read the book. But I knew if I stopped before I got to the happily ever after, they’d revolt. That was the one thing they had on me.

It didn’t matter to them I had been drunk off my ass last time I made an appearance in this building. They didn’t even know what drunk was.

But the rest of the country sure as hell did. They would be waiting for a news report. They would snatch up Kenley’s press release as soon as the event was over.

By the time I reached the last page I knew the little wigglers in front of me were tired of sitting. I was glad Kenley hadn’t chosen a longer book. I didn’t think any of us could have made it through another few minutes of staying still in this contrived scenario.

“The end,” I proclaimed.

The cameras fired rapid flashes. I held the cover of the book out so they could take a few photos.

“Thank you, children.” I nodded. “It was a pleasure.”

I rose from the seat. The librarian rushed over to me.

“Thank you so much, your highness.” We shook hands. “I think the children loved the book. It’s a Galonian classic for certain.”

“Yes, it’s important we honor our culture with stories like this.” I handed the book to her so I could leave the circle.

“Do you think you have a few minutes to see the improvements we’ve made?” she asked. “I know you’re a true fan of books.”

I had to stop from laughing out loud. My platform was literacy because it was the straw I drew. Did anyone really believe Liam loved foreign policy or Klein wanted to spend his time buried in data research? I had to carry the family’s fine arts torch. I was at museum openings and gallery auctions. I blended it seamlessly at events where alcohol flowed like the donation money did. It could be worse. I could be stuck with agriculture like Isabel.

“It would be a pleasure,” I replied.

Kenley walked toward me. She tipped forward on her toes to reach my ear. The hair on my neck rose. I wanted to wrap a hand around her waist and pull her against my side. I wondered what it would be like to have the full softness of her tits melding to my body. Would she moan slightly as my fingers curled into her hip?

“Sir?”

I shook my head. “What is it?” Why was I looking at Kenley like that?

“We only have ten minutes,” she whispered.

“What could be more important than this?” I asked. “Literacy is my platform,” I joked.

“The ambassador,” she reminded me.

“Damn it,” I cursed.

Kenley eyed me and I looked around quickly to see if any of the children were nearby.