A Player for A Princess

“NO!” Her eyes are big. “I love Rowan. He’s amazing. He’s sexy and strong and kind and perfect. I just… I’m not used to this kind of attention.”

“I understand that.” Picking up a piece of tulle, I turn it over in my hands. “You’re pretty valuable now. Cal said the people are in love with you.”

Her cheeks flame red, and I love my little sister. “They say I’m like a Cinderella. I guess they don’t know I grew up stealing watches and cufflinks off security guards.”

Wrinkling my nose, I laugh. “I think it gives you depth. You’re not just some bubble-headed bimbo.”

Pressing her lips into a frown, she gives me exasperated eyes. “Thanks, Zee. Love the vote of confidence over here.”

“Ava Lavinia Wilder! You know I’m your biggest supporter. Hell, I’ve finally managed to get you into the life I wanted for you since I dragged you out of foster care!”

She shakes her pretty head. “You’re still small time, Zelda Wilder. You tried to get me to go to community college, get a business degree, and a nine to five.”

“Hell, you’re right!” I laugh. “I am small time. You said fuck that, I’ll marry a king.”

We fall back on her fancy bed, our heads together as we look up at the vaulted ceiling. “It is a fairy tale,” she says quietly. “And as much as I tease you about it, I confess, I’m always looking over my shoulder. I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I guess I’m small time, too.”

Turning toward her, I grip her arm and look her straight in the eyes. “It’s not going to drop, Aves. You deserve this. You were born a lady. I’m small time but you’re not. Rowan loves you, and you’re going to have a beautiful life.”

She blinks up at me, and I know she’s hearing me. Ava has always trusted whatever I tell her, and as always, it’s something I take very seriously. I won’t let my small-time fears, my penchant for looking over my shoulder, trickle into her happiness. My sister is going to marry the king of Monagasco, and anyone who tries to rain on that parade can deal with me. After what I’ve survived, I’m feeling pretty badass.

A soft rap on the door makes us look up. I’m the new kid at the palace. When we were here before, all our adventures were at the beach estate in Occitan or at the Paris Hotel. Now we’re in this place, and it’s all very official and palatial.

“Come in,” Ava calls, and the door opens slowly. I’m not sure who I expect to see, but it is definitely not Cal’s mother, the queen looking curiously into my sister’s room.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you?” Her Royal Highness actually seems to be asking if it’s okay to join us.

“Not at all! Please come in.” Ava is as beautiful and inclusive as ever, and I can tell she’s worked her magic on this old lady.

I remember very well her skeptical attitude toward my sister on the yacht before the grand prix.

“I’m sorry to intrude,” the old woman says. “I know how sisters love to have their special time together.”

“You’re not intruding at all,” Ava says kindly.

“It’s actually you I would like to see.” She turns her attention to me, and I feel my cheeks heating.

“How do you do, ma’am,” I say, sliding off the bed and doing a little curtsey.

“I believe we’ve met before.”

I don’t point out I’ve met her three times now, because that would be rude. “Yes, ma’am, I met you with Sir Winchester at the rose gala.”

“Heavens, with all those other young ladies.”

“It was a pretty packed field.” I nod and glance at my sister.

Ava’s not even following our conversation. She’s too preoccupied with having to choose a designer for her dress—or more accurately, with having to reject five other designers when she picks the one she likes. My sister might be too kind for this role.

“MacCallum is my favorite son.” Her voice is wobbly, and I’m not sure how to answer that. Is it okay to admit you like one child more than another? “

Rowan is my noble leader, but MacCallum is my heart.”

“He’s quite a charmer.” It’s all I’ve got.

“I heard through the royal grapevine he asked you to marry him.”

“Oh… well…” Did Cal want to tell her this together? I can’t remember.