The Princess and the Player (Royally Pitched 1)

Ele appreciated his perceptive nature. Little actions he’d taken, like the day he’d saved her from the horrific panic attack, offering his hand when she hadn’t known she needed to hold it. So, she wasn’t necessarily surprised by his statement.

“Tell me,” he commanded.

She knew what he was asking.

“I’m here for the duration of the tournament as a representative of our country and a backup for the delegation if needed.”

Tristan nodded. He was leaning forward, his hands clasped between his knees, his gaze intent on hers. His singular focus, instead of making her nervous, made her brave.

“I want to spend as much time with you as possible. When you can. Between your games, when you get free time.”

His face lit up with the same lopsided grin he had worn when he spoke about his match.

“I want that too. It won’t be a ton of time, but when I can, I would like to be with you.”

She was flying.

He scooted forward, his knees touching hers. “I need to ask you something else.”

He was already reaching out a hand to intertwine their fingers, grounding her. She nodded, holding his gaze.

“Have you done this before? Slept with someone?”

Her face blushed red and hot. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held on tight.

Indignant, she flung out, “Are you asking if I’m a virgin?”

He shrugged. “Are you?”

“No!”

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he consoled.

“I’m not a virgin. I’ve had relationships.”

“How many?”

“I …” she sputtered, embarrassed, mad. “That’s none of your business.”

“It kind of is my business if we’re about to sleep together.”

“Are you going to tell me how many women you’ve been with?”

“Absolutely not,” he answered quickly, confidently, like there was nothing wrong with his questions and his refusal to answer.

“How’s that fair?”

“I could lose my head for debasing a princess, especially one who’s a virgin.”

Then, he grinned, a mischievous lift of his mouth, and Ele realized he was totally messing with her.

She laughed. “Two,” she said.

“Not as many as you think,” he answered.

“Ready to add one more to your list?” she quipped.

He pulled her to her