The Princess and the Player (Royally Pitched 1)

“Yes,” she said softly.

“But then I turned the photo over, and there was a message.”

“What did it say?”

“It said, I’ve got eyes on our girl.”

“Robert,” she murmured.

Tristan smiled. He was tempted to tell her everything Jamie had revealed during their elevator meeting, about his role in exposing Ele to the press, but he knew Jamie wouldn’t be able to keep it from her once she was back home, and Ele would take it better, forgive him quicker, if her twin told her of his stupid, stupid plan.

“Of course. It doesn’t sound like you feel lonely, and I’m damn happy about it and all the healing you have managed. But know you’re not alone. Not there. And not when you finally come home.”

34

22 November

Chicago

America’s Thanksgiving holiday rolled around, and the stores and streets reminded everyone of Christmas’s impending arrival. Ele knew her days were numbered. At any moment, she would be summoned home, and her feelings about that inevitable event were conflicted.

Over the last four weeks, Ele and Tristan had spoken daily. His schedule and the time zones challenged their opportunities on some days, but they never failed to connect. Sometimes, it was only for a quick check-in, and other times were meandering conversations, floating through subjects like a car out for a Sunday drive—no hurry, no point, so they followed every twist and turn until the ride came to its natural end.

So, she was surprised when Millie called. The moment she answered the phone, Ele knew something was different. Bracing for the blow, she hurried to her garden oasis. Even with the colder weather, she loved the serenity of the space.

“How are you?” she asked instead of the what’s wrong sitting on the tip of her tongue.

“Fine,” Millie clipped. “Did you talk to Tristan today?”

Of course, Ele had confided in Millie. Without the touchstone of Robert and with her continued anger with Jamie, her little troupe had dwindled.

“It’s still early.”

Ele heard Millie’s deep inhale, followed by an emphasized exhale. “Has he mentioned anything about a photo shoot?”

“No.”

They’d discussed his endorsements in a cursory manner.

“Things have exploded a bit since the win this summer,” he’d said. No details.

She dreaded the day his body was displayed on a billboard with his abs screaming, Lick me, to the whole country. She might be able to pull off dating a footballer, but she was quite sure the queen would frown on any underwear modeling.

“Do you want me to let him tell you?” Millie asked.

Ele’s eyes narrowed. She couldn’t think of anything bad enough for Millie to be acting so strange. Fairly certain he wouldn’t advertise clubbing baby seals, she decided to let this one go. “Sure. I’ll ask him about it today.”

“I have other news.”

“Let me guess. I need to make my way home.”

“The gala is a fortnight away. Beatrix is already lamenting about how much bad makeup detoxing she is going to have to do.”

Ele smiled. She missed Beatrix. Being away from her life in the palace, she inventoried the things she could live without and the things she missed. She longed for her friend, but she was not looking forward to always having to be dressed and done up.

She absently ran her hand through her ponytail. “When am I due there?”

“I assume you don’t want to fly commercial.”