The Princess and the Player (Royally Pitched 1)

“No. I’m leaving her in Michael’s capable hands.” He opened the door, and as Tristan walked out, he said, “And yours.”

Tristan smiled bright. It was nice to have Robert’s blessing.

“So, what will you do now?” Tristan asked as he slid into the Range Rover next to Jamie.

“Your sister,” Robert quipped.

At least, Tristan thought it was a quip.

38

8 December

Christmas Gala

Tristan listened intently as Robert divulged all sorts of royal secrets. Through the whole retelling, he worried how Ele had taken the news. When Robert finished, Tristan looked to Jamie.

“Does she know that you set her up?”

Jamie looked truly miserable. “She does.”

Robert snickered from the front passenger seat.

Jamie scoffed next to him, which sent Robert and him laughing.

“The thing about Ele is, she’s quick to forgive,” Tristan said.

Even though she hadn’t outright forgiven him for the photo, he knew she was going to. He’d taken the chance while he had it to lay his heart on the line. He’d relived their conversation over and over, trying to figure out where he’d gone wrong. But now, with all this information Robert had dumped in his lap, he understood Ele’s plate was full. It didn’t stop his nerves from being strung tight. World Championship Cup had nothing on the Christmas gala.

“Yes,” Jamie said softly.

He hated to show his ignorance, but he needed to be prepared. “Last time I was at the palace, things didn’t go so well.” He happened to glance up, and Robert pinned him with a look, clearly calling him out on his activities in the parlor. He looked away. “I also had the Federation telling me where to go and what to do. So, what do I need to know about tonight? Any protocols I need to observe?”

Jamie and Robert shared an amused look.

“I’m a footballer, not a simpleton.”

Jamie answered, “This is the only event I think we sponsor that doesn’t require much in the way of protocol. Of course, people will be watching. You always bow to the queen, the crown prince, and the crown princesses.”

“Right”—Tristan relaxed—“bowing. I got it.”

“You could have totally played him, you know,” Robert said to Jamie.

“I’m already on Ele’s bad side.”

“I’m not sure I like this new side of you,” Tristan addressed Robert. “I think the strong, stoic persona fit you much better.”

Robert grinned.

Tristan’s phone buzzed. Normally, he wouldn’t answer, but with Rowan’s prognosis still unknown, he needed to. He slipped his mobile out of his pocket. “I apologize,” he said before looking at the screen. “Gaffer?” he said.

Jamie shifted beside him and turned to watch him.

“Tristan, I just got word on Rowan,” Nico said.

Tristan’s heart dropped to his stomach. Rowan hadn’t returned his calls. Caleb hadn’t hit him up either. But his National coach was calling. He knew Rowan and Nico were tight.

“It’s bad.” Tristan had meant it as a question, but based on the events, it came out a statement.