Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“I sense the same.”

“Come with me.” She takes my hand and drags me to the Montana table as I’ve come to think of it. All of my girls are here, enjoying each other.

“We saw you looking longingly over here when you were being drilled with introductions,” Jenna says with a sympathetic smile. “We would have rescued you earlier, but you looked busy.”

“I literally know eight people at this party, and there are at least three hundred guests.”

I sit next to Willa and do my best not to lean my head on her shoulder.

That wouldn’t be dignified.

“If one more person gives me a fake smile followed by a sneer, I might just throw my punch in their face.”

“That’s frowned upon,” Ellie says as she walks up next to me. “But I’d pay to see it.”

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that so loud. I’m trying to remember my manners.”

“But some of these women make it hard,” Ellie says, shaking her head. “Their evil stares could start wars. In the past, they may have.”

“Some have made a point of speaking loudly enough for me to hear, saying they’ve slept with Sebastian and that he’ll be back in their bed before we say, ‘I do.’”

“Who?” Ellie’s eyes narrow, and we all look around the room.

“Over there,” I say, nodding toward the brunette with the big boobs. “Red dress, implants.”

“Well, they probably did sleep together at some point,” Ellie says with a sigh. “She’s wanted to snag a royal since the day she was born. Hasn’t worked, though.”

“Ew,” Grace says, wrinkling her nose. “I don’t like her all the way from here.”

“Because you’re my people,” I say, leaning over to squeeze her hand. “And I appreciate you.”

“I think most of these people are here because they’re nosy,” Willa says with a shrug and bites into a finger sandwich. “They want to see who snagged Prince Sebastian.”

“Completely,” Fallon agrees. “They’re jealous.”

“A few are family and genuinely happy for him,” Ellie says. “But, yeah, ninety percent of them are jealous and nosy. They’re here to see and be seen. It’s all part of being nobility or gentry in this country.”

She shrugs and then waves at someone trying to get her attention.

“Sorry, I have to go mingle. I’ll be back.”

She hurries off, and I sigh.

“I should be mingling, too. But, man, I’m tired. Why don’t any of you look hungover?”

“Makeup,” Willa says. “Lots of it. Oh, and we all did yoga with Fallon this morning.”

“No fair. I want to do yoga. It’s been weeks. Can we please do yoga in the courtyard outside of our apartment the morning of the wedding?”

“Hell, yes,” Fallon says with a grin.

“How long does this shindig go?” Jenna asks. “And where are the presents?”

“They’ve been discreetly tucked away,” I reply.

“I think it’s wrapping up.” Grace glances around. “People are getting antsy and leaving.”

“That means I’d better go stand by the exit and thank them for coming.” I stand. “Pray for me.”

***

I didn’t think I’d make it through. Is this what it’ll be like to be a part of this family? Because spending time with people who only look down their noses at me with disdain isn’t my idea of a good time.

Just as I reach the apartment and step out of my shoes, Sebastian walks through the door.

His eyes hold mine as he shuts the door behind him and then props his hands on his hips.

“I owe you the biggest apology in the history of the world,” I begin. Everything in me sags in relief when his lips twitch with humor. “This isn’t funny.”

“You’re right. Carry on.”

“I shouldn’t have snapped at you this morning. You were nothing but amazing last night, and again after I woke up. You didn’t deserve that.”

“I agree.”

“I’m so sorry. It’s just that the L word makes me nervous, even though I know you weren’t actually saying that you love me. It’s just a word, and I’m stupid for overreacting.”

“Also agreed.”

I glare at him. “You’re not making this easy.”

He sighs and tugs off his tie, then walks to me and pulls me against him, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

“I need to apologize, as well,” he says, surprising me. “I shouldn’t have called you a raging bitch. If anyone else were to use those words directed at you, I’d want to tear them apart with my bare hands. I will never speak to you that way again.”

“I mean, you weren’t wrong.”

“Yes.” He kisses my head. “I was.”

“I hate that I had to wait all damn day to apologize. I tried to run after you this morning, and about gave Mary a heart attack in the process.”

“I can only imagine.” He kisses my head. “There’s gossip moving through the palace that there’s trouble in paradise.”

“Oh, God. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. We were bound to hit a rough patch, Nina. Things have been going pretty smoothly, all things considered.”