The Wicked Prince

“Your tone. The way you’re looking at her like she’s wearing last season’s Gucci’s.”

At that, I laughed lightly. “They are definitely this season’s.”

“Ah, so maybe you’re jealous.”

“Of her Gucci’s?”

“Of her. The idea of her being perfect for me.”

“You’re crazy.” I laughed again, shaking my head. “Did you forget I’ve been looking for your perfect match for quite some time?”

“Be careful what you wish for. Isn’t that what they say?”

“Like I said, you’re crazy.” I tried to stand my ground, staring him right in the eyes as I said the words, but it seemed futile. He wasn’t wrong and I didn’t understand why.

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been called crazy.” He arched an eyebrow, taking the last sip of wine left in his glass before handing it to me as if I was some sort of butler. “And it wouldn’t be the last time I’m not wrong.”

I watched as he walked over to Cassandra. Watched as her face lit up at his approach. Watched as they spoke, laughing alongside David, my stomach churning with each flirtatious smile she threw in Aramis’s direction. It didn’t matter that her hand idly moved toward David when she spoke. It didn’t matter that they were standing close to each other. The only thing I could seem to focus on was Aramis’s attention on her and what may come of it. I hated it. Setting the glasses in my hand down on the table beside me, I left the room and walked out of the main palace, toward the cottages. When I reached them, I hesitated, unsure if to go to my old one, which I was sharing with David tonight, or Aramis’s, where Oscar and his new babysitter were probably watching a movie before bed. There was a second of hesitation on my part before I walked into theirs. Rose turned her attention to the door.

“You’re back early.” She smiled from the couch, where she was sitting beside Oscar.

“The festivities weren’t as fun as I’d envisioned.” I took off my scarf, coat, and gloves, and set everything down by the door as I slid my booties off quickly. “How was he?”

“Amazing. As usual.” Rose stood. Oscar protested, looking up at her. “I have to go, little man. I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

“Will you take me to the stables then?”

“Sure, but I already told you, we need to ask your father for permission to ride.”

“But your papa handles the horses. He knows what he’s doing.”

“He does, but we still need permission.” Rose ruffled his hair and walked over to me, picking up her coat along the way.

“May I ride a horse tomorrow?” Oscar asked, looking at me.

“We’ll see. We have to ask your father.” I smiled as I approached and took the seat Rose vacated, waving at her as she left the cottage.

“But surely you can give permission. He asks you for advice on everything.”

“Surely I cannot. Everything regarding your safety is up to your mother and father.” I let myself melt into the soft cushions of the couch. Oscar shimmied closer to me. A lump formed in my throat, thinking about his mother, who should be the one cuddling up to him, as I put an arm around him.

“Do you think my mother will be okay?”

“Of course.” I squeezed him a little. “She’ll be back on her feet before you know it.”

“When I saw her she was still not on her feet.”

“These things take time.” I ran my hand softly through his curls. “You know, your father was in an accident and it took him months to get back to normal.”

“Yeah, he told me.” He didn’t seem convinced as I pulled away slightly so he’d look me in the eyes.

“I’ll tell you a secret.”

“What?”

“Women are much stronger than men. I have no doubt your mother will have a faster recovery than Aramis. She has you to get back to, after all, but we can’t rush her. We need to be patient and trust the doctors.”

“Okay.” He settled back into my side with a yawn.

“Do you want to turn off the movie?”

“No.”

“But you’re falling asleep.”

“I don’t want to go to my own bed and be by myself.”

“In that case, we need a blanket.” I reached over and grabbed the one beside me, throwing it over the two of us. Oscar yawned again.

“When’s Dad coming back?”

“I’m not sure.” I bit my lip.

“Why didn’t you stay with him?”

“He’s meeting with someone. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“A woman?”

“What makes you say that?” I felt myself smile. Not much escaped Oscar.

“I heard grandmother talking about him needing a suitor.”

“Right. Well, yes, a woman.”

Oscar yawned. “Maybe you can be the suitor.”

“I don’t think so.” I laughed. “Let’s watch the movie. I’m sure he’ll be back before you know it.”

Chapter Ten

Aramis

I was surprised to find Joslyn in Rose’s place when I got back to the cottage. I stood beside the couch, taking off my gloves and scarf as I looked at her and Oscar, sleeping soundly on the couch. My heart skipped a beat. I moved as slowly as I could, lifting Oscar into my arms without waking Joslyn. Once he was safely tucked in bed, I went back for Joslyn, lifting her up the same way. I paused between her bedroom and mine, but when I looked at her sleeping face I made a decision. She’d scream at me in the morning. I knew she would. I didn’t care, I wanted her in my bed, even if it was just to sleep soundly beside me. I’d made up my mind tonight. Cassandra was perfect—on paper she was everything I’d said I would settle down with—but she wasn’t Joslyn, and despite everything, Joslyn was the one I wanted. She was the one I’d always wanted. I just needed to convince her that we were right together.