Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

“Go,” he advised. “I’ll find you in a moment.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” I made sure to curtsy as low as I could without falling over. She may have hated me, but she was still Damon’s mother.

I made myself walk slowly instead of taking off in a full run.

Brooklyn laughed when I reached her. “This is unreal.”

I pulled her into a hug. “You have no idea.”

“You look amazing, by the way. Like an actual princess.”

“I can’t take any credit. I have a royal stylist.”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”

A server walked up to us with a tray of champagne. “It would be an honor to serve the Royal Consort.”

Brooklyn giggled. “This is crazy.”

We each took a glass.

“Thank you.”

He walked away and we skirted through the crowd to find a corner where we could talk. I had completed my official duties. I needed a few minutes with my best friend.

“I’m so glad you’re here. The queen didn’t exactly warm up to me.”

Brooklyn wrinkled her nose. “Most mothers love you, but they also aren’t forced to.”

“What do you mean?” I was glad to have the champagne. The bubbles danced in the glass.

“She doesn’t have a choice. The entire country watched while she received you. If she dissed you in front of them, she’d look like a bitch. She had to be nice to you. That probably just pissed her off.”

“The rest of them didn’t act like that.” Although, I didn’t have a good read on Dominic.

Brooklyn shrugged. “Yeah, but it’s their brother. Not their first son. My mom is ridiculous when it comes to my brother. You know that. Thomas this. Thomas that. He is the definition of the prodigal son.” She looked up. “Well, until I met these guys.”

I laughed. “Ok, good point. Thomas has always had it easy and your mother never likes the girlfriends. Valid example.”

“I’m sure once the publicity dies down, she’ll like you. How can she hold it against you that you’ve fallen for her son?”

“Brooklyn.”

“Are you saying you haven’t?”

“No, I’m not saying that.”

“Then why don’t you admit it?” she pressed.

“Because do you have any idea how scary and intimidating all of this is? Look at this place. We’re at a ball. A royal ball. And those people behind us are princes and a princess. I have a royal manager. I can’t even pick out clothes without her approval.” I was starting to breathe quickly.

“Hey, it’s ok. It doesn’t have to go that fast.”

I shook my head. “But it already has. I’m scared to death that I can feel something like this for him so quickly. But it’s like the more I try to fight it, the more he has a hold on me. I’m in so deep.”

She smiled. “I’m happy for you. Try to enjoy it. Even if there is an evil queen. What fairy tale doesn’t have one of those?”

We both laughed.