Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

“What is it?”

“Dominic, sir,” she whispered. “Can we step into the sitting room?”

I walked into the closest open room, shutting the doors behind us.

“What has he done this time?” I quizzed her. I could only begin to guess what kind of episode one of his binges had caused.

“He showed up drunk to this morning’s library dedication for the children’s wing.”

“He did what?” I roared. It was worse than I thought. Getting drunk on a golf course or at a cocktail party was one thing. Around children was completely unacceptable.

Kenley closed her eyes. “He stumbled into one of the librarians.”

“Good God. Did you get him out of there?”

She nodded, wincing. “But not before two flasks fell from his pockets. The children saw, sir. There were cameras and phones everywhere. I can’t contain it. It’s already on social media.”

“Fuck,” I whispered, not caring if I swore in front of her anymore. “Where is he now?”

“Sleeping it off,” she answered. “I left him in his apartment. There is a guard outside the door. He can’t leave his suite. Although, I don’t think he’ll awaken anytime soon.”

I ran my hands through my hair. “Why was he drinking so early? I thought the morning events were the safe bet.”

“He never stopped after the ball. I put him to bed, but he didn’t stay there.” Her eyes hit the floor. “He left the palace with a woman. I don’t know who.”

I clenched my jaw. “Kenley, it’s your job to know everything. How did he leave the palace?”

“He passed out,” she fired back. “Or at least he pretended to pass out. He was asleep when I left him. He made the library engagement on time. By the time I realized he was drunk it was too late.”

“Damn it.” The fallout from showing up drunk to a children’s event was going to be catastrophic. We had managed his vices so far, but at some point he was going to crack the shield we tried to protect him with. It had finally happened.

“I’m sorry.”

I inhaled deeply. “It was going to happen, Kenley. We all knew it was only a matter of time.” I sat in a nearby chair.

What kind of brother had I been? I dealt with my demons while Dominic dealt with his. As if we were on islands separated by a vast ocean instead of under the same roof, of the same blood. He was my family. My responsibility.

“I need to see him.”

“Would you like me to go with you?” she offered.

“No. I appreciate everything you’ve done, but this is a conversation between brothers.”

“I understand.” She spoke softly. It wasn’t Kenley’s usual demeanor. I could tell what happened this morning had rattled her.

“Kenley, what I said earlier.” I paused. “Dominic’s drinking isn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

“I could have stopped him,” she argued. “I shouldn’t have left him last night.” Regret was written in her eyes.

“You carry no blame in this. He’s not Dominic right now. And I need to face that. So does he.”

I rose from the antique chair and squeezed her shoulder gently as I walked past. “Thank you for taking care of him all this time. I’ll take it from here.”

“I am sorry, Your Majesty.”

As I turned for the door, the ring box struck over my heart with a thud. My ribs closed in around my lungs, seizing the air. I straightened my shoulders and steeled my resolve. Today wasn’t going to be the day. My brother needed me.

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