The Princess and the Player (Royally Pitched 1)

When Tristan opened his mouth to express his annoyance at Robert’s interruption, Ele held up her hand. She was still in tiara mode, and her sheer power in the moment was both intoxicating and intimidating.

“It doesn’t matter who you are outside this room, in here, with me, you are subject to invasions of

privacy, being viewed as a potential threat and security risk, and always”—she paused, emphasizing her point—“always second to the duty of my team and the crown.” She leaned forward and kissed him, an attempt to soothe. “Do not ever tell Robert what to do. He does not play nice when it comes to me. It’s apparent he likes you, and he knows you make me happy. It’s the only thing that saved you today.”

Tristan was not soothed. Her little speech served to piss him off even more.

“I’m going to go.” He climbed out of bed and located his hoodie. When he pulled it over his head, he looked back to where Ele sat, motionless. “I guess I’ll see you in a couple of days.” He returned to the bed and leaned in to kiss her forehead. Then, he walked slowly to the door.

“Good luck.”

He looked back to acknowledge her and got tripped up on the sight. Just a moment before, she had been Princess Ele. Now, with his abrupt departure, she looked like she was just a girl being left after a row with a guy she’d shagged. And he was sorry.

But he wasn’t sorry enough to turn around and make it better because, while he sympathized with the girl, he was pissed at the princess.

10

19 June

The Michigan Inn

“Your Highness, the prince is calling for you,” Millie announced as Ele turned back to face the mirror.

Beatrix paused in her ministrations, meeting Ele’s gaze.

“Would you like me to come back after your call?” Her stylist picked up a clip from the vanity and placed it where she had been working, so she could finish when Ele completed her call.

“Yes, please,” Ele said, holding out her hand for the iPad.

Millie gave it to her, and Ele waited for the room to clear. She perched the device against the mirror and dropped her chin onto her fist.

“Hello, Jamie,” she said.

He was dapper in a navy-blue sport coat and gold tie, his dark hair styled just right. Ele missed him so fiercely at the moment, and she frowned.

He smiled at her, and then he paused and narrowed his eyes. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” she assured, schooling her features. Sometimes, she hated technology. “Busy day?”

He practically scoffed. “Aren’t they all?” That earned him a genuine smile. “Ah, there she is,” he teased. “Seriously, Ele, twin telepathy kicked in. What happened?”

“If your sixth sense was that good, you would have called last night,” she quipped.

“Did something happen with the boy already?”

That he knew about Tristan and his presence in her hotel suite last night had been expected. Robert didn’t necessarily report to James, but there was a dotted line of responsibility, and Robert took his duty seriously. She was sure he hadn’t revealed any details, but he would have reported Tristan’s presence.

“Our lives happened.” She pursed her lips, trying hard not to elicit a full-blown pout.

“Well, that’s ominous. Tell me.”

Ele’s cheeks heated. She couldn’t believe she was about to discuss this with her brother, but she wasn’t ready to share it with Millie, and she would never reveal any of her personal life to Juliana.

She ducked, placing her forehead on her fists, and spoke to the table below her, “We were messing around; he was tickling me actually.” She didn’t try to stop the smile.

She was hurt and angry about the way he’d left, but it was still one of the best nights she’d ever enjoyed. Every thought of Tristan in her bed heated and loosened her body.

“Ele, I can hardly hear you. Buck up.”