The Royal and the Rebel (Royally Pitched 2)

17

2 March

Xavier Hall

Ele had found Juliana standing in the cold, in front of the entrance to the maze. She’d had no jacket until Ele slung one around her shoulders.

“Did you want to try to find your way through?” Ele asked as she peered around the first hedge.

“No. I don’t think so. I’m not very good at finding my way.”

Ele said, “We both know that’s only true for directions and locations. In every other way, you are quite the champ at knowing which way to go.”

Juliana was warmed more by Ele’s words than the wool coat. But she merely shrugged.

Ele turned back toward her. “Are you very much in love?”

Jules wanted to laugh but smiled instead. Her sister was a constant surprise all of a sudden. For the last several years, Ele had been stuck in a sort of limbo. Getting older but watching the world change around her without much desire to venture out into it. And when she had, it had all been scheduled and vetted, researched and plotted. Maybe growing up on the periphery of Ele’s life accounted for some of the spontaneity of her own.

“Enough,” Juliana answered. “I’m in love enough.”

“I get that,” Ele said. “Like I’m in love with Tris enough to deal with his Insta obsession. And you to deal with Mr. Grumpy Pants.”

Juliana snickered. “Right,” she said. “So, what is the code name?”

Juliana was sure Robert had already dubbed Rowan with a nickname. It was one of the only ways she’d ever seen Robert display any humor.

Ele grinned, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Beta.”

Juliana looked at her with confusion. “More like Alpha.”

“Yes, right. Robert got a kick out of going with something sure to piss Rowan off.”

Juliana laughed. And she felt better. The tension from the morning confrontation, the feeling of betrayal when Rowan had acted like he knew her better than her family, and her runner—it all floated away in the swirling breeze.

Ele leaned in and kissed her cheeks. “We are headed to the chateau. But Jamie will be here for the reception and dinner. And”—Ele grabbed Juliana’s hand—“for the duration. And it has nothing to do with our faith in you. We just want to be here to support you.”

Juliana dressed like she was a commoner appearing before the queen for the first time. Or like she was a princess dating a national hero and making her first public appearance with him. Her hair was in a simple chignon, and at her ears was a pair of spectacular jade earrings. The black tuxedo dress skimmed her body, flattering her curves and drawing attention to the assets photographers loved to highlight. A pair of sky-high stilettos completed the look.

She studied herself in the mirror, pleased with the result. And as she stood there, turning to see alternate views of her reflection, she realized she wanted Rowan to stumble, to swallow his tongue. His heavy-handed assessment, although scarily accurate, angered her so much. He had no right to think he knew the inner workings of her family. His jaded take on the aristocracy and his bumbling statements reminded her of his arrogance and dickishness. Every encounter they had made her feel like he was looking down on her, like she was too naive and foolish to be in his orbit. He was a right wanker, and she needed to remember it.

Because of the moments. The moments she forgot. Moments when he touched her and she didn’t want to remember she didn’t really like him. Those few moments when their mouths were locked together and her body relished the deliciousness of his bulk against hers. And then there were the moments when he saw things, connected dots she didn’t want strung together.

She dabbed some gloss on her lips and finally turned from the mirror. With a small clutch, she left her room to meet Jamie in the atrium.

As she waited, she thought of the diversion they would create. Jamie’s presence here would force Rowan and Juliana to share the spotlight. She imagined the duke fretting a bit over the change in his plans. But the queen had forced his hand. He couldn’t say no to having the crown prince in his home. Instead of The Bachelor, it was The Bachelors, and wouldn’t Meena, Tati, Lacy, and Bela be overjoyed by the options? She wished she could wait around to see the reactions on everyone’s faces when Jamie entered the Great Hall, but she would have to content herself with hearing about it after the fact.

When Jamie finally arrived, Juliana rushed over to him, concerned she wouldn’t have time to say hello and make it to Rowan’s suite.

“Hello, Jules,” Jamie greeted with a quick kiss. “Am I forgiven for tussling with Rowan earlier?” he asked, his voice concerned.

“Of course. It’s Rowan who needs forgiving.”

Jamie smirked. “Right.”

“I hate to run off.”

“Again,” Jamie teased.

Juliana smiled. “Yes, again.” She bumped her shoulder into his. “I have to get to Rowan, but I’ll see you shortly.”

“You look stunning, Jules,” Jamie said as Juliana hurried away.

As she stepped into the elevator, dread over her confrontation with Rowan filled her. She’d avoided him all afternoon, unsure they would be able to portray a couple in love.

She knocked softly on his door before she walked in. He was in the process of standing when she saw him. In a beautiful blue suit and crisp white shirt, he took her breath away. He shoved the crutches under his arms and looked up at her. There was a split second of mutual appreciation. His dark brown doe eyes swept her from head to toe as she conducted an examination of her own. With clinical detachment, she could appreciate his beauty. His suit fit him perfectly, probably tailored to match his new size. The brown of his skin made his white shirt stark. He’d taken to a five o’clock shadow since his injury, and it worked for him.

She’d been unsure of what to say to him. And as they stared at each other, speech deserted her completely.

He recovered first and moved toward her. He leaned in and kissed her on each cheek, a proper greeting. “You look beautiful.”

“So do you,” she said stupidly, and heat rose in her cheeks.

But he just smiled, a real smile. “Thanks. As much as I hate to admit it, it feels good to be properly dressed.”

Again, Juliana lost her ability to speak. He was smiling at her and being nice, and she was off-kilter.