I nod and sip my champagne, ready to move on. Liam’s about six feet behind me and can hear every word of every conversation. I’d rather not talk about other men that I may or may not have been seeing when he’s within earshot.
But Gretchen isn’t finished.
“So, are you seeing someone new, then?” she asks.
“No.” The answer is short and curt. “I’ve been in Montana, Gretchen. Of course, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, don’t despair, darling. Someone will come along.”
“Why on earth would I despair? I’m young, famous, and rich. I have nothing to worry about.”
I wink at her and walk away, leaving her to open and close her mouth like a fish out of water.
My comment was tactless, but I was sick of listening to her. And how dare she pretend to pity me?
I absolutely will not stand for that.
I take a deep breath and continue around the room, chatting with some of the world’s most important people while keeping an eye on my father.
He’s starting to fade. His face is pale.
He should go to bed.
But he might have me beheaded if I recommend it in front of all of these people. He even refused to allow a press statement to be released on his behalf.
He said that he’s fine now, and there’s no need to worry the citizens.
As much as I love him, my father is as stubborn as they come.
“How are you, sweet girl?” Nina asks as she sidles up next to me.
“Tired.” I smile over at her. “How was your trip to Africa?”
“The best trip I’ve taken in a long time. I got to see an elephant being born. I’ll never forget it.”
“I’m glad.”
“How long have you and Liam had this thing going on?”
I frown and glance over my shoulder. Liam is scanning the room, pretending that he didn’t hear Nina’s question.
He heard it.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure.” She grins and nudges me with her elbow. “You may be discreet, but I can feel the sexual tension from across the room.”
“I haven’t even spoken to him since I came into the bloody room.”
“But you haven’t seen the way he looks at you,” she says softly. “If you ever need to talk about it, I’m here. Sebastian and I will be here for another couple of weeks.”
“Thanks.”
She nods and walks over to where Sebastian stands. She slips her arm through his, and they stare lovingly at each other.
What would it feel like to have that kind of freedom with Liam? To not feel that I have to keep how I feel about him to myself?
Bloody great, that’s how it would feel.
And why shouldn’t I have that? Liam’s a wonderful man. I’ll speak with my mother later about him.
That decided, I feel lighter as I survey the room. My father has just finished posing for a group photo with all of the heads of state, and some are starting to filter out, giving the king their best wishes before they go.
Despite his health, my father will be the last to leave this party.
I want to stay and keep an eye on him, and it seems I’m not the only one. Sebastian, Freddy, and Callum are all nearby, as well.
We’re a family unit, keeping vigil around our father.
Just as it should be.
Chapter 16
~Liam~
Watching the change in Ellie over the past week has been an education.
I’m following behind her as she works the room of this state dinner. I stay a few feet away but remain close enough that I can hear conversations and can reach her within a millisecond if need be.
The likelihood is small, given the crazy amount of security in and around this place, but you never know. And that’s what I’m here for.
The carefree, relaxed woman I spent the past month with has slowly melted away, taking Ellie with it and leaving Princess Eleanor in its place.
She’s still kind and smart. Witty and sweet. But she’s different. Even the way she speaks is more polished. Her shoulders are stiff and pulled back. Her movements are measured. The smile on her gorgeous face is as fake as most of the breasts in this room.
I’m not sure what to make of it yet.
I feel disconnected from her. I haven’t spent much time with her. By the time I join her in her rooms at night, we’re both exhausted and fall into sleep together, only to wake up the next day and start the routine all over again. I check in with the security team, and she goes about her princess duties. I know she’s been in a frenzy, getting ready for her fundraiser next week.
Time is flying by.
Some of the people at this party are starting to leave, but the room is still full. Just as one person leaves Ellie, two other women show up. One, Gretchen, Ellie spoke to earlier. The other I haven’t seen before.