I cleared my throat and continued to read. I hadn’t let myself think about what it meant to be here again. It wasn’t like I was in front of the royal council, or even facing the cabinet. These were kids. They didn’t care what I did, as long as I read the book. But I knew if I stopped before I got to the happily ever after, they’d revolt. That was the one thing they had on me.

It didn’t matter to them I had been drunk off my ass last time I made an appearance in this building. They didn’t even know what drunk was. As far as they knew, I was a sweet cuddly teddy bear.

But the rest of the country sure as hell did. They would be waiting for a news report. They would snatch up Elena’s press release as soon as the event was over.

By the time I reached the last page I knew the little wigglers in front of me were tired of sitting. I was glad Elena hadn’t chosen a longer book. I didn’t think any of us could have made it through another few minutes of staying still in this contrived scenario.

“The end,” I proclaimed.

The cameras fired rapid flashes. I held the cover of the book out so they could take a few photos.

“Thank you, children.” I nodded. “It was a pleasure.”

I rose from the seat. The librarian rushed over to me.

“Thank you so much, your highness.” We shook hands. “I think the children loved the book. It’s a Galonian classic for certain.”

“Yes, it’s important we honor our culture with stories like this.” I handed the book to her so I could leave the circle.

“Do you think you have a few minutes to see the improvements we’ve made?” she asked. “I know you’re a true fan of books.”

I had to stop from laughing out loud. My platform was literacy because it was the straw I drew. Did anyone really believe Henri loved foreign policy or Derek wanted to spend his time buried in data research? I had to carry the family’s fine arts torch. I was at museum openings and gallery auctions. I blended it seamlessly at events where alcohol flowed like the donation money did. It could be worse. I could be stuck with agriculture like Juliette.

“It would be a pleasure,” I replied.

Elena walked toward me. She tipped forward on her toes to reach my ear. The hair on my neck rose. I wanted to wrap a hand around her waist and pull her against my side. I wondered what it would be like to have the full softness of her tits melding to my body. Would she moan slightly as my fingers curled into her hip?

“Sir?”

I shook my head. “What is it?” Why was I looking at Elena like that?

“We only have ten minutes,” she whispered.

“What could be more important than this?” I asked. “Literacy is my platform,” I joked.

“The ambassador,” she reminded me.

“Damn it,” I cursed.

Elena eyed me and I looked around quickly to see if any of the children were nearby.

“I can stretch the schedule to fifteen for you.”

I smiled. “That would be appreciated. I’ll meet you when I’m finished with the tour.”

She nodded, backing away slowly. I watched as she walked to join a few members of the press. The fitted skirt hugged the curves of her ass.

“Your highness?” The librarian needed my attention.

“Yes.”

I whipped my head around and stopped staring at what suddenly seemed like the most perfect round and voluptuous ass in the universe.

The librarian led the way and I listened as she explained the upgrades to the computer center and the reading corner for the students.

But it didn’t register. I kept looking over my shoulder at Elena.

Her brow was pinched together in that way that meant she wasn’t happy about something. She didn’t like what the reporter was asking. I could tell from the other side of the room. It didn’t seem to matter what she said, he moved inches closer and asked another question.

I turned toward Annalise. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back. Excuse me for a moment.”

I took off in Elena’s direction.

“Is everything all right?” I asked, strolling up behind her. I shoved my hands in my pockets to keep from balling them into fists in front of the reporter.

Elena turned to me with wild eyes. I was breaking protocol. I was never supposed to address the media. They weren’t allowed to approach me. But my relationship with the press was a unique one. It was contentious at best.

“Everything is fine, your highness.” She smiled.

“It didn’t seem that way from where I was.” My eyes squinted at the man across from us.

“We were discussing what a wonderful contribution you’re making to Freychon by being here today,” she lied.

“Is that so?” My gaze was on the man fiddling with his notepad. He had moved several steps back since I appeared.

Elena looked at her watch. “Your majesty, we do need to leave. I’m afraid there won’t be any more statements today.” She looked at the reporter.

There it was again. The instinct to hook a hand at her hip and lead her away from that asshole. But I couldn’t touch her. Not here. Not anywhere.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered through almost closed lips.

I shrugged. “He was being a dick.”

“Oh my God.” She flinched. “And there are children in here.”

I laughed. “It’s all right. They didn’t hear me. Annalise is trying to keep them from raiding all the trains off the table. Do the children even read here?”

Elena’s eyes traveled to the children on the floor, wrestling over the coal cars. She giggled. “Maybe not.”

“In all seriousness. Are you ok?” I asked. “Did he say something he shouldn’t have? I can send Rafael over to have a few words.”

“Oh no. Don’t do that. Royal security will only make it worse.”

“What did he say?”

“Let’s wait until we’re in the car,” she suggested.

I said my goodbyes to the staff and followed the royal entourage to the motorcade outside the library. Once we were inside I turned to Elena.

“Now. Tell me what he said.”

She wrung her hands together. “It’s not important. He’s not going to publish a story or anything.”

“I want to know.”

Her blue eyes lifted. “He said you were at the Titan last night.”

I nodded. “And how did he hear that?”

“It’s a crazy rumor. I know it is. You told me yourself you wouldn’t go back there. But I realize it could have been Prince Derek or even Prince Henri. But I don’t think his schedule would have allowed for a late night—”

“Elena, stop.”

She stared at me.

“It was me. I did go.”

She shook her head. “No. No. You wouldn’t. You couldn’t have. I was with you…”

“I had a car take me after you left the apartments.” I paused. “And I didn’t drink.”

“Oh.” I saw the recognition flash in her eyes. “You went for business.” Her eyes lowered.

It was a nice way to put buying sex for the night.

“No. Yes.” I groaned. “I didn’t bid on anyone, if that’s what you think. I came home alone.”

I had never felt the need to explain myself to her before. I’d fucked plenty of women. Elena had sent them home in cars. Looking at her now, I realized what a shitty bastard I was for putting her in that position.

“But what else is the Titan for if not for the girls and booze?” she asked and then quickly covered her mouth. “I’m sorry. That was completely out of line.”

I chuckled. “I’ve been a member there for years. All the Marquis are. You know that. Our esteemed queen came from there.” I laughed. My brother had balls for marrying a girl he bid on in an auction. “But I needed a different kind of business transaction last night. I set up a meeting with Johannes Montclair.”

“Why? Why would you go to that club?”

I reached inside my jacket and pulled out the letter. I handed it to Elena.

“Because of this.”