The jet was lavish. Despite her brothers’ fortunes, Tess had never flown private before. She had preconceived notions of what it would be like, but they fell short of the reality.

Mo’s mouth hung open as they explored their plush surroundings, proving that she was awed by the plane’s opulence as well.

The two women plopped down beside each other to wait for takeoff, since the men had indicated they would be working for the duration of the flight. Tess wondered what ‘royal business’ they had that couldn’t wait until they got home, but she decided it wasn’t really her place to ask.

Since it was a small plane, Tess had been concerned about turbulence. She didn’t want to embarrass herself by getting airsick on the royal jet. She was relieved when they reached their cruising altitude, and the ride remained perfectly smooth.

Even though the men were across the aisle, they probably couldn’t hear her over the roar of the engines, so Tess leaned over to ask Mo, “Tell me again exactly what is expected of us.” She had been so excited about their trip that she hadn’t asked many questions about what was really going on. Now that she had some time to ponder it, this entire adventure seemed a little strange. At least she had kept her wits about her enough to research the tiny island online before agreeing to join them.

“Pierce is expected to marry before he takes the throne,” Mo explained patiently. “They want his father to step down as king and for Pierce’s coronation to take place as soon as possible because his father’s gambling problem has already lost the island a great deal of their fortune.”

“I thought a king had to die for his successor to be crowned. Why do they think a ruling leader will willingly step back and abdicate the throne without putting up a fight for it?” Tess scrunched up her nose, perplexed.

Mo tilted her head closer to Tess’s, obviously not wanting to be overheard. “It sounds like the King has a drinking problem, in addition to the gambling addiction. Pierce thinks his father will be relieved to not have the pressure of the crown hanging over his head. He wants to be a regular person––or at least as regular as a royal can be.”

It dawned on Tess then exactly what Mo would be signing up for, if she ended up with the prince. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” she asked her friend. “If you become a royal, your life will no longer be your own. You will have so many expectations and rules to follow.” Tess worried her lip between her teeth as she thought about her brash friend trying to be perfectly prim and proper.

“I haven’t agreed to marry him yet, silly. I’ve only spent one evening with him.” Mo playfully shoved at Tess’s shoulder.

“Well, we are going halfway around the world so you can spend more time with him.” Tess defended her right to be concerned.

“True,” Mo admitted, before adding nervously, “There’s something I haven’t told you, too.”

Tess felt her stomach drop. Mo was never shy about saying anything, so whatever she had neglected to tell Tess must be a doozy. Raising her brows at her friend, she ordered, “Spill it.”

“There’s a ball next weekend at the palace.” Mo revealed.

“Ooh!” Tess clapped her hands together, unable to contain her excitement. She couldn’t imagine why her friend would have been anxious about sharing this fantastic news with her. “A real royal ball. I can’t wait!”

Mo nodded before going on. “Every unattached lady on the island will be in attendance because Pierce is required to choose a bride that night.”

“What?!?” Tess spluttered, unable to comprehend such an archaic arrangement.

“It’s part of the royal protocol, and Pierce plans to follow it precisely. At the end of that night, he will decide who he will marry.” Mo stated matter-of-factly, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

Tess worked through her feelings out loud. “What if he chooses you? What if he doesn’t choose you?” She shook her head, not quite able to comprehend the full meaning of all of this. It was all too fast. “You need more time. It isn’t fair of him to ask this of you.”

“It isn’t his fault,” Mo jumped to the prince’s defense. “The island has ancient customs that have been passed down through numerous generations of his family. The people of his land hold royals to certain standards and strict expectations, and Pierce is not willing to defy their sacred traditions.”

“They’re not your traditions, though. Why should you have to abide by them?” Tess felt outraged that they were trying to rush her friend into such a monumental decision.

“I don’t have to,” Mo explained. “It’s my choice.” At the concerned look on Tess’s face, she added, “And I haven’t made any decisions yet. I simply wanted to keep my options open regarding Pierce.” Taking Tess’s hand within hers, she said dreamily, “I really think he might be the one.”

Tess had never seen her friend looking so moony-eyed over anyone. It was rather distressing to think Mo might have fallen for the prince so quickly.

A new concern popped into Tess’s mind, which she immediately voiced. “Is this a situation similar to that ridiculous reality TV show that we can’t resist watching, The Bachelor, where he will be talking to other women and choosing among you?” The idea of Mo having to compete for a man’s attention horrified Tess.

“Perhaps,” Mo shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose it will ultimately be up to him, but I have little doubt that the vast majority of the town’s women would be thrilled to be selected as a wife by their prince.”

Tess was surprised by Mo’s laidback attitude about the entire, odd scenario. Deciding they were in too far not to see it through, Tess said, “Okay, Cinderella, I guess we’re going to a royal ball.”