When Nathan started singing, the whole tent grew quiet. His deep voice was just mesmerizing. Goosebumps ran up and down my spine to the soulful song the band was playing. The lyrics were so romantic. The Moonstones were famous for their more upbeat music but this track was sublime. It featured a guitar solo at the beginning. Nathan had his eyes closed with his long fingers wrapped around his microphone. It took so much effort on my part to avoid staring at him during the ceremony.

My head was in the clouds, fantasizing about spending more time with him. I most definitely had feelings for him, so I had to keep reminding myself that this was casual sex. We were two adults who took part in steamy sexual activities, nothing more. Therefore, I had to keep those pesky feelings in check. Mr. Rock Star was returning to his own world tomorrow and so was I. The annual Jubilee celebration was on the horizon, so I had to train my horses for the occasion. Nathan and I were headed in separate directions. There was no way we could meet in the middle.

I took a deep breath and glanced at my cousin. She was over the moon. I could see the happiness shining from her eyes. The smoke machine enveloped the dance floor in a hazy cloud. More couples joined Lizzie and Mark, prompting me to move out of the way. I kicked a couple of balloons on my way back to the table. The women of the family were gathered around said table gossiping about the American groom. Some of them were offended on our behalf as if Mark was a Martian. The idea of a commoner marrying a royal was considered too avant garde for their taste.

“Daniel. Would you care for a dance, maybe two?” Ophelia, a close relative of mine fluttered her fake lashes at me. She used to be my dance partner when we were younger.

“I would love to.” I held out my hand and she took it.

Her tulle dress dragged behind her on the way to the crowded dance floor. Nathan’s voice flirted with my ears as we danced to the song. The lyrics were about holding on to your loved one and never letting him go. Ophelia wrapped her arms around my neck and studied my face intently. “So, how is life treating you?”

“Well, I added a beautiful Arabian to my collection of horses. How is your precious Nougat doing? Is he still giving you a hard time when you ride him?”

“No. Not anymore.” She replied. “This horse breeding business of yours is making cousin Orion jealous. He wants to become as successful as you are.”

“I’m glad to know that the family considers me a success rather than a failure.”

“Oh you’ve set the bar high, Danny.”

We chatted until the song came to an end. I walked her back to the table and asked Queen Emmeline to dance with me. My grandmother was an exceptional dancer. I held her gloved hands and wrapped a gentle arm around her waist. She was a petite lady with plenty of attitude so to speak. I wish I were more like her. She inspired me in every way possible.

“You did an excellent job choosing this music group.” She smiled. “Could you maybe persuade them to perform at the Jubilee? I would love to have them sing on my birthday. It’s not every day that your grandmother turns eighty-two you know.”

I chuckled. “This is a wonderful idea. Our guests are enjoying their songs so far.”

I was thrilled at the prospect of seeing Nathan again. The jubilee was just two weeks away.

“Indeed they are.” She nodded. “No celebration is complete without a group of fine men playing music on the stage.” She added. “Speaking of fine men, there is someone I would like you to meet.”

She linked her arm through mine and led me to a table at the far end of the reception tent. I spotted a young man with wavy brown hair and grey eyes seated next to a familiar woman. Grandmother Emmeline winked in my direction before greeting said woman. She was an old friend who traveled all the way from Cardova to attend Lizzie’s wedding.

“Prince Daniel. How lovely to meet you.”

“Likewise.” I kissed her hand. She had lovely caramel skin and grey eyes as well.

“This is my son, Prince Zane.” She introduced me to her son who seemed a little stuffy. His rodlike posture and cold handshake did not leave a good first impression. He was dressed in his home country’s stately attire which looked great on him. I sat down on the empty chair next to his own and engaged him in light conversation. He was also gay and out of the closet. His almond shaped eyes were graced with heavy lashes. I wanted to put mascara on them. He was incredibly easy on the eyes.

We drank wine and talked about food and traveling. He was not so bad once you got to know him. I took a sip from my glass and looked back at my gorgeous rock star. The band took a short break to eat and sign a few autographs. Mr. Rock star was busy pretending to be straight as an arrow. He was shamelessly flirting with the bridesmaids.

There was a voice in the back of my head telling me not to fall for him. I did not need a man who wasn’t true to himself. A man who hid behind a fake identity. I already had my heart broken by Peter. I didn’t want to make the same mistake again. That was out of the question.

I decided to focus on having fun instead of pining after someone like Nathan. Today was about celebrating Lizzie and eating plenty of desserts. “Would you like to dance?”

“Yes please.” He got up and followed me to the dance floor. “This suit is uncomfortable as fuck.” He chuckled. “And so is my mother.”

“Oh, I think the two of us will get along just fine.” I chuckled. “I honestly thought you were a stuck up brat. Your words right now tell me another story.”

“I always give that impression. Sorry.” He gave me a sheepish smile in return. “Mother keeps telling me to smile more often but I hate showing my teeth.”

“Why not? You have a movie star smile.” I paid him a compliment he was clearly in need of.

“Thank you. So, are you single, taken or hungry?”

I tossed my head back and laughed. “I’m a combination of single and hungry right now. How about you?”

His smile faded from his lips at my question. “My love life is a tad bit complicated I’m afraid. You see, I’m in love with someone else but my grandmother doesn’t approve of our union because he’s not a ‘blue blood’ like us.”

“Oh. I’m really sorry to hear that.”

Relief washed over me when I discovered that he was head over heels for another man.

“Shit happens.” He shrugged. “And by shit, I mean having to abide by outdated rules and family customs. Sweet, humble guys are hard to find these days.”

“I completely agree with you. Going fishing in the same pond every single year is so boring. I meet the same snobbish gay royals at every function. They seem to be multiplying exponentially.”

“Finally!” He exclaimed. “Someone who actually understands what I’ve been through.”

“Prince Zane. How come we’ve never met before?” I grinned.

“I have no idea. And please call me Zane.”

“Okay, Zane. We’re on our way to becoming good friends, aren’t we?”

“Gosh, I hope so. I could use a good friend right now.”

“Me too.”