The Cardovian dance Asher taught me was hilarious. It was nothing like our very complicated version of ballroom dancing. We rarely practiced it anymore. It belonged in the old dusty pages of fleeting Raplen traditions. I was, however, worried that Nathan would get the wrong idea about us. Prince Asher grinned like a Cheshire cat before twirling me around the drawing room.

“So, why exactly did you ask me to dance? You know it makes Nathan uncomfortable.” I asked.

“That is exactly why I did it.” He replied. “Your love interest needs to know that it’s safe to come out of his dusty closet. We are in the twenty-first century for heaven’s sake. He needs to get over himself.” He then gave me a pointed look and squeezed my hand. “Any man in his right mind would kill to have you for a boyfriend.”

I suddenly realized that the prince was talking about himself. How did I miss all the signs? I had no idea he was falling for me. It was flattering yet awkward to look him in the eye after his statement.

“I really am flattered that someone as handsome and eloquent as you is interested in me, but I’m deeply in love with another man.” I let him down gently. “I do appreciate and treasure our friendship, Asher, so I hope we stay friends for years to come.”

The disappointment on his face was clear as day. “I understand.” He nodded, slowly letting go of me. He joined the others while I searched the noisy drawing room for Danny. He was no longer in his seat by the fireplace. I should have known he’d be upset by my willingness to Dance with Asher.

Greg walked up to me with a smirk on his lips. “Your lover just slipped out to the gardens.”

I froze when he mentioned the word ‘lover’ and did nothing to hide my shock. My brother was sometimes capable of reading me like an open book. “Is it really that obvious?” I fretfully asked.

“Yes.” He rolled his eyes at me. “You might as well walk around with a neon sign on your face that reads -canoodling with rock star boyfriend.”

“Oh shit.”

“Why shit?” He raised a questioning eyebrow. “Why is it a bad thing to be in love with someone who loves you back?”

His eyes suddenly drifted to prince Asher who was pouring himself a cup of tea. I had no idea that he was interested in the Cardovian Prince. “If you have the hots for him, then by all means, go ahead and make your move.” I encouraged him. “Asher is very laid back and his occasional bouts of dry humor are hilarious.”

Greg shook his head. “No. He’s not really my type.”

“Do you mean he isn’t Quin?” Greg didn’t answer.

“If you say so.” I shrugged.

The garden was divided into three separate areas. It took me around ten minutes to find Nathan. He was sitting next to my favorite fountain. It featured Poseidon sitting in the middle of three beautiful mermaids. My great grandmother brought in a famous Italian sculptor to build it. My brooding rock star sat there looking like a breathtaking pensive statue. He really was a work of art in his new Gucci suit. I walked up to him from behind and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

“Hey, you. Why are you sitting here all by your lonesome?”

He turned his head to the side. I could tell that he was upset. “I needed some air.” He replied. “It’s not easy, being the only non-royal in the room. I just don’t fit in. Your world is a lot different than mine.”

I sat next to him and held his hand. “Don’t say that. We’ve all had to learn how to become royal, so to speak. It takes time is all. I’m quite certain you weren’t born with a guitar in your hands. It probably took years for you to master the art of performing. It took me ages to grow into my prince shoes as well. I’ve been doing it all my life but I don’t like it one bit. The only time I feel content and happy is when I am at my estate, working with my horses. I also feel at home when I’m with you.” I confessed, pouring out my heart to him.

Nathan turned to me with a forlorn expression on his handsome face. “I honestly don’t know what to do at this point.” He divulged. “I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I don’t want to lose you but I don’t even know how or when to come out either. It’s not an easy decision to make.”

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. Leading a double life must be taking a toll on him. He was an expert at hiding it but I could easily see the tiny cracks in his armor. “Maybe you should consider leaving the band,” I suggested. “This way, none of them will be affected by your decision to come out.”

“No.” He loosened his tie with a frown. “I’m the lead singer, Danny. There is no band without me. If I leave, we lose our endorsements and sponsors. We signed contracts with these people. I can’t just jump ship and watch them sink.”

We sat in absolute silence for a while. I had no idea what to say next. It was probably selfish of me to ask him to quit. He was right. Without him, The Moonstones would cease to exist. Nathan provided both the voice and the captivating lyrics. “Maybe we should just take a break. You deserve to come out in your own time. I promise to wait for you. You’re worth the wait.”

Nathan shook his head vehemently. “I never want to take a break from you baby. Hell, I haven’t been this happy with someone in a long time. In fact, never.”

“Me too.” I ran my fingers through his long raven hair. His emerald eyes pulled me in like a magnet. I leaned in closer to him and kissed him. It was a sweet tender kiss that turned my heart into a big red balloon. It was filled with too much love for him.

“I knew it!”

A familiar voice suddenly invaded our private moment. We sprung apart like we were caught doing drugs by the headmaster. I turned around to find Aunt Edith staring at us with a malicious gleam in her eyes. The old hag was out for blood. I stiffened and held her cold and calculating gaze. She sashayed past our bench before I had the chance to call her out for spying on us. She clearly followed me all the way here from the drawing room.

“Fuck. Now your aunt knows too.” He stood up and paced in front of the fountain. “If the shop assistant could remain quiet about us, then your aunt would too. Right?”

I sighed. “No, my love. My aunt operates in a different manner. She’s a vindictive old coot who is bitter because she was cheated out of being the next queen when her husband died. He was the original heir to the throne.”

“Fuck!” He muttered. “You know, I had a run in with her at Lizzie’s wedding. She was judgmental as hell. She gave off this hostile vibe and called you guys an abomination.”

“She’s a homophobic twat.” I told him. “You should probably consider telling your band mates and anyone else on your list before she airs our laundry to all and sundry.”