The three made for a deadly cocktail of anger. I knew my temper, the fire simmering in me, moved my feet for the exit, winding and zigzagging around staff decorating the palace for the holidays. The season usually brought joy to my smile, but right now I wanted to stuff a silver ball up someone’s arse. For the safety of all, I needed a moment to regroup. Slipping by the breakfast room, I heard Theo and Alexander talking, only creating more of an urge to escape.
I was in no mood to curtsy, be civil, or fake pleasantries.
Pushing through the door into the garden, the cold morning fog slapped my skin, the dew lashing at my lungs, aching as they pumped for air. It felt good, the pain, waking me up and dampening my heated fury.
I wrapped my arms around myself, rubbing them through my thin sweater, sucking in slow gulps of air. I traveled deeper into the area, heading for my secret place near the pond.
What is wrong with you? Why do you care about Hazel sleeping with Lennox? I berated myself more than asked because I could feel it bubbling under all the layers and excuses. I loved Theo; that was not the question. But the very unwanted prickling inside—the tightening in my gut—suggested a notion I didn’t even want to contemplate.
It was perfectly normal to feel something for a person who protected you, right? Lennox was with me more than Theo was. It was just misplaced feelings…
“I said leave!” A woman’s voice hissed through the thick mist, jerking my head out of my recollection, darting my gaze through the dense fog for the owner. “I have no idea what made you think this was a good idea.”
“Please…” a man’s voice begged, a touch of wildness in it.
Both were low, but they struck something in me, creeping me closer to them.
“No. I think I have tolerated enough of your impropriety and misgivings about your privilege in even coming here.” Formal. The pinnacle of society and upper crust. The voice you heard on TV as she waved to the crowd of admirers.
Eloise.
I slunk behind a tree, curving around to see her, the man’s back to me, slightly hidden by the atrium they were next to. My gut seemed to pick on the familiarity of his form, but my mind was moving a lot slower.
Her expression was fixed with a leveled disdain only a princess could do effortlessly. She was dressed casually in torn jeans and a long sweater coat with heeled boots, her damp hair wrapped up in a bun. It didn’t matter what she wore; she was every bit the princess right now.
“You need to leave. Now.” She went to step past him.
His hand jetted out, grabbing her wrist. “Princess, please.” The move forced his face to curve to me.
My world froze.
My head shook, like what I saw was a lie. My hangover and shock of seeing Hazel had broken my brain, but no matter how much I wished it, there was no denying who stood there.
My uncle.
Fredrick was dressed in his usual trousers, collared shirt, sweater vest, and tweed jacket like he had just come from a shooting party set in the Edwardian times. But dark circles lined his eyes. His body tense, his expression twisted with weariness and panic.
What the hell was he doing here? What was going on? Instead of moving, my limbs were rooted in place, watching in disbelief.
Eloise glared at his fingers. “Do not ever touch me again.”
“I’m sorry… I’m sorry.” He yanked his hand back, his head bowing. “Please. I beg you. That was the last bit of it. I was told he was a sure thing.” He rubbed at his head; his normally formidable stature curled over in despair. I had never seen my uncle show an ounce of weakness or plead with anyone. Ever.
He was ruthless with business, cruel with his love, and firm with his words. Stiff upper lip and proud of it. To see him curling over, begging…
“That is not my problem,” Eloise replied, her head wagging. “You know the rules. You gambled it all away. That is on you. Not me.”
“Your Highness,” he pleaded, the desperation making his voice go high. “You can help us. I know you can. My niece will be a royal. Your sister-in-law. We’ll be family. Do you want this shame on her and your name?”
Eloise’s sucked in, her head lifting. “The only reason you are standing here right now is because of Spencer. I gave you a few moments, which I would never have done for anyone else. You are never to contact me. Never even act like you know me. That was the deal. If this ever got out…” She waggled her head, anger straining her features. “I warned you, but you just couldn’t stop. Your ego, arrogance, greed, and need to be someone just cost not just yourself, but your family, everything. Your choices are on you. I’m sorry, I really am. But it really is out of my hands.” She started to walk again.
“Listen here, you little bitch.” His hand shot out again, yanking her back with fury. “You’re just a little girl trying to play in the big boys’ club.” He grabbed her arms roughly, shaking her, his eyes wild. “I will not lose everything to a stupid child! I will kill you!” His face contorted with rage, an expression I had seen many times before. Right before he’d turned his wrath on Landen. Beating him.
Oh. Holy. Shite.
Instinct kicked in, lurching me at them in a blink. My nails clawed into his hands.
“Let her go!” I bellowed, shoving his chest. For a second, it was like he didn’t even recognize me, a feral snarl on his lips as he continued to shove Eloise around.
“Fredrick!” I screamed, my palm slapping his face. Holy hell, did I just slap my uncle? “Let. Go. Of. Her. Now!”
He went still, blinking at me, his nose huffing with exertion and anger.
“Let go of Her Highness,” I growled, stepping between them, my chin high.
I could see the moment of understanding flicker over him. The realization of what he just did. Assaulting the Royal Princess…
She could have him dragged away to jail forever with one word.
His arms dropped away, panic widening his eyes. “Spencer.” He whispered my name like a plea.
I turned around to face Eloise, terrified of her response. Friendship in this world was fleeting and unstable. She could turn against my whole family for this.
“Are you okay?” My gaze moved down her, searching for any damage.
“Yeah.” Her eyes stayed on my uncle, not trusting him. “I’m fine. Been manhandled far more than that, though the other was enjoyable.”
“Eloise?” I touched her arm, drawing her attention back to me.
She looked at me for a few beats before her head nodded. “I’m fine, Spence.” Her words eased my shoulders down, knowing she didn’t put me in with my uncle. “Not like my head wasn’t already cracking in two. And I haven’t even had tea yet this morning.” She exhaled, rubbing her head.
“Go.” I nodded to the palace. Her gaze drifted back to my uncle and then to me. She didn’t even have to ask, her expression saying it all. “I’ll be fine.”
“Too hungover for this shite anyway.” She nodded, stepping away then paused, turning around. “Lord Sutton… you are never to step foot on these grounds again. Nor will you ever address me. You are done.” Her princess demeanor pushed back her shoulders.
I saw my uncle’s head bow forward in despair, his whisper of “Yes, Your Highness,” could barely be heard.