I grew up playing in these halls, hiding from my mother and chasing my younger brother. I’m tired and ready for bed when the sound of hushed voices stops me in my tracks.
“Pompous ass. He’s going to kill himself with these outbursts. We need to be ready to move when that happens.” The glee in Hubert’s sniveling voice revives the anger in my chest. I step into the shadows to listen.
“By climbing into bed with Wade Paxton?”
I recognize my uncle’s voice, and my jaw clenches. Is Father right? Is Reginald conspiring with that worm against the crown?
“Wade Paxton would unite the kingdoms and make us both leaders in the new government.”
“Wade Paxton is a thug.”
“Not very respectful verbiage for the Prime Minister of Totrington, also known as our future partner.”
“He’s no better than one of those mob bosses on American television. Savage.” Reggie’s voice is laced with snobbery. “He’d tax the people and change the very nature of Monagasco.”
Hubert’s tone is undeterred. “Some things might change, but as leaders, you and I can help maintain the best parts, the heart of the nation. Once Philip is out of the way, of course, which could be sooner than we think.”
My fists tighten at my sides. I’m ready to step out of the shadows and shake Hubert’s traitorous neck until his teeth rattle. The only thing stopping me is my desire to hear the extent of this treachery.
“You’re right about one thing,” Reggie says. “Philip’s health is tenuous. We need to be prepared to act should a crisis arise.”
“What about Rowan? If he’s not on our side, we could end up in the same position—and with a much younger king to wait out.”
“Possibly.” My uncle pauses, and I feel the heat rising around my collar.
“Wade has a plan for managing such a contingency. Should Rowan prove… difficult.”
“I’m sure he does,” Reggie scoffs. “And Cal? Shall we wipe out the entire Tate line?”
Hubert’s voice is low and wicked. “Perhaps being in league with a ‘thug’ as you put it has its advantages.”
How dare these bastards! What they’re saying is high treason! My body is poised to move when Reggie’s words freeze me in place.
“I’m sure Wade’s tactics won’t prove necessary. When the time comes to do the right thing, we can count on Rowan.”
Count on Rowan? Is it possible he thinks I would even consider a merger with Twatrington? Their voices recede down the corridor as my level of disgust and loyalty to my father rises. The king has had a difficult evening. I’ll let him rest tonight, but I will present him with this conspiracy first thing tomorrow. Reggie is right. When the time comes, I will do the right thing.
Looking back, I had no idea the time would come in less than twenty-four hours…
Read PRINCE Today!
Also available in print and audiobook formats.
BOOKS BY TIA LOUISE
STAND-ALONE ROMANCES
Filthy, coming June 9, 2022*
Fearless, 2022*
Trouble, 2021*
Twist of Fate, 2021*
This Much is True, 2020*
Reckless Kiss, 2020*
Here with Me, 2020*
Wait for Me, 2019*
Boss of Me, 2019*
Stay, 2019*
Make Me Yours, 2019*
Make You Mine, 2018
When We Kiss, 2018
Save Me, 2018
The Right Stud, 2018
When We Touch, 2017
The Last Guy, 2017*
(*Available on Audiobook.)
THE ONE TO HOLD SERIES
One to Hold (#1 - Derek & Melissa)*
One to Keep (#2 - Patrick & Elaine)*
One to Protect (#3 - Derek & Melissa)*
One to Love (#4 - Kenny & Slayde)
One to Leave (#5 - Stuart & Mariska)
One to Save (#6 - Derek & Melissa)*
One to Chase (#7 - Marcus & Amy)*
One to Take (#8 - Stuart & Mariska)
(*Available on Audiobook.)
THE DIRTY PLAYERS SERIES
PRINCE (#1), 2016*
PLAYER (#2), 2016*
DEALER (#3), 2017
THIEF (#4), 2017
(*Available on Audiobook.)
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS SERIES
Under the Lights (#1), 2018
Under the Stars (#2), 2018
Hit Girl (#3), 2018
PARANORMAL ROMANCES
One Immortal (Derek & Melissa, vampires)
One Insatiable (Stitch & Mercy, shifters)
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In case you were wondering, yes, launching a brand-new world is daunting and very scary. Thank God I’m surrounded by a group of hugely supportive people cheering me on and anxiously awaiting this new adventure. I don’t know how I’d do it without you! (That includes you, dear reader!)
As for the team behind the scenes, I am so grateful for my husband “Mr. TL” for his encouragement, brainstorming support, and insightful critiques. You’re my rock.
Thanks to my beautiful daughters who aren’t so little anymore, but still believe in me and support me from afar. I love you ladies!
Thanks so much to my alpha readers Renee McCleary, Maria Black, and Ilona Townsel for your encouragement and feedback in the early stages. You guys are invaluable to me.
Huge thanks to my awesome betas, Jennifer Christy, Amy Reierson, Courtney Anderson, Amanda Shepard, and Britni Van for your enthusiasm and fantastic notes!
Thanks to Jaime Ryter for your eagle-eye and hilarious editorial notes. Lori Jackson for the gorgeous cover design, to Wander Aguiar for the ideal, sexy Hutch, and to Stacy Blake for the perfect paperbacks!
Thanks to my dear Starfish, to my Mermaids, and to my Veeps for keeping me sane and motivated while I’m in the writing cave.
I can’t begin to put into words how much I appreciate the love and support of all the book bloggers/tokers/gramers, of my author-buds, and of my readers, friends, and family. I love you guys!
I hope you all devour this new adventure and come back begging for MORE! I confess, I’m a little obsessed with these guys.
Stay sexy,
<3 Tia
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tia Louise is the USA TODAY best-selling, award-winning author of super-hot and sexy romances. She'll steal your heart, make you laugh, melt your kindle... and have you begging for more!
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