A clock struck the hour, ringing down the hall like a countdown to my doom. My arm linked loosely over Theo’s, my jewel-encrusted heels strolled down the stairs toward the media area, a fake smile pinned perfectly to my lips. On the outside, I had been plucked and painted into a vision of a textbook princess. But on the inside, it was the complete opposite. My knotted stomach simmered with bile. My nerves were so wound up, I felt like glass.
My silvery layered silk dress hung down like fragile tiers of glinting ice. My hair was styled in a low braided chignon, wrapped in diamonds and silver leaves. Everything about me was stamped with royal approval. Theo dressed in a tailored black tux, his hair styled back, his shaved face showing off his high cheekbones. He was flawless. Together, we looked like a fairytale book come to life. We portrayed the image the world wanted, greedily demanded us to have, so they could live out a life that didn’t exist—even for royals.
Theo had only mumbled a few words to me, our duty forcing us together like flipped magnets. Ones that repelled instead of attracted.
The force that drew me was somewhere behind us; I could feel his presence even without him being next to me. His gaze, his attention, his very being engulfed me, keeping me steady on my heels.
Though the party was in the palace, the security was even tighter. The threat was still out there, and the number of people coming in and out of the palace had many guards watching the royal family. Every guest was known and vetted, but with catering crews, event planners with trolleys, and crews coming in and out, some cracks could be exposed, though I knew with Dalton and his team, that was highly unlikely.
We stepped through the doors, the media instantly reacting.
Flash. Flash. Click. Flash. Click.
“Spencer. Spencer. Spencer. You look beautiful! How are you feeling tonight? Why did you leave the party early the other night?”
“Theo! When is the wedding? Do you want children right away?”
Flash. Click.
“Merry Christmas to you as well.” Theo teased the media, his arm wrapped tightly around me. “It’s Christmas guys, let’s enjoy the evening.” He leaned into me. “Smile like you are actually happy to be here, instead of looking like I’m holding a gun to your head,” Theo muttered in my ear, kissing my temple. His own smile curved over his mouth like he was the happiest guy in the world.
He was in his role as prince and playing it to perfection.
I struggled to keep a genuine smile on my face, but years of pretending you were okay when you weren’t prepared me for this.
“I wasn’t feeling well. But thank you for your concern.” I curved each word as if I truly meant them, smiling and nodding at the media as Theo steered us for the grand ballroom. The doors opened for us, the cameras not stopping until we were on the other side, closing us in a holiday movie.
The silver and gold decorations over the tables and walls and the glinting of lights wrapping the twelve-foot Christmas tree made you feel like you were in a snow globe. Dancing couples glided to tunes from The Nutcracker as the orchestra played from above. Trays of food and drinks were being served by men and women dressed as toy soldiers. The famous ballet of Great Victoria would later be performing The Nutcracker for everyone here.
It was stunning, but my usual holiday cheer was nowhere to be found. My nerves ground together, making me almost wish for the media attention compared to what was ahead of me. Lord William, my Aunt Lauren, and Landen were somewhere in this room. Secrets compressed the air, strangling my throat.
I had wanted to know, and as Lennox predicted, I wish I didn’t.
Theo’s sparkling exterior slipped a little when we entered, his gaze sliding over to the figure trying to blend in with the wall.
“Amusing how your boyfriend stared at me like I’m the one stealing you away from underneath him,” Theo grumbled, swiping a champagne glass off a tray and downing it.
“Let’s just get through the night.” I grabbed one for myself, sipping at the fizzy bubbles. “Like you said, then this can be over.”
Theo shifted on his feet. “I was thinking…we should wait until after the New Year.”
“There will always be something. Another event, another gala or important engagement.” Lennox’s voice rumbled in the back of my head.
“Theo…you said Christmas.”
“I know, but New Year is only a week after that.”
“And the week after that is your birthday. It will always be something else.” My fingers throttled the glass.
“You think I want to drag this out with you?” Theo hissed, his façade dropping. “I can barely be in the same room—Hello, Grant. Jillian.” Theo’s demeanor shifted, anger shifting to a happy smile as a familiar man, Ben’s father, came up to us, his wife next to him. My spine straightened, a smile spearing my red lips.
“Theo, my boy!” Grant clapped him on the shoulder. Good to see you.” Grant’s voice bowled over the music. “Benjamin is somewhere around here. Probably chasing one of those stunning, long-legged ballerinas.”
Jillian didn’t even flinch at her husband’s leering comment, her attention turning on me.
“You two are so beautiful. I’ll bet all you can think or talk about is the wedding, am I right?” she gushed.
“Oh.” I swallowed down a sip. “Yeah.”
“All day long, it’s all I hear.” Theo glanced at me, his hand rubbing my back. “Talks incessantly of the wedding. The dress, shoes, jewelry, cakes, party, and the honeymoon. Spencer has thrown herself into the planning. She cannot wait…am I right, darling?”
“Yes,” I spoke through my teeth. “Can’t wait.”
“And us guys just look forward to the bachelor party before, right, my boy?” Grant nudged Theo. “I think Ben and Charlie are planning something good. Have your passport ready.” Grant winked. “Get crazy before locking on the ball and chain.”
“Oh, Grant, you’re awful!” Jillian batted at him. “We don’t want to interrupt the love birds, only wanted to stop and say hi. So good to see true love,” she babbled. Grant pounded Theo’s arm again before they strolled away, our pretenses dropping.
“Yeah, that’s me; all I can talk about is jewelry and shoes,” I snipped.
“Oh, sorry. Was I supposed to say you’re too busy shagging your married bodygua… Duchess Caroline!” Theo effortlessly flipped between his masks, taking the old woman’s hand and kissing it. “So good to see you, looking beautiful as always.”
She dipped her head at him, her short frame drenched in a heavy gold embroidered gown.
“Oh. You two look like you stepped right off the top of a cake,” she gushed, her gaze searching behind us. “Is your bodyguard here tonight?”
“On our arse, like his dick is in my fiancée,” Theo muttered as he took a drink, forcing me to suck in a gulp of air.
“What?” The old woman touched her almost deaf ears, the party noise limiting her hearing.
“It’s lovely to see you, Caroline.” I grabbed Theo’s arm, my nails digging in. “We are going to go dance. Enjoy the party.” I dragged him away, smiling and nodding every two feet, another person wanting to congratulate or speak to us, but I didn’t stop until we were on the dance floor, my body bristling with anger.