“She does belong, mother,” I replied coldly. “Because she’s the end-fucking-game for me.”
“Language,” she hissed, then put on her perfect royal smile as we closed the distance between us and a pretty, timid girl wearing a lavender-colored gown. “Olivier, I’d like you to meet Stephanie Lalonde, the daughter of the Lalonde jewelers Marcia and Stefan.”
“Pleased to meet you,” I murmured, shaking the cautious beauty’s hand.
She barely responded, just nodded and curtsied. Either she was incredibly afraid, or she had no manners to speak of, but my bet was on the former, judging by the fact she could barely stand to meet my gaze for longer than a second.
Stephanie was a petite girl, her height almost warning me about her vulnerability. She had long strawberry blonde hair that had been styled to perfection, warm brown doe eyes and a smattering of freckles over her nose. In any other situation, I would’ve found her adorable. However, being forced to interact with her put a dampener on things.
Mother stared at us like we were circus animals and I never wanted to be elsewhere more than in that moment. Sharing a bed with Amber, touching her luscious body, seemed like a much better option than meeting women I had absolutely no interest in.
Yet as so many times before I was reminded of the promise I’d made to my father. I owed it to him and to my country to see the selection through, to see where fate took me and to see which woman was strong enough to stand through the court’s trials and tribulations.
This girl, Stephanie, seemed barely capable of holding my gaze, let alone competing for my attention.
“So,” I started awkwardly. “You are a Lalonde. That must be so thrilling.”
She stared at me blankly and I fought back a sigh. I wanted to escape. To get as far away from it all as possible, with Amber in my arms. But my mother drove her elbow into my ribcage, forcing me to keep the conversation going.
“You look beautiful tonight, Stephanie,” I offered lamely, and she blushed so fiercely I thought she would ignite. “Would you excuse me for a moment?”
I tried to leave, but my mother was right behind me, spewing nonsense in my ear.
“How can you just walk away from her like that? She is a top prospect! She has everything it takes, Olivier. Class, beauty, and a fortune. Everything we need! You can’t just walk away from it all.”
“No?” I asked, turning to face her. “What are you going to do about it, mother? Are you going to force me to marry a woman I don’t desire?”
“I could,” she threatened in a low voice. She was trying to avoid a scene, just like always. “I could do as I damn pleased, Olivier! Do not forget, I am your Queen.”
“And some queen you are,” I told her bitterly. “Forcing your own son into things he doesn’t want to be a part of. You keep reminding me of father’s words, mother, but maybe you should remember them, too. He wanted me to pick my own wife. Without your fucking meddling. Let me breathe, mother. Or I’ll call this whole charade off.”
This seemed to cool her jets, and I left her standing there as I went in search of Amber again. I felt her enraged eyes on me as I made my way through the room, ignoring the daggers she was shooting at me.
Amber was my priority, but there were several other women who wanted a chance to speak to me, and I was soon pulled into their midst, showered with compliments and questions.
Amber was nowhere to be seen.
Chapter Five
Amber
I stared, astonished, as Olivier left with his mother.
I knew that woman didn’t like me. Before even being introduced to her she’d written me off, and it made me annoyed. If she had met and decided to hate me, fine, but to let her prejudice get the better of her was rude and uncalled for. I deserved to be treated better, and the thought of her poisoning Olivier’s head with the things she believed about me made me knit my eyebrows together with concern.
“Have you spoken to Olivier?”
I turned to my right side where Zara was standing, nervously twining her fingers together. “I did, but I think he hated me. Oh God, I must have been so boring. He must hate me. I don’t want to get eliminated tonight…”
“The elimination’s tonight?” I asked, chewing my bottom lip. A new habit, apparently. “And how many girls does he have to send home?”
“Just one,” Zara replied, biting her thumb. “I’m sure he’s sending me home. I made such a bad impression. I should’ve picked a different dress…”
“Why is this so important to you?” The question slipped out before I could reprimand myself, and she looked at me with eyes wide and wondering what the hell my problem was. “I’m sorry, I’m just curious. Have you met Olivier before?”
“No, of course not,” she said, shaking her head and smoothing down the front of her dress. “Have you?”
I dodged her question and fired another one at her, saying, “But why do you want to be his wife if you don’t even know him?”
“Well, how could I not?” she asked, a surprised laugh leaving her lips as if I were being silly. “He’s incredible. Rich, handsome… and he’s a prince. What more could you ask for?”
“How did you find out about this?” I followed up with another question. “Who told you he was picking a fiancée? Were you formally invited?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My parents received an invitation from the Luxurian court, and they allowed me to come here and pursue Olivier. What about you?”
“Same,” I replied vaguely, not wanting to delve into the specifics.
She’d find out soon enough it was all a lie. That I’d met Olivier before… even slept with him, for God’s sake. I had an unfair advantage in the game, and I didn’t want Zara to hate me because of it.
I felt nervous around the girl, knowing I had a leg up on her. I wasn’t there to make friends, of course, but Zara had been the only girl who’d made an effort with me so far and I didn’t want to make enemies straight out of the gate.
“Amber.”
We both turned in the direction of the voice, Zara letting out a little gasp as her eyes found Olivier standing next to us. He looked dashing as ever, and I felt the traitorous blush creeping back into my cheeks.
“Your Highness.” Zara curtsied, looking up at Olivier.
“Can I steal you for a moment?” he asked me with that irresistible smile, turning to face Zara. “So sorry, we just left our conversation… unfinished.”
“Of course,” Zara managed, blushing fiercely. “Certainly, go and talk…”
Olivier took me by the arm, gently but firmly. He led me away while everybody watched and I felt the eyes of every person in that ballroom following me out of the room.
I followed him out of the marble hallway, out into the gardens. They were gorgeous – the lush greenery accompanied with a heady floral scent that sent my head spinning. It felt like a special night, and it seemed as if the stars were shining just a little bit brighter, only for the two of us.
Olivier seemed solemn, and my eyes zeroed in on his impatient form. It didn’t take away from his imposing presence though, and once again, I found myself marveling at his statuesque frame.