The Heir (The Selection #4)(38)

I nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”

“Good,” he said smartly, then began bellowing: “Well she walks up in the room with that smile, smile, smile and those legs that go on for a mile, mile, mile! Eyes searching the room for a little fun!”

I laughed, finally recognizing the tune he was playing. It was a Choosing Yesterday song that I sang in the bath more often than I cared to admit.

“I can’t look away from her face, face, face until she starts dancing to that bass, bass, bass! I can’t help it, that girl is number one!”

I joined in on the piano, giggling a little too hard to get all the notes right for the chorus. But we both sang along, botching up the melody and having too much fun to care.

“Oh, she can’t be more than seventeen, but she’s all grown up if you know what I mean. She’s the prettiest thing that I’ve ever seen, yeah, she’s my”—BAM BAM!—“she’s my, she’s my queen!”

I kept up with Baden through most of the song, even though I really only had experience with classical music.

“Why are you bothering with college? You should be touring,” I cheered.

“That’s my backup plan if the prince thing doesn’t pan out.” He was so candid, so real. “Thanks for playing hooky for me.”

“No problem. I should get back to work though.”

“That was the shortest date in history!” he complained.

I shrugged. “You would have had more time if you waited until tonight.”

He huffed. “Fine. Lesson learned.”

I pulled the cover back over the keys as he placed his guitar in its case. “You should take that to the others,” I said. “I bet they’d get a kick out of trying to play.”

“What, my guitar? No, no, no. This is my baby!” I watched as he gently petted the shabby case. “If someone broke this, I’d be devastated. My dad got it for me, and it was hard earned. I try to take good care of it.”

“I’m like that with my tiaras.”

“Pffff!” Baden laughed outright at me.

“What?”

He took his time, covering his eyes and shaking his head. “Tiaras!” he finally said. “You really are a princess, huh?”

“Did you think the last eighteen years were a clever trick?”

“I like that, you know? That you protect your tiaras like I do my guitar. I like that that’s your thing.”

I pushed the door open, leading us into the hallway. “Good. Because they’re beautiful.”

He smiled. “Thanks for spending some time with me.”

“Thank you. It was a pleasure.”

There was a pause. “So do we shake or hug or what?”

“You may kiss my hand,” I replied, extending an arm.

He took it. “Until next time.”

Baden kissed me quickly, bowed, and headed toward his room. I walked away thinking of how Aunt May would say she told me so as soon as I saw her again.

I knew I’d be the focal point of the Report. Typically, I didn’t mind giving speeches or updates. But tonight was going to be different. One, this would be the first time I faced the public since the parade, and two, I knew they’d want to hear about Kile.

I wore red. I felt strong in red. And I pulled my hair up, hoping I’d come across as mature.

Aunt May hovered in the background, winking at me, while Mom helped Dad with his tie. I heard one of the boys yelp and turned to see Alex holding something sharp in his hand. He was rubbing his backside like he’d sat on it. I hunted, finding Osten in a corner trying desperately not to laugh aloud.

With all the company, the room felt crowded, adding to my discomfort, which was why I jumped when someone called my name, even though it was hardly above a whisper.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Erik said.

“No, I’m just a little on edge. How can I help you?”

“I hate to bother you, but I wasn’t sure who to ask. Where is it most convenient for me to sit so I can translate for Henri?”

I shook my head. “How rude, I didn’t even think about that. Um, here, follow me.”

I escorted Erik to the stage manager, and we placed Henri in the back row of the stadium-style chairs. Erik was given a seat behind him that was low enough so he wouldn’t be seen but close enough that Henri would be able to hear him.

I stayed by them until they were settled. Henri gave a thumbs-up, and Erik turned to thank me.

“I’ll make sure to go to the stage manager next time so I won’t bother you. I apologize.”

“It’s fine, really. I want you to be comfortable, the both of you.”

Erik bowed his head and smiled shyly. “You don’t need to worry about my comfort, Your Highness. I’m no suitor.”

“Eadlyn! Eadlyn, where are you?” Mom called.

I turned from Erik, running around to the front. “Here, Mom.”

She placed a hand on her heart like it had been racing. “I couldn’t find you. I thought maybe you were backing out on us,” she said quietly as I approached.

“Calm down, Mom,” I replied, grabbing her hand. “I’m not perfect, but I’m no coward.”

Tonight’s Report centered around the women. Mom gave an update on province-run aid systems, encouraging others to follow the example set by three northern provinces that were helping the homeless by donating food as well as free classes on topics like managing finances and interviewing skills. Lady Brice spoke about a drilling proposal that would affect a large chunk of central Illéa. It would benefit the country as a whole, but those six provinces would have to approve it by a vote first. And then, of course, all eyes went to the boys.