The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology #1)(103)

“I said you shouldn’t try to talk me out of it.” I turn when I make it into the foyer, aware of the people around us, including Felix, Jenny, and Kim, who all look up from their phones where they’re gathered by the door.

Eddie wisely notes their presence and pulls me to the side, huddling over me. “I don’t want to fight with you,” he says quietly.

“I don’t want to fight with you, either.”

“Then listen to what I have to say.”

I lean back, cautious. “I’ve already listened.”

“It’s impossible. You and him, it can’t work.”

It takes all my strength and more not to retaliate at his continued efforts to put me off my quest. I cannot, however, halt the tightening of my jaw. “I love him.” I practically grind the words out, and Eddie recoils. “Yes, you heard me. I love him. Say what you will, Edward, but it will be a waste of your breath. If I don’t get the King’s blessing, then I’m willing to walk away from all of this.” I motion to the luxury palace interior that surrounds us, the bars of my jail.

“You don’t mean that.”

“I wholeheartedly mean it.” I take in air, gathering strength. “My life has been suppressed for thirty years, and I’m done with it. I’m done with them. Done with this.” I throw my arms up into the air heavily.

“With me?”

My mouth snaps shut, my eyes widening. “Never you.” I couldn’t be without Eddie. The idea alone hurts my chest.

“And Mother?”

“What?”

“You’re talking like it’s so simple for you to walk away, but you’re forgetting it isn’t only the Monarchy you’ll be walking away from. Not just the King, but your father. Not just the Queen Consort, but your mother. You’re willing to sacrifice your family, a family who loves you, for him? A man you’ve known a matter of weeks?”

“Our parents’ love is conditional,” I murmur quietly, as if trying to convince myself of that. “As long as I do as I am told, they are happy. Everyone is happy. Except me. And I wouldn’t be walking away just for him. I would be walking away for me, too.”

“I don’t want you to make a mistake. I don’t want you to ostracize yourself.”

“And I don’t want to drown in this world any longer.” I reach up on my toes and kiss his cheek. “I love you.” I don’t get the chance to walk away, because Eddie takes me in a hug, and though I’m surprised, I’m more relieved. He might not agree, but he will never disown me. I wish I was as confident in my parents.

“I love you, too.” Eddie sighs. “I’ll try not to shoot him while we’re hunting today.”

“Wait, what?” I’m out of his arms quicker than a racehorse out of the stalls. “You’re going shooting?”

His grin is wicked, and though I really should not be appreciating his sudden easy persona, I’m grateful my brother, as I know and love him, is back. “I’m heading to Claringdon now. We’re meeting at the paddocks before we head out.” He breezes off, as if he didn’t just deliver that bombshell.

I watch him go, my legs stuck in position while my brain tries to comprehend this news, as well as talking my legs into moving. Josh never mentioned where they were meeting. He’s at the palace? “Eddie, wait.” I rush after him, my mind whizzing. “Josh will be there? At Claringdon?”

Stopping on the steps, he faffs with his collar and then flips a flat cap on his head. “I assume so.”

“I’m coming.” I backtrack to the foyer where Olive is waiting with my bag and coat, ever the amazing mind reader that she is. “Thank you.” I shower her with gratitude as she helps me into my coat, taking off down the steps as I fasten the buttons. Eddie’s eyes are alarmed as I fly past him, jumping in the back of the car, offering a small smile to Damon as I land. He is still partially scowling. I deserve it. And more. I could never find what I have with Damon with any other bodyguard, and I truly hope I’ve not damaged that. I so regret deceiving him, but now is not the time to say sorry, not with an audience. I hope he sees the remorse in my pleading eyes.

Eddie approaches the car and dips down, getting me in his sights. “Get out.”

I slam my bag on my lap and focus my attention forward, adamant in my stance. “No.”

His exhale is dramatic and long as he falls into the seat. “Don’t you think the King will consider it strange that his wayward daughter is choosing to visit the palace without a summons?”

“I’m going to have breakfast with Mother.” I nod to myself, giving my back a mental pat for being so creative.

“You just had breakfast.”

“No, I didn’t,” I reply coolly, going into my bag for my phone. There’s a message from Josh, and I smile like a crazy woman when I open it to find that he has sent me a selfie, only a small white towel wrapped around his trim hips.

“Are you serious?” Eddie snatches my phone from my hand and studies the picture with a sickened expression. I try to grab it back, but with his strength versus mine, it is completely pointless. “You showed me yours,” he says, reading the text with the picture.

“Stop!” I grapple for his hands, but he holds the phone higher while holding me back with his spare hand. “So I’ll show you mine? Urghhhhh.”