The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology #1)(53)

“It’s sad, of course. But it’s important to make sure the families know their loss hasn’t been in vain. They have a massive support network available for them. Not that it can ever compensate, but … well”—he shrugs—“they’re heroes.”

I return to my food, a small, sad smile on my lips. Here’s me wailing about the constraints of my life. At least I have a life. “Did you know that Father met Senator Jameson when he served in the military?” For the life of me, I don’t know where that question came from.

“I did.” Eddie gives me a curious smile across the table that I battle not to react to. “Why do you ask?”

My eyes plummet to my plate. “Just wondered.”

“Just wondered,” he muses.

I drop my silverware and breathe out. I can’t contain it. “Why did you invite Josh Jameson to my party?”

“And there we have the problem.” Eddie follows my lead and rids his hands of his cutlery, too. “Is this why you are moody?”

“I am not moody.”

“What happened between you two?”

“Nothing.” I gather my napkin from my lap and place it by the side of my plate, forcing a meek smile.

Eddie’s high eyebrows virtually merge with his hairline. “Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

“He’s gotten under your skin.”

I snort at the mere suggestion. “No man gets under my skin. There would be little point allowing them to, since the King would ensure they were dug out with a blunt knife rather speedily.”

“So you’re not playing with something you cannot have, you want something you cannot have.” He laughs, and the sound, along with his statement, is torture. “That’s a whole new ballgame, Addy.”

I stand up, ready to put an end to this preposterous conversation and my brother’s outlandish insinuations. “You are so far off the mark, Edward.”

His laughter increases. “You only call me Edward when you’re on the defense.”

“Good evening, brother.” I march away from him, outraged, hearing him sigh to himself as I go.

“Adeline?”

“What?” I bark, swinging around at the door.

His face is serious. I don’t like it, not one tiny bit. “Let go before they make you.”

I inhale sharply, in a staring deadlock with my beloved brother, no counter coming to me. “I’ll be in my office.” I turn and walk away on trembling legs, and when I make it to my office, I drop to my chair like a brick, my body heavy, my heart heavier. Everything is heavy. Don’t think, don’t think, don’t think. I pull my box of correspondence forward and start flicking through the papers. The itinerary for my trip to Madrid, the finely tuned plans for Friday evening’s opening, the request for an appearance at a local women’s shelter. I drop them all, unable to engage my brain. With my head in my hands, I slump over my desk and fall deeper into despair. Josh Jameson was like a red flag to a bull. The ultimate no-go zone. It was only supposed to be a bit of fun. And I can see for Josh, it was exactly that. The morning after our game, he called nonstop until he finally tracked me down at the stables. Last night I thanked him for our fun and called it a day before he did. I’ve not heard from him since. I don’t think I could ever get bored of you, darlin’. It was a good line. But it was just a line. What was I thinking? What was I hoping for?

I push the questions away quickly. What does it matter? It is done with now.





“READY, MA’AM?” DAMON ASKS AS I take the stairs to him, ready for a morning at the stables, followed by an afternoon at the stables. A long, long time at the stables until it is time to get ready for this evening’s engagement.

“Why did you let the cheeseburger through security?” I ask, eyeing him unhappily. Damon wasn’t here yesterday so this is my first opportunity to ask. Let’s see what he has to say.

He shrugs. “It looked pretty spectacular as far as cheeseburgers go. And I know there was no risk of Mr. Jameson lacing it with poison.”

I laugh under my breath as I slip my arms through the sleeves of my Barbour jacket when Olive holds it up, and then accept my bag. “Thank you, Olive.”

I drop into the back seat and pull out my phone. There’s a missed call from Josh. And a voicemail. So much for not trying to contact me. On a thump of my heart, I clear the screen of both and wind down my window when I see Kim coming down the steps. “Everything okay?” I ask.

“I can’t get hold of Sabina to let her know you’re on your way.” Kim dials again and takes the phone to her ear, huffing her displeasure when she gets Sabina’s voicemail greeting again. “I’ve left a message. Hopefully she’ll get it before you arrive.”

“I don’t mind saddling up Stan myself.”

“You might have to.” Kim passes me a sheet of paper. “The schedule for this evening. You’re due to arrive at eight, so we’ll have to leave here at seven-thirty, at the latest. Jenny will be here at four to do your hair and makeup.”

Four? I have seven hours to kill. “Please let Dolly know I’ll have lunch at the stables.”

“Okay. Your dress is ready. Did you decide on shoes?”

I ponder again which ones to opt for. “I don’t know,” I admit. “The dress needs a stiletto. My Jimmy Choos are perfect, but they’re black. The dress is screaming for red.”