the heat burning through his lips and the disappointment when he breaks the kiss to look at the photo.
“Better. All right. Let’s go.”
I wonder what my classmates will make of that Instagram post.
The doors open for us as Liam takes a few steps forward, towing me along. I clutch his arm for dear life as my heels catch on the cracks in the stone steps. The guards follow us noisily as we descend the stairs onto the landing. My heart jackknifes into my chest as they escort us into the palace up a wide staircase I could spend ages staring at. It’s carpeted in a rich, dark blue with a lighter blue, intricate pattern. The stairs are carved into what look like branches, snarling in circles, painted in gold leaf. The rail itself is a deep brown, smooth to the touch. The walls are covered in white paneling with subtle golden borders. It’s beautiful.
At the top, a set of open white doors lead into a wide room with a giant chandelier that looks like it could squash twenty people.
“I know you’re excited to be so close to me, but there’s no need to crush my arm.”
Ass. “I’m nervous.”
Nervous is an understatement. Completely out of my fucking league is probably more accurate.
“It’s just a little party. There will be drinks, dancing—ah. You can’t dance, can you?”
“No!”
“Well, the tabloids will have a field day after this.”
“You’re really not helping with my anxiety.”
Laughing, he turns his head and whispers, “Every time you feel overwhelmed, just imagine us snogging in my room.”
“You’re such a—”
“Brother!”
As we reach the top of the staircase, an attractive, blond man wearing a suit just like Liam’s gives me a toothy grin and practically elbows Liam out of the way to introduce himself.
“Hi, I’m Lucian, Liam’s younger brother.”
“One of my many brothers.”
Wow. They look so different. Lucian is stockier than Liam, with wider shoulders and a deeper chest, and his head is a wave of carefully groomed blond curls. He has the air of a guy who spends a lot of time outside, and who would probably have a deeper tan if he lived somewhere sunny.
“I’m Daisy.”
He does a double take when he grabs my hand, his eyes widening at the sapphire engagement ring.
“Is that Mum’s ring?”
“Yes, it is,” Liam says in a bit of a warning tone.
He regards it for a moment, surprised, and then he shakes my hand, beaming. “Any girl who manages to win my brother’s heart must be a fabulous woman. I’m delighted to meet you, Daisy. Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you. It’s very nice to meet you too.”
“All right, that’s enough,” Liam says, scowling. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Wow. Crabby.” Liam’s younger brother winks at me as my fiancé practically yanks me away.
“What’s your deal?” I hiss at him.
“Lucian is an utter ass. You’d be better off avoiding him.”
Because you’re such a peach?
The room is filled with beautifully dressed guests who bow and curtsy at Liam as we walk inside.
“Your Highness.”
“My prince, my lady.”
I’m no lady!
Liam inclines his head in the general direction of the waves of people bowing to him. What the fuck am I supposed to do? I have no idea, so I smile and nod to the rest of them. The ballroom becomes an echo of “my prince” and “Your Highness” with the occasional “my lady” thrown in. Every eye follows us to the center of the room, where the king stands, his malevolent gazes fixed on me. I’m trembling like a goddamn leaf, holding on to Liam for dear life as he calmly approaches his father. He bows to the king, and then I realize I’m supposed to do something. I’ve never curtsied in my life, but I grab my dress with both hands and cross my ankles, bending awkwardly at my knees as I bow my head. Judging by the scandalized looks the women in the crowd give me, I know I’ve completely failed.
Only Liam’s warmth at my side keeps me from sprinting right back where I came from.
“We welcome you to Harronvale Palace!”
Cheers follow Liam’s enthusiastic welcome and quickly die down when he lifts his arms.
“I would like to thank you all for attending my engagement party. We have a wonderful evening planned full of dancing, entertainment, and food. If you take photos at this event, please use the hashtag princeliam, and be sure to follow me on Instagram.”
He must be joking. No one is that conceited, right? Jesus Christ, he’s pimping out his social media platforms.