Secrets of a Prince (The Princes of New Sargasso #3) - Carol Moncado Page 0,6

will.”

A notice came in on her phone. Likely another update on Prince Caleb’s condition, but she couldn’t tell without looking, and looking would only infuriate her father more.

“Soon.”

“After the queen’s party. If I get on the king’s bad side before the party, you won’t get an invitation. You wouldn’t want that.”

His expression became thoughtful. “You’re right. I wouldn’t. That evening we’ll set up a meeting with the king.”

“Yes, sir.”

Turning on his heel, her father left the apartment.

Minnie wished it were winter. The thermostat kept the temperature well above comfortable, but she couldn’t turn it down. There were only so many clothes a person could take off when people arrived in their quarters unexpectedly.

At least in the winter, when the temperature took a dive but the thermostat was left far too low, she could pile on layers and blankets, even gloves, if necessary.

But until then, she’d have to live with the warmth, and pray for unseasonably temperate days where it wouldn’t matter.

She picked her phone up off the table and looked at the news alert. Prince Caleb was in surgery. Medical experts suspected problems with his liver and possibly his spleen since the surgery hadn’t happened more rapidly, though there was no official word.

There were photos of Rosie talking to security then being let in. She must have learned she was talking to the wrong prince at the release.

Another photo showed a disheveled Joshua, still wearing part of his costume, entering the building. No one would know that’s what the clothing was, not unless they’d seen him earlier in the evening. He’d taken off the pieces that identified them as Trilunium-wear.

Or he’d never put them back on. One of the two.

Minnie wondered if it would be public knowledge if Caleb was actually dying. If the news had any indication his condition was life-threatening, they’d be all over it.

So either he was in serious condition, but not likely to die, or the palace was keeping everyone in the dark.

She wouldn’t place bets on which one the answer was until she saw a report that both Ezekiel and Rosie had left the hospital at different times.

It couldn’t be too overly serious if his older brother wasn’t there.

With a sigh, she opened the text messages and sent one to Joss.

I hope your brother is going to be okay.

A minute later, her phone buzzed again.

He’s supposed to be fine. Not sure of details yet.

She started typing a long paragraph, deleted it, then typed it again. Then finally just said she was glad.

The next few weeks were more normal for Minnie. Brunches. Shopping trips without actually buying anything. Trips to the beach. All with friends.

Such as they were.

Rather, they were hangers-on - women she’d gone to school with as a girl. They only wanted anything to do with her because they perceived that she had access to money, influence, and a prince or two.

None of those assumptions were true. Not anymore.

She did have contact with Joss occasionally, but none of the other princes wanted anything to do with her.

Gideon certainly didn’t, though she couldn’t blame him. She didn’t like how she’d acted any better than he - or Kari - did.

Then came the queen’s birthday party.

She was seated by Joss and Caleb. Made more snarky comments than she should have.

Alienated more of the royal family, something her father would surely make her pay for later.

And managed to have an absolutely miserable time at a Trilunium-themed event, something she didn’t even know was possible.

But the pressure from her father increased daily.

As it had since he found her medical records around Christmas.

In just a couple of days, she would have a meeting with the king.

Where she’d tell him she’d once been pregnant with Caleb’s child.

Because no one else knew she’d really been with Joss.

It didn’t matter. Her father was going to make them pay.

And Lady Minerva Waterford couldn’t do anything about it.

Though he’d never actually been called into the principal’s office, Joss suspected it was far less intimidating than being called to the king’s office.

Even when the king was your father.

Especially when the king was your father.

He walked into his father’s public office to find newlyweds Caleb and Rosie waiting there, along with Lady Waterford.

What could be a big enough deal to bring his brother and new sister-in-law to the king’s office the day after their secret wedding?

His father sent Caleb and Rosie away, leaving him in the office with his father and Lady Waterford.

“Have a seat, Joshua.” His father’s tone was about what Joss expected, though he’d