for you, my favorite brother.” She squeezed the arm of his tailcoat. “Going to the right schools and knowing archery and skiing and speaking three languages isn’t nearly enough to earn a spot on your potential bride list. You know why?”
“No. And I’d love it if you’d share your answer with all the royal advisors.” Because they certainly didn’t listen when Christian tried to explain that he didn’t know what he wanted in a queen-to-be, but it wasn’t on any of the lists they kept shoving at him.
“I’m sure they, you know, tried. But you need to look past the résumé. Weed out the snobs, the skanks, the title-chasers, and the bores.” Kelsey lifted a lock of hair to reveal an earbud. “I can hear everything she says. It’s…illuminating.”
For a second, his head spun in shock. “That’s what Mallory’s doing right now?” Christian didn’t think she’d take his bet seriously. He’d only suggested it as a way to pressure her into attending.
Because he thought she’d look amazing in a ball gown.
Because she deserved a fun night of champagne and fantasy.
Because he wanted her at the ball with him. Period.
“Yep.” She cocked her head to the side, listening. Then made a fast grab for her tiara to be sure it didn’t slide off. “Did you know that there’s a pool?”
“The oddsmakers have been adjusting that betting pool for the last ten years.” Christian slid a finger under his collar to try and loosen the pressure. “When I’ll propose. Who I’ll propose to. If she’ll say yes.”
“No, those are the official ones.” Kelsey’s eyes widened. “There’s an underground pool about who’ll sleep with you. Tonight.”
He turned away to dart his gaze around the crowded room. Noted the obvious stares—and not a few less than veiled licking of lips—in his direction. “Fuck. Did you know about this, Genny?”
“Of course. It happens every year, every ball and gala. You do have a reputation for…I don’t know…” She leaned in closer. “Getting off on getting women out of ball gowns?” Then she and Kelsey burst into giggles.
“For Christ’s sake. These balls are deadly dull. Hooking up’s my reward for getting through the evening.”
After tsking, Kelsey said solemnly, “Women are neither cookies nor medals, Christian.”
“I know that. Believe me, every one of them was ready to hand me a medal for exemplary service by the time we finished. Nobody was used. And no promises were made.”
Genevieve patted his arm. “I hate to be the one to break it to you, but those days are over. Too many eyes are on you. Everything you do is laden with expectation now.”
It was the same line his advisors repeated endlessly. He just hadn’t anticipated hearing it from his sister. “Didn’t I just hear you say ‘screw it’ to expectations?”
“Yes. But I’m not the one currently acting as king. Things are drastically different now. Papa’s actions have caused a need for you to react. To step up. To stop stalling in your bride search.”
He cut to the chase. “To stop having fun.”
“With women? I think so.” She kissed him on the cheek, then whispered, “I’m sorry,” in his ear.
The Prince and Princess of Monaco tapped in at that point, eager to be introduced to Kelsey. Christian knew the rules. The royal family wasn’t allowed to clump together. They had to divide and conquer. So he left his sisters and started making the rounds.
A two-minute conversation with one cluster of guests, followed by a three-minute dance. And…repeat.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Christian did enjoy a brief respite chatting with the admiral of the Royal Navy. He even managed five whole minutes with Elias, introducing Theo to more of their friends. After spending much of his life abroad, the man had decided to stay in Moncriano, with Genny. Although it was obvious Theo was head over heels for his sister, Christian wanted to stack the deck to make sure he didn’t regret his decision to stay.
Then Sir Kai handed him a glass of champagne and discreetly murmured that Lady Francine was looking forward to dancing with him. Back to duty.
Others looked at the ball as fun, as the social event of the season.
For Christian, it was work. For the most part, he genuinely enjoyed the chance to talk with everyone. To catch up, to get a read on their subjects, to offer help and sympathy, or share a laugh and congratulations. That was the good part.
But he didn’t have to look in the floor-to-ceiling mirrors that lined one wall to know that everyone was watching