couples, seeing how little love was between any of them, cracked my chest. They continued because of tradition, what others thought of them, resigned to their situation. No one was truly happy.
I didn’t want to be them, speaking to my daughter in the same resolute tone, set in my misery.
“I think Theo is about to play.” Landen grabbed my arm. “We should go watch.”
“Yes. We should.” Mina nodded frantically, herding me away from my family.
“Blimey, I hate him,” Landen exclaimed, anger pinching his face, reddening his cheeks. “What an utter wanker!”
“Landen…”
“No, Spence. That was fucked up! How dare he say those things just because he’s a miserable bastard.”
“Sadly, though, did he say anything that wasn’t true?”
“Theo’s not like that.” Mina shook her head.
“A lot of people don’t start out like that. But it happens. A lot.” The memory of Lord William’s foul breath was still vivid, his touch echoing on my skin.
My eyes scanned over the polo field, locating the person I didn’t even realize I was looking for.
Lennox stood watch, his arms crossed in front of him, his rigid form solid against the building, trying to blend into the background.
Hilarious, because nothing about him blended in or could go unnoticed. He wore sunnies, but I knew his gaze was on me. Watching. Assessing every person, noise, and movement.
Tucking hair behind my ear, I watched him from under my lashes.
“This group looks like they need a drink.” Eloise’s voice snapped me back to my circle. She waltzed up, of course looking as perfect as a princess. Her hair was twisted into a chignon, her makeup and dress flawless. A twinkle of trouble sparked in her eyes. “Lord, I’ve had enough of preening and prancing for the cameras. Time to drink and take bets. Any takers?” She pounced up, leaving my two friends speechless and shell-shocked.
I laughed, watching them blink at her in bewilderment.
“Right, I haven’t met you two yet.” She winked at Landen. “But any friends of my future sister-in-law are friends of mine.” She took the champagne glass out of Mina’s hand and finished it off. “Friends share, right?”
“Y-yes, Your Highness.” Mina gaped. At Alton, Theo had become a person, Mina and Landen getting over their awe of him, but Eloise was treated like a celebrity by the press. Her impeccable charm and grace left the reporters gaga over her, and they put her on a pedestal.
All an act.
Now I knew the real girl, and I liked this one so much better.
“Eloise, this is my cousin Landen. And my best friend, Mina.”
They both stared at her.
“I think you broke them.”
She grinned, looping her arms with them. “Either one of you want to make a wager? I’m taking bets. And let me give you some first-time advice: Don’t bet on the prince. Theo’s actually not that good.” She tugged them toward the bar set up under a canopy.
Getting drinks, she turned to me. “You most certainly need one.”
“Chloe told me not to drink.”
“Fuck Chloe.” She rolled her eyes. “She’s an uptight bitch. Wouldn’t know fun if it slapped her.” Eloise moved in close to me, her voice going low. “Plus, you will learn,” she opened her purse, showing a flask tucked inside, “This is the only way we can get through these insufferable events.”
“Theo, Spencer, look over here!”
“Spencer! Spencer!”
“When did you meet?”
“How long have you been together? Did you date in secret?”
“Any plans to get engaged soon?”
“Spencer, how are you handling all the hateful things being said about you on social media?”
“How was introducing your parents to the king and queen?”
“When will there be a royal wedding?”
“Any plans for children right away?”
“Who do you want to design your wedding dress?”
People yelled at us, microphones stuffed at us from all angles, TV cameras and photographers vying for our attention. The relentless clicking of cameras drummed along with the jumbled voices running over and through each other to be the one heard, to be the outlet that got a response.
Easy, simple questions about enjoying the day led to wondering if I moved in with Theo yet, then jumped to babies and wedding dresses.
It was like I was in a cage, but hundreds of arms were reaching in trying to touch me. My breath clipped in my lungs, and I could feel Theo’s hand rub up and down my spine, trying to calm me.
“So, tell us, Theo! When will you propose?”
The paparazzi went quiet, everyone wanting to know the answer to that question.
“Guys, let’s take it easy and enjoy the polo match and