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But no.
“I’ve got another wedding next week,” Lyra says casually. “I wondered if you were up for a trip to Toronto.”
It’s not the first time Lyra has asked me to escort her to events or parties. In fact, we’ve always been an unofficial pair most of our lives for castle events. “Anyone I know?” I ask rather than refusing.
Am I ready to refuse her?
“My friends Tad and Demi. I think you met him, he’s friends with Mase Stirling and knows Fenella. I think he was here for the grand opening.”
“I met them.”
“Demi was on The Suitor—”
“With Odin?”
“No, that was The Suitorette. Demi left halfway through because of Tad. It’s a sweet story. You should come with me.”
I study Lyra, trying to see if there’s more to her invitation than a simple request for an escort. We are friends; she is my best friend’s sister. And then there’s her renewed friendship with my sister.
Princess Lyra is unquestionably beautiful, with her father’s ability to charm and her mother’s poise and grace. But there’s a restlessness to Lyra that’s growing over the years. She needs someone in her life to help her focus, to act like an anchor when she drifts off-course.
I always thought I would end up being that anchor. I hoped someday she would see me as more than Spencer, son of Duncan, and helper of the royal family.
For the first time, I don’t feel much hope of that changing.
And then I look over at where Abigail has Tema in her arms. There’s something between me and Abigail. There always has been.
Maybe it’s time I find a new hope.
“I don’t think I’m able to do that,” I tell Lyra slowly.
Has Abigail stolen Spencer's heart from Lyra?