Page 21 of A Royal Mistake
After all, she was the one who’d been robbed of what surely would have been a scorching hot kiss from a man who actually took an interest in what she had to say. A man who was kind and thoughtful, who believed in her and didn’t discount her as the lovely, useless Crown Jewel of Valeria. A man who wasn’t on the palace-approved list of suitors.
“This twelve-to-one ratio isn’t working,” she said, trying a different approach. Sarah was a practical woman. She’d just have to appeal to her pragmatic nature. “We need to try something else. I can’t even remember their names, let alone learn anything meaningful about them.”
Not that she cared to, but she had to keep up appearances. That was the deal.
“What do you have in mind?” Sarah asked carefully, eyes sweeping the lawn over Pippa’s shoulder.
“Speed dating.” Sarah’s jaw dropped and she gave herself a mental high five for catching the unflappable protection officer off guard. “It’ll be far more efficient than milling around the garden, making small talk all afternoon. It’s too bloody hot for this nonsense.”
Suspicion flickered in the other woman’s eyes. “I sincerely doubt Her Majesty would approve.”
She grinned and planted a hand on her hip. “Then I guess it’s a good thing she’s having a spa day.”
Sarah snorted. “After the stunt with the motorcycle, do you really think I’m going to help you turn Her Majesty’s carefully planned party into a trashy reality show?” Sarah clenched her teeth. “I’m already on thin ice. Her Majesty would have my head for indulging a stunt like this. It’s not dignified.”
As if any of this is dignified?
Pippa chewed her lower lip. If she wanted to get out from under her parents’ thumbs, she needed to win Sarah over. She spent more time with the protection officer than with anyone else.
“How long have you been on my security detail, Sarah?” She knew the answer, of course, but she wanted to hear her say the words.
“Nearly twelve years,” the guard answered without hesitation, a note of pride in her voice.
Sarah had been with Pippa during some of the most difficult years of her life. She’d been there for her first period, her first kiss, and plenty of awkward moments in between. During that time, she’d come to care for and respect Sarah, but if the feelings weren’t mutual, she couldn’t allow the woman to remain in her service.
“I appreciate your service, Sarah, and I care for you like family, but I’m not a child anymore. I am a grown woman, and if you cannot respect that fact and treat me like an adult, then I will have no choice but to have you reassigned.” Sarah started to protest, but she held up a hand. “I need someone in my service who is loyal to me and who will protect my interests above all others.”
Including Their Majesties.
The guard’s jaw clenched and guilt clawed at her conscience. She didn’t want to have Sarah reassigned. She wasn’t even sure she’d have the nerve to go through with it, but she had to take a stand.
Pippa straightened her spine and squared her shoulders, trying to look confident as Sarah weighed her options.
Finally, the guard nodded, and it was all she could do not to sag with relief.
“My first loyalty is always to you, Your Highness, but I won’t stand quietly by while you put yourself in danger.” Sarah arched a brow, an unspoken insinuation that Pippa had done just that with Henry.
“I would expect nothing less,” she agreed diplomatically.
She’d just have to make sure she didn’t get caught next time.
Pippa quickly explained her plan for speed dating. When she was done, Sarah and the other guards went about setting up a table and gathering ten long-stemmed roses from the garden as instructed. Her mother would have a fit when she learned her garden party had gone pear-shaped.
A satisfied smile spread over her face and the thrill of victory surged in her veins.
When she returned to the group of bachelors, they were arguing about who would make the most suitable match for her, although none of them had actually taken the time to get to know her.
What was next? Would they whip out their swords and duel?
She should be so lucky.
Pippa cleared her throat and, when she was satisfied she had their undivided attention, she dropped the hammer. “In order to get to know each of you better and to determine which of you are fit to continue with the courtship process, I’ll be meeting with each of you privately for five minutes.” Dismay rippled through the group, along with a few gasps of surprise, but she pressed on, speaking over their rumbled complaints. “During that time, we can discuss whatever you wish, but when the hour is up, two of you will be going home.”
“Five minutes?” Prince Dominik said, shaking his head in disbelief. “That’s hardly enough time to determine a good match.”
Several of the men agreed, but Pippa just lifted a shoulder.
“I’m confident I can determine if we have chemistry in under five minutes, but I suggest you use your time wisely, gentlemen.” Feeling brazen, she grinned and pointed to the Spanish heir. “You’re first.”