Page 38 of A Royal Mistake

Their Majesties—or more likely Her Majesty—had gone all out. From the looks of it, she’d spared no expense for Pippa’s society debut. The ballroom was overflowing with white roses, their sweet perfume masking the scent of too many sweaty bodies dancing the night away. There were flowers everywhere. Floral arrangements on the refreshment tables. Perched on golden stands. There were even delicate white garlands hanging from the damn ceiling. It was completely over the top, transforming the gilded blue-and-gold ballroom into a veritable conservatory lit by enormous crystal chandeliers.

She might’ve found the transformation impressive if it weren’t all for her.

“Such a sourpuss,” Liam said, flashing his teeth. “With so many eligible bachelors in our midst, I thought you’d be in better spirits.”

“The only thing that will put me in better spirits is getting my hands on my trust fund,” she grumbled, snatching a strawberry tartlet off Xander’s plate. “Until then, I reserve the right to remain a salty.”

She bit into the tart, the buttery crust melting on her tongue even as the sweetness of the strawberries hit her taste buds, making her eyes roll back in her head.

“I need another one of those tartlets.” She turned back to the table in search of more strawberry goodness. Strawberries had always been her favorite fruit, and the palace chefs used them in a variety of dishes this time of year. Whether it was pastries or salad, she was here for it.

“You need to go dance with your guests,” Xander said, a teasing lilt to his words.

“Can’t you see I’m taking a break?” She stuffed another tart into her mouth.

Sweet Jesus. She could barely breathe. Maybe it was time to lay off the refreshments.

Liam chuckled quietly. “I don’t think you get a break tonight. Not with the ten-to-one ratio.”

A server walked by with a tray of champagne, and Pippa grabbed a glass, tossing it back in a single gulp.

“Thank you so much for your concern.” She gave Liam a sweet smile. “But you don’t get a vote in the matter. Besides, Miquel the Mountain crushed all my toes during the waltz. I’m no good to anyone now. Damaged goods.”

Xander snorted. “I don’t think it’s your toes that interest them.”

“You’re such a pig,” she shot back, realizing for the first time that her brothers were alone. Lena and Evie were nowhere to be seen. “Why are you bugging me? Shouldn’t you be on the dancefloor, showcasing your impeccable ballroom dancing skills?”

“I wish,” Xander grumbled. “Sadly, Evie’s not impressed by the waltz. Or the foxtrot.” He held a hand up to his mouth and stage whispered, “Flo Rida’s more her style, but I’m going to wait until the wedding to tell Mother.”

In spite of herself, Pippa giggled. She loved Evie so hard. Her brothers had really lucked out in the love department. Why couldn’t she have a bit of that for herself?

Talk about unfair.

“Incoming.” Liam took a step back, a smile lifting the corner of his lips.

She spun to see HRH Gabriel, Prince of Asses, making his approach. The man was on a mission, his gaze laser focused on her.

“Save me,” she begged Liam, not caring if she sounded desperate. “Just one dance.”

“Sorry, Bunny. I’ve got to find my wife.” He touched her arm gently. “Besides, I think we both know there’s no getting out of this. You’re going to have to see it through to the end.”

Pippa groaned.

Why did Liam always have to be so damn reasonable?

“Your Highnesses.” Gabriel bowed stiffly, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn.

At least he had good manners. And the man could rock a tux, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be alone with him.

“If you’ll excuse us, we were just going to take our leave,” Xander said, brazenly winking at Pippa as he threw her to the wolves.

Seriously? Did he really think he was being helpful?

“Then my timing is perfect,” Gabriel replied, turning to focus solely on Pippa. “Would you honor me with a dance, Your Highness?”

“Oh, my—”

“She’d love to,” Liam said, placing a hand on her lower back and gently pushing her forward.