Page 69 of A Royal Mistake

Her declaration was cut off by the ear-piercing shriek of Sarah’s air horn.

Game. On.

Whoomp!

Splat!

Gabriel jerked forward, issuing a stream of curses that would’ve made Henry’s own father—who prided himself on his colorful language—blush.

“What the fuck?” The prince reached around to touch his lower back. His fingers came away green, and they all turned to the gazebo, where the count stood, wide-eyed, his marker leveled at Gabriel.

Pippa giggled, trying and failing to cover her mouth with the facemask in place.

The count gave a weak smile. “Did I do that?”

“You shot me,” Gabriel growled. “In the back!”

“Sorry.” The count quickly lowered his weapon, cheeks cherry red. “The, uh, horn startled me.”

Verdammt.

One down, four to go.

“It’s my first time playing, but I think the idea is to shoot the other team,” Pippa offered helpfully.

Henry groaned.

It’s going to be a long fucking morning.

17

Sweat trickleddown Pippa’s brow, burning her eyes. The navy jumpsuits were good for protecting clothing and skin, but they were dreadfully hot. Every inch of her was soaked in sweat. It ran down her back, pooled between her breasts, and even gathered in the crack of her arse.

Talk about undignified.

Hopefully she didn’t have a sweat stain on her backside. The queen would positively die of shame.

Pippa snorted, filing the idea away for later use.

“You still with me?” Henry called over his shoulder.

“Right behind you.”

Enjoying the best view in the garden.

Henry turned—like he needed to see her to confirm she was, in fact, right behind him—and caught her staring at his arse. He smirked, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

Pippa lifted a shoulder.

Who could blame her for looking? Henry had a damn fine arse, and while the coveralls might be ugly as sin, they perfectly accentuated the firm, round globes of his backside when he crouched down on his haunches.

“Checking out my Arsch again, princess?”

“Just taking in the view.”

“Ask me nicely, and I’ll give you the scenic tour later.” He paused, glancing around, always on alert and aware of his surroundings. “After we win, of course.”

Pippa’s lips quivered. “Of course.”