Page 15 of Royal Trouble
Nothing like a run-in with an estranged half sister to leave a girl feeling some kind of way.
She wasn’t sure how to feel about Katherine’s request for coffee. It was completely unexpected. It had never occurred to her that either of her siblings might want to get to know her. They certainly hadn’t made any overtures in the past, but then again, neither had she. Her mother had made it clear her father didn’t want her interfering with his family and that the funds for her schooling were contingent on toeing the line. Was it possible he and the duchess had given their children the same rules?
Did it even matter?
What was done was done. They couldn’t change the past, and even if they could, Everly wasn’t ready to forgive and forget.
She squared her shoulders, but before she could decide on a course of action, a haughty blonde stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
Charlotte Dupont.
For fuck’s sake. She couldn’t catch a break today.
“I didn’t want to believe the rumors,” Lotte said, her words cool and clipped, “but I guess it’s true what they say: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
The insult landed like a blow, and her temper flared to life, reminding her of every hateful insult the other woman had ever thrown her way. In the past, she’d always turned her back on such vitriol, refusing to give credence to the whispered insults and attacks, but she wasn’t a kid anymore, and she wasn’t going to swallow her pain.
“Funny,” Everly said, arching a brow as she recalled the court gossip Lucy had shared, “I was just going to say the same thing about you.” Anger flashed in Lotte’s eyes, but her predatory smile never faltered. “Still, it must suck to reach for the crown only to watch it slip through your conniving fingers like sand in an hourglass.”
They were the same height, but somehow Lotte managed to look down her nose at Everly as she leaned in close. “If you’ve come to seduce His Royal Highness Prince Alexander, you’re wasting your time.”
She nearly howled. Lotte’s assessment of the situation couldn’t be further from the truth. The only thing she wanted from Xander was a headline.
At least now she knew Lotte’s agenda. According to Lucy, Lotte had attempted to worm her way into Prince William’s heart and failed. Did that mean she’d now set her sights to Xander? Well, she could have him.
After I get my story.
“I have no interest in Prince Alexander,” she said, forcing a tight-lipped smile. “But even if I did, it wouldn’t be any of your damn business.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Lotte returned, sweeping her platinum hair over her shoulder. “His Royal Highness, Prince Alexander and I are meant to be—”
“Hello, ladies,” Xander said, the smooth greeting putting an end to their bitter rivalry. Lotte’s face transformed instantly from ice queen to adoring courtier, and Everly made a mental note to thank Xander later. It was entirely possible he’d prevented a homicide. “Lady Dupont, you’re looking as lovely as ever.”
Lotte gushed at the praise, and it was all Everly could do not to gag.
Then Xander turned to her with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “It’s good to see you, Everly. I’m glad you decided to make use of that ticket.”
“It seemed like a shame to let it go to waste.” She shrugged, feigning nonchalance even as her belly flipped. “Besides, I’ve never been to a polo match before, and I figured it doesn’t get much better than a royal matchup.”
“You figured right,” he said conspiratorially. “The rivalry between my team and Prince William’s is the stuff of legends.”
“I’ll be cheering for you today,” Lotte interjected, batting her eyelashes at Xander.
“Thank you.” Xander flashed her a dashing grin. “Lotte, would you mind if I borrow Everly for a few moments? There’s something I’d like to show her.”
Lotte’s face fell, and she couldn’t deny the rush of satisfaction she felt at seeing the ice queen get the cold shoulder. To her credit, Lotte recovered quickly.
“Of course not,” she said, giving his bicep a squeeze. “And who knows, maybe I’ll see you out on the field at halftime?”
Xander expertly dodged the question and dropped his hand to Everly’s lower back, steering her away from Lotte and the rest of the crowd.
“Thanks for the rescue,” she said, doing her best to ignore the warm press of Xander’s fingers against her bare flesh. His touch was gentle but sure. Not demanding, but…inviting, as if he weren’t confident she wouldn’t bolt on him, given the chance. It was a surprising glimpse of vulnerability from such a self-assured man. “If I’d stayed there much longer, it’s entirely possible I would have strangled Lotte with the strap of her purse.”
Xander smirked. “There are those at court who would consider it a public service, myself included.”
Everly laughed. “Really? To hear Lotte tell it, you two have something special.” She watched Xander for a reaction. Because it could be a good story angle, not because she cared if he and Lotte were involved.
He stopped in his tracks and turned to her, meeting her gaze with an intensity she hadn’t imagined him capable of. “I only have eyes for one woman, and it’s not Charlotte Dupont.”