Page 96 of The Backup Princess

“That's two provisos, but I’m in a generous mood because my favorite polo player’s team won today. I'll let you have them both.”

“That’s very generous of you,” he replies with a smile that warms me through.

We wander along the banks of the pond, chatting about the polo match until Alex says, “I need to go back to Villadorata tomorrow.”

His words hit me with unexpected force.

Alex not being here feels…well, it feels plain wrong.

“I thought you were staying until after The Games.”

“I was meant to, but Father needs me to meet with an ambassador, and I have some charity events I want to attend. It’s not for long, and I promise I’ll be back in time for The Games.”

“You wouldn’t want to miss the cheese rolling,” I say.

“There are a few things here I won’t want to miss,” he replies, his eyes on mine, and I swear my heart skips a beat. “The cheese rolling is number one on the list, of course.” His lips quirk.

“That’s only natural. Cheese rolling is a very important sport, I’m told.”

He takes my hand in his, the enormity of his hand dwarfing mine. “It’s the most important of all the cheese-related sports.”

We resume walking along the edge of the pond together, hand in hand. “I didn’t know there were that many cheese-related sports.”

“Oh, yes. There’s cheese rolling, of course, and then there’s cheese tossing, cheese tennis, and my personal favorite, cheese bowling, which can get a little messy.”

I let out a giggle and it ends in a snort. “I bet you’re good at all of them.”

“I don’t put the hours of practice in that my competitors do.”

“Too busy romancing all those women, huh?”

“Well, one woman.”

I press my lips together, my heart giving a little squeeze.

“Will you compete?” he asks, and for a moment I wonder if he means compete with other women for his affections. But then I figure out he means the cheese rolling.

“Sure. Why not? I’m ready for it.”

“You’ve been practicing?”

“Less practicing and more…visualizing.”

He laughs. “You’ve been visualizing rolling cheese down a hill?”

“The best form of practice.”

“I’m sure it is. You have a friend coming to stay at the palace, correct?”

Happiness bubbles up inside of me. “Chloe. She’s my bestie from back home. I’m super excited to see her.”

“I look forward to meeting her.”

“Oh, she’s already half in love with you. She used to show me photos of you when we were in the office. Prince McHottie.”

“I’m not a fan of that nickname.”

“Really? I think it suits you.”

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