Page 3 of Reign or Shine

Torn between concern for her and utter confusion as to why she has a large ball of hair with her, I give my guards a wide-eyed look before carefully sitting on the bed again. I was completely dumbfounded as to who this woman was and why she was here.

After what feels like an hour her cough dies down, leaving her with hiccups. The room lapses into silence.

Her face is still a rosy hue, but I think that’s more from embarrassment now than lack of oxygen.

I’m about to speak when I notice she’s taking all of me in. Her eyes lock on my suit and the medals I have pinned on my lapel. I’m not a huge fan of the sash I have to wear at formal events, but with the way her eyes trail down, following the red fabric, I could have a change of heart.

I watch as the muscles in her arms contract and release the ball of hair she’s holding, fascinated by the power I see there. She’s petite, but strong. Slowly she straightens, her startling green eyes dancing around the room, noting my security team.

I’m surprised again when her arms fall to her sides and she throws her head back to burst out in laughter. I can feel my guards looking at me for direction on what to do, but I can’t seem to tear my eyes off of her.

“Oh my goodness! You scared the bejesus out of me.” She continues to laugh through her words. “That was a good one.” Her mossy orbs pin me in place, her smile doing something to my stomach that I hadn’t felt in years.

“I’m sorry?” I start to say, not understanding what she’s referring to or why she’s in my suite.

Waving a hand at me, she stands and quickly places the hairball down and grabs another shinny fabric, shoving the material over her head, finishing dressing. “Nah, don’t worry about it. I get it. I’m the newb. It was a pretty cool entrance though.”

Well that didn’t clear up anything.

“Tallie told me there might be a bit of fun teasing or whatever since I was new. Well, I’m a temp—you know that. It’s all in good fun.”

Slipping on what looks like the fourth and final layer of her…dress, I think, she turns back to me with a small smirk that twists up only one side of her lips. “I was told there was going to be a Charming joining us for the party but you’re more an Eric. Though your prince costume is on point. Can you get that last button for me?”

Something is wrong with me. I can’t seem to form words, too awestruck by the woman in front of me. I stand at her command, helping secure her dress. The faint scent of oranges and pine hit me. My fingers linger on her neck, already addicted to her soft skin.

“You okay back there?”

I step back, feeling sheepish. When have I ever been at a loss for words? For the appropriate and trained response to any situation?

“Can you help me with this monster?” She doesn’t wait for my answer. Instead, she drops the giant hair ball into my hands and turns her back to me again.

“It’s a wig,” I murmur dumbly.

She snorts. “Duh.”

Yes, duh indeed.

“How,” my voice breaks and I pause to clear it, feeling hot all of a sudden. “How do I do this?”

Gathering her hair with a tie at the base of her neck, the woman shakes her head.

“Raise it high, yes like that, then place it down over my head. Good—no, wait! Okay, ready.” She guides me through the process of putting the heavy wig on. She’s a bossy and direct woman who doesn’t pull her punches. I like that she’s not holding back with me.

“There. How’s that?” My arms are wide, as if I’m presenting her.

“Excellent. Now I just have to survive the afternoon with this mini bowling ball on my head.” Her small laugh has me smiling.

“Damn, look at this sash. It looks like real silk.” Her hand extends to my chest, her soft pink painted nails glittering in the light. Instinctually knowing what’s about to happen, I’m too slow to stop it.

Toby and Jonas jump into action, going for the woman and stopping her from touching me. I need that touch though. I can’t explain why.

She gives a little bark of fright when both men spring into action but it’s quickly cut off as I reach for her hand and pull her to me.

“Are”—she swallows, confusion and a bit of apprehension in her gaze—“are they with you? I was told that there would only be one party prince today since the others were out sick.”

Party prince? I knew she wasn’t talking about me or hinting toward a party reputation. Yet what else…

“You’re here to perform for the party.” It’s a statement. An epiphany.

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