Page 43 of Roaming Holiday

“Uh—yes, I’m fine.”

“You seem… stressed.”

I inhale and subtly lift my posture. “No. I’m okay.” If I’m in her presence any longer, I won’t be able to stop the compulsive images of touching her curves beneath the dress. I fix the cuffs of my white dress shirt as I walk by. “Just enjoy your night, angel.”

It’s not until I’m way past her that she blurts, “Angel?”

I halt. Fuck. Did I say that out loud? I hesitantly lift my gaze. “What?”

“You called me angel.”

“Must be mistaken,” I brush off. There isn’t a chance in hell I’d admit it.

“I’m not,” she says, a cocky hint in her voice. The flirty smile on her lips makes my blood rush south. “But I like it.”

Nina leaves without another word, her heels a clack on the marble. I force myself to continue right away. There are cameras everywhere—and I’ll be lucky if no one overheard that interaction. When I return to the security office, Jack’s lingering stare digs into me, but I do the same thing I’ve been doing about my growing feelings for Nina: I ignore it.

21

NINA

I’m surprised at the relief washing over me when Aunt Beverly arrives. Perhaps it’s the familiar face at a stressful dinner.

Tonight, I genuinely consider my future.

Ever since discovering my lineage, I haven’t considered the history of the crown or its function. I need to learn about the government and understand its fine-tuning. My aunt explains that Maldana has a constitutional monarchy—they’re the face of the country and show strength, courage, and excellence. I don’t know what it means to be a princess, let alone a queen.

But my stomach sinks at the idea of taking this administrative job in September. It’s not what I want. My goal has always been to bridge the gap as a translator, possibly for an organization as big as the United Nations. I love to help people, and my knack for language science is the way I can best help them.

But what if I can do more?

As we wait for the remainder of the guests to arrive, I sit in a lounge area with Maia, Aunt Beverly, and two other early arrivals—George and Nico. George is from the Higher Court’s communications office. He has plenty in mind for what my sister and I can do and is convinced the public will adore us. I’m not eager to find out. Nico, the head of the Lord Chamberlain’s office, explains how he and his people arrange our trips and functions.

“Functions for what?” Maia asks.

Nico gives a hearty laugh. He leans back on the loveseat and sips his liquor. “Everything. The list goes on. Dinners, ceremonies, luncheons. We’re your calendar come to life.”

Maia and I exchange glances. The thought of being busy enough that we need an entire office to manage it is a little more than intimidating. It’s frightening.

Within the next twenty minutes, the heads of the human resources and treasury offices arrive, and so do the staff belonging to them. I ask about Helen’s recovery when she arrives, and she’s pleasantly surprised by the question. By far, she’s the kindest member of the Higher Court by trying to learn more about Maia and me as individuals, while the rest like to dive into business, contrary to what Aunt Beverly had told me. At least twenty-five people fill the room, and I stopped memorizing names after the tenth person.

Despite Wesley being largely out of sight tonight, it’s a comfort knowing that he’s here somewhere. He handles everything with ease and relaxation, and even his distant presence inspires me to emanate that.

When all the guests arrive, we settle at the table in the center of the circular room. Aunt Beverly had taken care to inform the kitchens of my and Maia’s vegetarian diet, and although I’m reluctant to taste the eggplant parmesan, it’s delicious.

The Court becomes more welcoming as the evening goes on, and it’s noticeable that they love Maldanians. Even though they praise the people, I’m skeptical of anyone who holds power like theirs. Should I ask them candid questions about where taxpayer money is spent? Where the funding comes from?

The attention of the gathering is so focused on Maia and me that it’s difficult not to close into myself. My sister, on the other hand, thrives in it considering she typically loves being the center of attention.

Once dessert is served, conversations disperse among the many seating areas around the room. I slip free from my discussion with Helen to head upstairs to the balconies. I’ve been socializing for over two hours and my body is starting to send me warning signs.

I let the fresh air calm my rapid heartbeat. For the first time tonight, I slouch my shoulders and roll out my neck. Tension slowly leaves my body as I spot an alcove overlooking the barely lit garden. I flinch at the sound of shuffling feet behind me.

I huff. “Can you—not now. I need a minute alone.”

“I won’t speak.” Wesley knots his hands in front of him, and although the sight would be a pleasant distraction, I want privacy.

“No,” I insist, waving a hand and gesturing for him to leave. “Go away. Vanish. I need space. You said yourself the palace is heavily guarded—so shoo.”

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