Page 28 of Prince Cheating Charming

With a raised eyebrow, she handed a cup to me.

“Well, that was surprising,” she acknowledged. “What did you think of that?”

“I don’t know,” I said honestly. “I never thought he’d embarrass himself like that on live television. But that’s what he’s good at. Being charming. And I’ve already fallen for his words before.”

I flicked my phone open to see the headlines from the event getting blasted around the world already.

PLAYBOY KING DECLARES END TO HIS PLAYBOY WAYS

ALEXANDER TO STOP SCREWING SECRETARY

And, most embarrassingly,

ALEXANDER BEGS FOR FORGIVENESS FROM COLD ICE QUEEN WIFE

Magnus was looking out the palace window and stroking his long white beard as he watched Roger sweep all the press, excess cabinet ministers, and tourists out of the palace.

“And to think I assumed he’d just be arm candy,” Magnus said smugly as we watched Roger’s huge bulk gently but forcibly expel everyone from the castle.

I heard a door open behind me and my husband entered the room, striding over to me. Up close, he looked even paler, and he was clenching and releasing his fists convulsively. His chest seemed to be heaving, too, his throat moving, swallowing, over and over.

Alexander raised haunted, deep-shadowed eyes to me, and I could see him catch his breath, waiting for what I would say. Wanting me to forgive him, take him back.

Not a fucking chance.

“Please,” he whispered.

“Archbishop, isn’t this lack of morality really characteristic of our modern times?” I asked instead, turning to Magnus.

“It’s disgraceful, is what it is,” Magnus said with prompt disapproval.

“Shut up, Magnus,” Alexander said through gritted teeth.

I made sure to grab Magnus’ arm dramatically, throwing myself in front of him as if I thought Alexander was going to grab the Archbishop by the scruff of the neck and throw him from the palace.

“Not only an open adulterer, but also disrespectful of the church,” I said.

“Please, Delilah—” Alexander broke in. “Please, sweetheart—"

“St. Constance protect us,” Magnus added. “For our political leaders are full of sin.”

Alexander’s teeth gnashed audibly at this.

“It’s a good thing we are in good standing with St. Constance,” I said. “Maybe if she sends plagues, we’ll be spared. Those of us who attend church.”

“I know your church,” Alexander said irritably to Magnus, and I was interested to see high spots of color on his cut-glass cheekbones, and a muscle throbbing in his jaw. “it’s just an excuse to have a potluck.”

“How dare you!” Magnus said with outrage as Libby covered what looked like a smile on the sidelines. “We observe all of the ordinances and make the proper prayers beforehand.”

Alexander flicked his eyes between us. “If St. Constance is important to you,” he said eagerly. “I will come to every service.”

“St. Constance doesn’t like half-ass lukewarm husbands,” I said. “Those are exactly the kind of people she sends a plague of boils and blood to.”

In one shocking second, Alexander was on his knees in front of me, clutching my hand.

“I will take those fucking plagues. Pray for some motherfucking boils, Archbishop! Because I will do anything to get you back, Delilah.”

“I do not pray for boils on demand,” Magnus said. “Pray for boils yourself.”

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