Page 31 of The Reluctant Heir

He pauses before saying, “And Prince Damek could be a good marriage potential.”

I lift an eyebrow. “But you said he wasn’t a marriage potential because he’s the heir. And since I’m the heir, I have to marry a spare.”

“I saw you last night with all your dance partners. You looked bored. If you and Prince Damek have any kind of chemistry, you should go for it. Julien could rule our clan and you could be queen of the Rune Clan.” He sighs. “It doesn’t matter. Just do what makes you happy.”

I take a deep breath and nod.

Do what makes me happy. I can handle that.

“I will wait in the car for you,” Kaine says. “It’s probably best that I don’t go in there. Prince Damek is probably mad at me.”

“Right.” I reach for the door handle. I give Kaine a small smile before I get out.

My heart races as I make my way to the front door. I take a couple of calming breaths before I ring the doorbell and I rub my sweaty palms off on the skirt of my dress.

Sorry I punched you.

No, no. That’s lame. I need something heartfelt.

Next time, don’t get in the way of my fist.

Ha, yeah. That’ll really show my sincerity.

A middle aged man in a butler uniform opens the door. He squints his eyes, taking me in.

“Princess Scott?” he asks.

I nod.

He bows to me. “Welcome. Please, come in. I will get King Rune for you.”

I walk inside and start to tell him I’m here to see Damek, but the guy is gone before I can get the words out.

Right. Vampire speed is a thing.

I do have the speed of a vampire, but it’s not something I’ve frequently used. I stand out enough in my family, using my vampire powers would’ve only made it worse. I did occasionally cheat and use it when I was running late.

But now… now I don’t have to hide the vampire side of me. Here, I can be myself.

“Princess Madeline.”

I turn when I hear my name being called. I spot King Rune walking into the foyer. I drop into a curtsy.

“I am so thrilled that you stopped by. Are you here to see Duncan?”

Duncan?

I look at him, my eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. Then I remember that ‘Duncan’ must be Damek’s younger brother.

“Uh, no.” I rub a hand on the back of my neck. “I’m here to see Damek.”

“Damek,” King Rune repeats, rubbing his chin. “I didn’t realize you knew my eldest son.”

“We met last night.” I fold my hands together behind my back. The tightness in my chest relaxes as I realize that Damek didn’t tell his dad that I punched him.

He tilts his head to the side. “You’re not here to see Duncan?”

“No, sorry.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth.

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