Page 54 of The Reluctant Heir

Is he complaining that I spent time with Damek? He doesn’t like that I enjoyed my time with a royal?

“I thought you’d be happy.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I like Damek.”

“Youlikehim?” Kaine practically shouts at me, like I’ve done something wrong.

“Yes. I like him.” I stand up straighter. “Do you have a problem with him? He’s a royal. And he’s on your approved list of potential husbands. And, like I said, Iactuallylike him.”

“He’s… okay.” Kaine wrinkles his nose like he’s not at all ‘okay’ with Damek. “I just didn’t think Prince Damek would be your type.”

“Oh? Then who would you choose then?” I wave a hand at him. “Please enlighten me.”

He scoffs. “I’m not going to answer that. You’re belligerent. Anything I say will only further enrage you.”

Belligerent? He thinks I’m belligerent?

I huff and turn to walk to my room. I notice I’m walking heavy enough for it to appear like I’m stomping. I pause, turn to face Kaine, and say, “I’mnotstomping.” I then turn and continue my walk, making sure my footsteps are much lighter.

I will not let Kaine’s poor attitude ruin my night.

Just as I get to the top of the stairs, I notice Julien standing there watching me with a bemused expression.

“What?” I ask him. “Are you going to critique my dating choices too?”

He shakes his head. “No, no. I’m just… amused.”

“Did you hear what Kaine said?” I ask.

“Yes.” Julien’s smirk grows.

“Why is he acting like that? He knows I have to choose a royal. Why can’t he just be happy for me?” I cross my arms over my chest. “He’s such a jerk.”

Julien just chuckles.

“Why are you laughing?” I throw my hands up. “You’re my brother. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“Sorry,” he says, clearing his throat. “It’s just funny to watch. You have absolutely no idea.”

“No idea about what?”

But Julien is already turning and walking down the hallway toward his room. “Good morning, big sister.”

I follow behind him. “Come on.”

He just grins and shuts the door to his room. I think about barging in like he always does to my room but I hear the lock click in place.

I sigh, turning to go into my room.

Fine. Whatever. I didn’t want to talk to him anyway.

I smile, realizing that Damek will be calling me soon. I rush into my room and quickly get ready for bed so I can wait for his call.

When I hearthe doorbell ring that night, my heart races.

I wonder if that’s Damek…

I take one last quick look in the mirror before darting out of my room. I pass Julien in the hallway and say a quick ‘hey’ as I race past him. When I get to the foyer, I find Kaine standing there, talking with Damek. Kaine has a scowl on his face that nearly has me skidding to a stop, but Damek’s relaxed expression keeps my feet moving.

What is wrong with Kaine and why is he being so antagonistic toward Damek? I thought he would be happy that I was showing favor toward a royal. After all, isn’t this marriage thing what he’s been bugging me about since I got here?

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