Page 55 of The Reluctant Heir

I’ve heard the speech so many times I can spout it from memory—about how it’s my ‘duty’ to marry somebody strong enough to help protect our clan. And it’s important to have ‘strong’ heirs to take over someday.

When I enter the foyer, Damek turns his attention to me. His neutral expression instantly changes and he smiles widely. Kaine also turns to me, his frown deepening. I try to ignore him as I approach Damek.

“Madeline,” Damek says as I approach. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”

I smile up at him. “Thanks.”

Kaine clears his throat. “Princess Madeline, why is Prince Damek here? I didn’t schedule anything today. I figured you deserved a day off before the process begins again next weekend.”

I turn to face him. “What do you mean before the process begins again?”

He raises an eyebrow. “I figured we could talk this week and narrow down the selection. We could discuss who you and I think are good candidates.”

Did he just imply that his input intomyfuture husband is important? Does he think I’m going to let him have a say in this?

I take a deep breath through my nose and slowly exhale. “You can’t be serious.”

Damek takes a step back. “I’m starting to understand why you tried to punch him.”

I smirk at Damek but then turn back to Kaine. “I’m hanging out with Damek tonight because I want to. Maybe you shouldspend the night thinking about how to word things in the future. It’smychoice, not yours.”

“Technically, it’s your father’s choice,” Kaine interrupts.

I cross my arms over my chest, narrowing my eyes at him.

He holds up his hands. “Whatever you say. Just stay out of your bedroom.” He turns to glare at Damek. “If I hear you’ve done anything untoward to our princess, there will be trouble,PrinceDamek.” He spouts Damek’s title like a sneer.

I want to scold Kaine for being rude but before I get the chance he turns and walks off, leaving Damek and me in the foyer alone.

I turn to face Damek, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I wasn’t going to ask you to come to my bedroom, just so you know.”

“Trust me, Madeline, I won’t take anything that guy says to heart,” Damek promises, taking a step closer. “So… he’s your advisor?”

I nod. “Technically he was Lucien’s advisor and I got stuck with him. But, yes.”

“I’m sorry,” he says. “That you have to put up with him.”

I shrug, trying to show it’s not a big deal. “He’s not usually so bad. He spends most of our time together teaching me about vampire history and law. I’m afraid I didn’t know much before I came here.” I offer my hand to him and he accepts, lacing our fingers together. “Do you want to hang out in the basement? There is a lounge where we can watch a movie or hang out or whatever we want. Nobody ever goes down there so we should have some privacy.”

“I’d like that,” Damek answers.

I lead him from the foyer. Just as we’re about to walk down the stairs that lead to the basement, we pass Kaine. He’s scowling as he talks to somebody on the phone. When he sees us,his back straightens. He shoots us a glare before stomping in the opposite direction.

“I wonder what his problem is,” I mumble, as we start walking down.

“I think I know.”

I look over my shoulder at Damek. “Really?”

“It’s nothing.” He shakes his head.

Nothing?

Julien seems to know something that I don’t too. I wonder what conclusion they could’ve possibly come to.

I stop at the bottom of the stairs and turn to face Damek. “You don’t…” my words trail off as I search for the right words. “You’re not worried that Kaine’s opinion will change how I feel about you, right?”

He shrugs. “Heisyour advisor.”

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