Page 67 of The Reluctant Heir

“I’m not supposed to be fun,” he says. “For the thousandth time, I’m your advisor.”

The next evening,when I see Julien at breakfast, he’s got a smug expression on his face—one that I can read all too well. He’s got something he wants to tease me about. But what could I have possibly done to deserve the ribbing from him?

I find out, once he gets me alone.

“You and Kaine looked cozy last night.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “What are you talking about?”

One side of his lips turns up in the corner. “I saw the two of you cuddling in your bed last night.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. We were just talking. After everything that happened with Queen Rune last night, he was just consoling me.”

Julien frowns. “She was a real jerk. You know what she said wasn’t true, right?”

I nod, chewing on my bottom lip. “I know in theory.”

Julien puts his hands on my shoulders. “I know that I joke about how you’re beautiful because I’m beautiful and we look alike. But, Maddie, I’m not joking. You are beautiful. I know it. Prince Damek knows it. Heck, even Queen Rune knows it. She’s probably just jealous because the queen that eventually takes her place will be far more beautiful than she’s ever dreamt of being.”

My heart swells. “Julien.”

He gives me a look. “I’m serious. Don’t try to argue. Just accept the compliment. I love you, Maddie.”

“I love you, too.” I lean into him and he wraps his arms around me.

I never knew what I was missing out on by being an only child. Having Julien by my side is the best. I just hope we can find Lucien so I can get to know him too.

“You know, you could always just ditch Prince Damek and marry Kaine,” Julien teases.

I pull back to look at him. “First of all, no I can’t. I have to marry a royal. Second, Kaine would never agree to that. He’s way too dedicated to his role to consider something like that. His duty comes first.”

Julien’s grin widens. “It sounds like you’ve given this some thought.”

I scoff. “We’re not having the discussion right now. It’sKainewe’re talking about.”

He furrows his brows. “You know that I’m a vampire, right?”

“So?”

“So…” he gives me an amused look. “I happened to be in the hallway when Kaine was giving you his speech about you being beautiful.”

My cheeks grow warm. “Oh.”

“Never mind the fact that you called him hot.” Julien’s smirk grows into a full grin. “If you decide to run away and marry your advisor, I want you to know that I’m a supportive brother. Also, invite me to the wedding.”

I gently shove his shoulder. “I’m not marrying Kaine. He’d probably completely freak out if he heard you talking like that. It’s not like that with us. He was just trying to help me feel better after what Queen Rune said. Besides, in case you’ve forgotten, the guy is helping me choose a husband.”

“Oh, I remember.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Maybe name your firstborn after me.”

I roll my eyes again. “You’re annoying.”

“Yet, you still love me.”

19

MY DUTY

Once I leave Julien, I head to the office where I know Kaine will be waiting. He’s always at least twenty minutes early for work. I think it annoys him that I always arrive just on time.

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