Page 52 of The Royal Engagement

“It doesn’t anymore,” I admit. “I’m happy now.”

“Prince Damek makes you happy,” Sophia says. “I’m glad to hear. Out of all of us, you’re the one who deserves to marry a prince. You’ll make a great queen.”

My stomach twists at the word ‘queen.’

Someday, I will be a queen. And it won’t be just in name, not since Damek fought for us to have equal rights in his clan.

I still can’t believe he did that for me.

Harper, Willow, and Paisley all giggle at something Julien said. I look over and see that all three of my cousins are looking at him like he hung the moon.

“Should we do something about that?” Sophia asks, nodding toward Julien.

I roll my eyes. “No. Let them have their fun. Julien thinks he can keep up with a succubus, so I guess we’ll find out.”

She raises an eyebrow at that. “Maybe he could keep up with an ordinary succubus, but we’re from the royal family. I doubt he can keep up with our crazy family.”

She’s not wrong. But if anybody can keep up with them, it’s Julien.

I look at him and see Harper kissing him on the cheek.

“Oh, come on,” I say. “That’s gross.”

Julien laughs. “Jealous, Maddie? You should call Damek and have him come over.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “He’s in meetings with his dad tonight. He knew I’d be busy with dress shopping.”

However, if he knew my cousins were here, he might change his mind and come over anyway. After our disaster engagement party, I don’t think he trustsanyof my family. Not that I blame him. If Damek’s family talked to him like my family does to me, I’d want to protect him too.

“Isn’t Prince Damek just dreamy?” Harper asks him, sighing.

Julien narrows his eyes. “I liked you better when you thought I was dreamy.”

“Oh, you are!” She squeezes his bicep.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” I say loud enough for Julien to hear.

Julien chuckles but ignores me.

I turn back to Sophia. “Who thought it was a good idea to introduce them to Julien?”

“That was you.” She taps something on her phone and then turns the screen to face me. “You look so beautiful in your dress. You’re going to make a stunning bride. And you’ll be the first of us to marry! I imagine all the cousins will be more serious when it comes to dating now.”

I glance at the dress, my heart warming at the sight.

It was definitely the right choice. I hope it makes Damek’s jaw drop.

“And to be married at twenty-three.” Sophia puts her phone away. “It’s so young.”

“I turn twenty-four soon after the wedding,” I remind her.

She waves a hand. “You’re still practically a baby.”

I laugh.

Sophia is younger than I am by two years. But she’s right. Twenty-three is scandalously young for a succubus to marry.

“I think it’s a good age to marry,” I say. “I feel ready.”

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