Page 22 of The Royal Engagement

I have a crush on Damek. And from the way he watches me with those brown eyes that seem to glow, I don’t have to question if he feels the same. Iknowhe does.

The moment is ruined when my cousin, Eleanor, leans across the table and flashes Damek a grin that I’m certain most men can’t resist. “It’s so nice to meet the man who was able to tempt our homely cousin. She’s never had a man interested in her before.” She winks at him. “I hope you’re not too tempted by all of her succubi cousins.”

Damek’s nostrils flare. He takes a deep breath before responding. “Quite the contrary, every vampire clan wanted Madeline. I’m honored that she chose me.” He kisses me on the cheek.

Eleanor’s smile slips off her face, but she forces it back. “That’s great to hear.” She sits back in her seat, her mood somber.

I don’t believe Eleanor has ever been turned down before. It must be hard on her ego.

“You must forgive my granddaughters, Prince Damek,” Grandpa says. “My granddaughters don’t interact much with other supernaturals.”

Damek clenches his jaw. “Is that why hybrids, specifically Maddie, are treated so poorly?”

Grandpa grins. “Ah, young love. It’s so beautiful to witness.”

After dinner, the evening is only ‘just beginning.’ A string quartet starts playing a familiar tune and the guests, of whom are almost all related to me, begin dancing. Damek is asked by no less than five of my cousins for a dance. Even while we are dancing, multiple cousins offer to ‘rescue’ him from me. For some reason, I think they’d like to rescue him from more than just dancing.

“I don’t mind if you want to dance with any of my cousins,” I tell him. It’s a lie, but I don’t want him to feel guilty if he wants to dance with them. I know exactly how alluring a succubus can be.

“I don’t even want to be in the same room as your cousins,” Damek says through gritted teeth.

I stare at him in disbelief.

He actually means that.

I can hardly believe it as I look up at him.

He tightens his grip around my waist. “You don’t believe them, do you? You can’t think that your cousins are more… alluring… or more beautiful than you.”

“Of course I believe that.” I lower my head, not wanting to look into his eyes. I felt so confident when the night began and he was watching me, but after all of my cousins came up to us, I feel less confident.

Damek deserves somebody great because he is great. He deserves a lot more than a hybrid.

One hand leaves my waist and he gently puts his finger under my chin and nudges it up so that I’m looking at him. His brown eyes are glowing in the dim light of the room. All of his attention and focus is on me.

“I promise you, your cousins who are fully succubi don’t hold a candle to you.” Damek rests his forehead against mine. “Sometimes when I look at you, I can’t believe that I get to marry you. It still doesn’t feel real. I don’t deserve you. But, somehow, you chose me. Yes, I chose you. But make no mistake, you were the one with all the alliance options.”

I open my mouth, then close it.

I know Damek’s father had many alliance opportunities before me. But he’s right. I did choose him. We chose each other. My cousins can flirt all they want, but Damek is mine.

We dance for a while longer before stepping off the the side for a drink. When I spot Violet and Olivia making their way through the crowd, my entire body stiffens.

I was hoping I could get a break for a few minutes. I should’ve known better though. My cousins have been ruthless their whole life when it comes to me and tonight is no exception to that rule.

“Madeline, why don’t you introduce us to your betrothed.” Violet wiggles her eyebrows.

“Yeah, introduce us,” Olivia repeats, her voice low and sultry. I’ve heard her use this tone when trying to impress a guy.

I take a deep breath. “This is my fiancé, Prince Damek. Damek, this is Violet and Olivia.” I point at each of them as I introduce them to Damek. “We used to work together for my grandfather.”

“We’re just so thrilled that our cousin was able to get engaged, especially with her looks,” Olivia says.

“Try not to be too put off by her ugly appearance. She has a great personality.” Violet winks at me like she’s paying me a compliment.

Olivia steps closer to Damek, putting her hand on his bicep. “Nobody would blame you if you wanted to break off the engagement after meeting a real succubus.”

Damek yanks his arm free and takes a step back.

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