Page 107 of Royal Rising

“Deputy,” I correct. “And why not? Dad says he tunes out a lot. His assistant is pretty amazing, and Duncan was there too. I doubt I would be able to do much without having a babysitter.”

“Dunc’s a pretty cool babysitter.”

“That he is.”

Edie turns to look out the window, her hand still resting on mine. “So you wanted to take me curling?”

The way she asks makes me reconsider. “I thought it would be fun.”

“Maybe for you,” she mutters under her breath.

“I heard that. No curling then.”

“I don’t need a big deal made over me,” Edie protests.

I pick up her hand and press my lips to her knuckles. “Maybe I want to.”

She lets out a soft sigh and I kiss her fingers again. “Is it supposed to be like this?”

“Like what?” Reluctantly, I let go of her hand and grip the steering wheel because there is a tree brought down by the storm and the branches lie on the road.

I’m not sure if I’m supposed to do something about that.

I’ve always had a sense of responsibility for the citizens of Laandia, but it’s ramped up since Dad was in the hospital. Now, it’s all I can think about—them and Edie.

I want to make things better for them. I want to make sure they’re happy and content in my country.

My country.

My girl.

My girl, who is currently talking, so I need to pay attention. No tuning out with her, except if it’s during one of those reality shows she watches.

“It’s so easy,” Edie says. “This feels like we’ve been together forever.”

“We’ve been friends for a long time,” I point out. “It’s not much different. Only I get to kiss you whenever I want now.”

“Technically, you could have been kissing me for a long time.”

“Youcould have been kissingme.”

But Edie shakes her head. “I’m not sure if I would have been brave enough to say anything. And even if I did, I honestly don’t know if we’d still be together.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re in a very different headspace now.”

She’s right, but then again, she usually is. I can feel the change in me—my well of anger seems to have slipped away.

It feels good.

“You think you know me so well,” I scoff.

“I think we established that I do know you very well.” She smiles at me, eyes shining. “But I have to admit, I didn’t see this coming. You got me there.”

“Surprises are a good thing.”

“Most of the time.”

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