Page 7 of The Crown

Jo was excited to meet her guests, the two families of Torren citizens.

Hours into the event, after mingling, dinner and speeches, they were gathered for more cocktails before the auction and dancing began. Men surrounded her. They parted as the queen approached. She murmured in Jo’s ear, “Use your spotlight to direct attention.” She indicated the families sitting alone at their tables.

Jo’s eyes widened. “Excellent.” She said to the group. “Come, let me introduce you.”

They followed and the eyes of many in the room did as well. Cameras started flashing again. The queen was very wise. As Jo introduced the children, each told the group of men about what books they were reading and which stories were the best. At one point the youngest child, who seemed to be getting tired, pulled on Jo’s finger. When Jo looked down, the child held her hands up.

Thrilled at such a gesture from a child, she reached to scoop her up in her arms. “Are you sleepy my little friend?”

She nodded and then rested her head on Jo’s shoulder. Jo’s heart melted. From across the room, her eyes met Nico’s and she immediately felt close. He nodded, a warm smile on his lips. Then they were both distracted by someone near.

At last able to sit for a moment, Jo looked to see where Nico had gone. Zani, a new friend at her side, whispered, “Monique.”

Jo followed her eyes and sure enough, Monique had her arm looped around Nico’s, clinging to him. Jo smirked. Nico’s whole posture screamed escape, but Monique wasn’t catching on. Jo sighed. “Is she still determined to gain his attention?”

Zani’s deep dark color shone magnificently against Jo’s pale skin as she rested a hand on her forearm. “Don’t underestimate Monique.” Jo searched Zani’s worried, caring eyes, and she felt a pang of unease inside.

“Ok.” She turned to her. “Thanks.”

The music started and two men approached them. The Baldeez brothers. Each as handsome as the next. Jo had determined it was part of the criteria to be a royal. She wanted to dance with Nico, but as she searched him out, Monique was already in his arms on the opposite side of the room.

So Samson Baldeez led her out on the floor. “Water-skier, are you?”

She felt her face heat. “You heard?”

“Nothing to be embarrassed about. My first splash across the tabloids involved too much partying and a stream of green vomit off the side of a yacht.”

Her stomach turned.

“I apologize for the visual.”

They danced, twirling around the room, and it was fun enough, but she missed Nico. Dancing was their thing. As the song came to an end, Samson surprised her and dipped her low, almost as Nico had.

“What are you doing?” She smiled, but felt uncomfortable.

“Just having some fun.” He brought her upright, just as Nico approached to say, “I’ll take it from here.” His voice sounded tight.

Jo turned, “Nico!” Her relief and happiness that he would come find her, fluttered in her stomach.

He took her into his arms. And she felt their strength. She felt renewed. She cherished the time.

“Thank you.”

His eyes twinkled at her, the happiness he saved for her. And they moved about the floor as one.

“The gala is lovely.” She rose an eyebrow.

He smirked, “But?”

“But, it’s got nothing on the Tiki Rumble.” Her marina back home in South Carolina.

He leaned back and laughed. “I agree with you there. And there are too many people here.”

“Monique.” She watched him.

His eyes snapped to hers. “You’ve got nothing to worry about in her.”

“I know. I’m not worried. She just glares at me, like this.” She made a mock glare and Nico laughed. “You do look like an angry Monique, I’ll give you that.” They spun again. He continued. “Listen. Some people just don’t know how to lose. You gained something she wanted. She’ll get over it”

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