Page 30 of How to Date a Prince

“Mm,” I acknowledge. “You won’t believe what my father’s done.”

“Oh?”

“He’s signed me up for a reality TV program. As a contestant.”

Katie chokes on her wine. She splutters, staring. “You?”

“Exactly. Me.” I sigh. “And it’s going about as well as you can imagine.”

“Holy shit,” she marvels, still staring at me are. “Are you alright? How did you agree to that?”

My lips twitch, a sour taste metallic in my mouth. “Like usual. When do I have a chance to agree to most things? This, like so much else, is decided for me.”

“God. Auggie, I’m so sorry. You must hate it.”

“I do. Evidently, duty calls. And that’s more important than my wishes. You know that.” I cough slightly. “He wants to make the monarchy appeal to younger people. And… he wants the exposure to help me find a bride.”

She gives me a wry look. My shoulders sag.

“Yeah.”

Katie’s quiet for a long moment, digesting all of this. “Which program? You can’t be onBig Brother.” A strange look crosses her face. “Please don’t tell me you’re onThe Bachelor.”

At that, I laugh, tension finally easing in my jaw. I didn’t realize I was clenching it till now. I shake my head. “No. Also, you’re sworn to silence due to my NDA.”

Katie gives me a look. “Of course I won’t say anything.”

“I know, I know. I just had to say it. I can’t tell you the name of the show or details. But it’s new. It’s a show with challenges, and I failed, spectacularly. But… they didn’t send me home.”

She looks at me, contemplative.

“So I’m back next week. The show films all summer. Whether I’m there for all of it remains to be seen. But clearly, there’s some storyline about the monarchy. And opposing it.”

Katie taps her fingers against her lips. She sips wine. “Clearly, the show has a plan in mind for you.”

“I guess.” I shrug. “And you won’t believe this part. I will tell you this much.”

She perks up, intrigued as she leans closer. “Oh?”

“Thomas Golden is on the show.” I give her a meaningful look.

“I should have put this together when you mentioned reality TV.” Katie shakes her head at herself. “That was silly of me. Oh my God, and after the things you said to him?—”

I wince and nod. “Mm.”

Our dinner comes, grilled salmon and salad, appropriate for summer. With our glasses topped up, we dine. Darkness falls outside.

Katie tilts her head. “So, what’s he like?”

“Erm…” I redden then and shrug. “Aside from gorgeous, he hates my guts. Mostly. Which, by the way, I think is kind of hot. What the hell does that tell you about me?”

“That you need to get laid, my friend. And… not only by me.” Katie lifts her eyebrows at me. “Auggie, you deserve someone wonderful.”

“So do you. Well, he’s not it, believe me. I overheard him earlier saying some shit about the monarchy. And me. Whatever he thinks, it’s not lovely. Besides, you told me he has an influencer girlfriend, and… well, he thinks I’m with you. Because of the press.”

She raises a forkful of salmon, pausing. “But what do you want, Auggie?”

“What do I want?” It’s my time to be rueful. I shake my head. “Want isn’t in my vocabulary. Why bother?”

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