Page 50 of How to Date a Prince

“Fuckers,” Thomas would say. I suppress any temptation to smile because that would definitely be taken out of context or maybe misconstrued. Who needs video edits for me to do something odd?

“What’s that?” I ask finally because it’s obvious they’re dying for me to ask.

“There’s been a small—well, an incident—with your pottery, I’m afraid, old boy.”

I flick up an eyebrow, cool as ice. I’m giving them nothing. “Oh?”

“It’s—well—been upended.” Colin’s eyes are totally without guile. He’s very good. It could be genuine. It could also be something Gisele’s concocted.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you can come with me to see.”

Of course they want footage of me seeing the damage, supposedly for the first time. So, I oblige. I go along with everyone on a silent walk—at least on my part. Colin tries to strike up conversation a couple of times, but I don’t engage. Gisele lingers, like a vulture of death roosting over a rotting carcass, because she’s as attracted to drama as much as she is opposed to cursing. In fact, she even warns me as we approach. “Language.”

I sigh. And I give them the shocked reaction they want, right down to the open mouth. I draw the line at fake fainting, however. My acting skills can only reach so far.

“This is awful,” I moan. “Who did this?”

“I’m afraid we don’t know,” Colin says with something that sounds convincingly like true regret as we take in the sight of the pottery shed in disarray. “A beastly act.”

It looks worse in the light of the day. All my work lies broken in sherds at my feet. I stare at it for a long moment before I lean down and return a stool to its upright position. I walk over to the fallen clay items. Vandalized, actually. A heavy sigh escapes me, for real this time. “Whoever did this is a complete—” I cut myself off, already feeling Gisele’s wrath.

“It’s difficult.” Colin wrings his hands.

“They need to be held accountable.” I echo Thomas’ words. My jaw is tight, arms folded across my chest. “What kind of show is this, anyway? I thought sabotage was off the table.” I look at Gisele, who frowns at me and waves me off from looking at her. She gestures back at Colin.

Obligingly, I look at Colin for the cameras. “Did anyone else’s project get ruined?”

“No. Only yours, I’m afraid.”

I chew my lip. “I may or may not have enough time to start over.”

“You think you can start over?” Colin asks, incredulous.

“I’m not firing anything before judging.” I shrug. “What’s the difference?”

Colin blinks at me.

“How did you find out about this, anyway?” I ask as easily as I can manage, watching for any small tell.

“Thomas told us he heard a commotion in the night.”

I cough slightly. “Is that right?”

“Evidently, the noise woke him up.”

“Isn’t the bothy a bit far from the house?” I ask, giving him a doubtful look.

“That’s what he claims.”

“Do you believe him?” I look around at the mess before us. “Or do you think he’s involved?”

Colin gasps in shock. Gisele smiles, lapping this up. I hate myself a little. Or a lot. But it’s the happiest I’ve seen her since I’ve turned up for this show. “Your Royal Highness, you’re not saying?—”

“I’m not saying anything. I’m only saying that often people who report incidents—or crimes—are often involved. Though you’re right, it’s probably completely innocent. Who can say? This isn’t a murder mystery. And Thomas is clearly the number one contestant and not in any danger from me.”

“But it is a whodunnit, Auggie. Aren’t you worried about the competition and being sent home? If you can’t make a piece in time.” Colin’s eyes widen, as though this is the worst thing he can think of, being booted fromRenaissance Man. And after Thomas, and last night, I want to stay as long as I can too.

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