Page 113 of Falling Princess

Lorcan shrugged. “One more terrorist cell on a planet riddled with them. The CIA and Interpol are paying attention now, not that it helps us. Neither are known for information sharing.”

The assassination attempt cast a pall over the Louvre charity event on Saturday evening. For us, the economics conference was over.

No one felt safe enough to bring in a hair or makeup stylist, so Cata, Raina and I traded off. Raina pulled my hair into a mass of side-swept curls, to show off my backless gown, which I was nervous about wearing.

“I am a frickin’ genius for making you buy it,” Raina crowed, yanking my hair hard enough to tug the roots. Cata lifted one eyebrow.

“Considering the price tag, it had better pay off in PR. Goddess knows we need a little good news.” Her silver hair fell in waves, held away from her face with diamond-and-sapphire clips.

It’s easy to forget how beautiful she is, with high cheekbones, and flawless skin. She’s such a formidable fighter. Tonight, she was radiant in an ankle-length black velvet dress and twinkly silver jewelry that perfectly complemented her cold beauty.

“When we get back to Scotland, you’re telling me everything,” I informed her. Raina yanked my hair extra hard. We do not give orders to Cata, even if we do outrank her.

She turned contemplative for a moment. Then she nodded. “Yes. It’s time we let you in on our plans.”

I ducked my chin. Gobsmacked, as Scarlett might say. Also, a bit alarmed by everything I am likely to learn. I won’t let that bother me tonight, though.

“The dress is worth it.” Raina sprayed a noxious cloud over my head. I made a face. “Hold on. A few finishing touches.” She stabbed my scalp with sparkly pins adorned with jeweled birds. I winced. “There. Don’t lose any. They’re expensive.”

“I know. I won’t.”

Then there was makeup and perfume and jewelry to put on. The necklace hits right between the curve of my breasts.

“Everyone will be staring at my chest all evening,” I complained.

“That’s the point. No more innocent, floaty pink shit. Tonight, you’re going out as the goddess you’re descended from.”

Raina passed me a roll of boob tape.

I groaned and rolled my eyes like the nineteen-year-old I actually am. I’m not so well endowed that I need it for anything other than nipple dampening. I put on the dress, the shoes, and the wrap. I zipped my phone, passport, lipstick, and credit card into the tiny gold purse, and went into the living area to wait for the others.

Kenton whistled. “Time to get ready, huh?”

“You guys don’t take nearly as long as we do.” Good thing, too. I can’t sit down without wrinkling my gown.

Lorcan stumbled out of the bedroom, flushed and sleepy, in a T-shirt and soft pants. Napping. Good. He’ll need to be sharp this evening. He caught sight of me and stared.

“Nice dress, right?” I winked, though my stomach flip-flopped. I’d rather deposit this slinky gown on the floor and go back to his room with him for an extended nap. Minus the sleep.

“Be right out,” he mumbled.

Kenton observed this interaction with a knowing smirk. My face flamed with embarrassment. Cata knows. Raina suspects, and Kenton, too. How long before Lorcan and I are caught, and separated?

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

Guys have it so easy. All they have to do is shave, then throw on a suit and a crisp shirt and tie. It took the three of them twenty minutes to get dressed, by which time Raina had finished doing her and Cata’s makeup. Raina’s violet dress was embroidered with silver thread at the waist. A circlet of diamonds and pearls sits at her throat, with matching bracelets and earrings at her wrist and ears.

We collected my father and his guards, then went downstairs to the rented limousine. Ridiculous and excessive, but hard to deny that it’s fun, in a way. More importantly, it’s bulletproof.

At home, I wouldn’t think twice about getting into the royal coach, or wearing expensive clothes and jewelry. Back home, we don’t have huge disparities between the wealthy and the poor.

Out here, I felt very conscious of my relative wealth. Obligated to spend it in a way that benefits my country. To be honest, I’m not convinced that fancy gowns are justified.

But tonight, we needed the extra security due to the attack. With the danger came heightened scrutiny. Reporters swarmed us all, but especially me and Raina. Cameras flashed. I had to remember to stop and pose, smile and be perfect, though my mind was a thousand miles away.

Lorcan quietly interceded between a particularly aggressive photographer and me. I took his arm so that he became the one to walk me into the Louvre. Like a real couple.

My father and Cata headed off toward the Mona Lisa.

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