Page 43 of Royally Wed
CHAPTER
TEN
Against his better judgment, Asher stopped at a pub on his way back to the palace after rehearsal. For the better part of two hours, he sat at the bar with his cello case propped conspicuously on the barstool beside him. He probably painted quite a picture.
He didn’t care. He needed to think—and drink—before he went back to the Blue Room.
Asher wasn’t sure what to make of Amelia’ssurprise visit to Cadogan Hall, but it gave him good reason to believe he’d find her waiting for him again when he returned. He desperately hoped he was wrong. At least he thought he did. He wasn’t sure anymore.
Three pints later, he wasn’t any clearer on the subject.
But he’d managed to avoid the hustle and bustle of palace life. The day before, a tour group had been making its way past thegrand staircase when he’d returned. Two days ago, there’d been some kind of award ceremony going on. The place was like Grand Central Station.
He couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like for Ameliagrowing up there. No wonder she was as a nutty as a fruitcake.
Asher grinned as James escorted him through the dimly lit Queen’s Hall toward the Blue Room. He’d always been partial to fruitcake.
But Princess Naughty had overstepped her bounds this time. She’d injected herself into his career. How was he supposed to explain that to Jeremy? Still, when James opened the door and there was no trace of Amelia anywhere among the sea of blue, the tug in Asher’s chest felt more like disappointment than relief.
Woof.
As usual, Willow was situated on his pillow. What was it with that dog, anyway?
Asher frowned. “How does she keep getting up there?”
The bed was huge, a good foot or so higher than his king-sized bed at home.
”She barks until someone picks her up and lets her on the bed. Apologies sir, but...”
Asher held up a hand. “The corgi rule. I know.”
James nodded. “How was rehearsal today, if I may ask?”
”You may. It was...” Where to start? “... eventful.”
“I see. Dueto the late hour, am I to assume you’ve already eaten, or shall I bring you dinner before I escort you to your meeting with the princess?”
His jaw clenched. “What meeting?”
“Princess Amelia requested your presence in one of the state rooms upon your arrival. Shall I let Her Royal Highness know you’ve returned?” James looked like he might be struggling not to smile.
At least someone found thesituation amusing.
“No, thank you,” he said tersely.
Willow let out a snort, and Asher shot the dog a dirty look.
James’s smile faded, and he tilted his head. “Sorry, sir. I don’t understand.”
“No, thank you. As in, no. I’ll pass.”
“But I have instructions.” James cast a worried glance toward the wall Asher’s room shared with Amelia’s bedroom.
Asher sighed. “Look, I don’t want to get youinto any more trouble. I promise. But I really don’t want to see the princess right now.”
Or ever, if he was smart.
He’d let her presence get to him. He’d paid more attention to the way her auburn hair fell down her back, the elegance of her supple spine, and her delectable, impertinent mouth than he had to his music. It hadn’t gone unnoticed. Not by anyone, least of all Jeremy.
