Page 1 of Loyally, Luke
Map
Prologue
Don’t read this book.
It’s embarrassing.
And private.
I have a feeling my youngest sister has paid some sort of homage to the Hallmark pixies and they’ve turned my world into an ooey gooey, magical snow globe of romantic tropes.
Argh. Even my sentences are starting to sound like mush.
The whole situation is disgusting.
Well, not all of it.
The architecture was nice. And the work, which was mostly distraction-free.
Until it wasn’t.
And there were some cute kids around.
And an actual ball. Not the March Madness kind!
I’m surrounded by pixie dust and romance and no amount of Rambo quotes will help.
And then there’s this woman who is annoying... until she’s not.
But she IS impossible.
I’m doomed.
Luke
PS: Send high levels of testosterone my way to combat the romance. Or send a gunship.
PPS: Help me, Obi-Wan—you’re my only hope.
Chapter1
The Daily Edge: Social Tattle from One Edge of Skymar to the Other
It’s been a while since we’ve heard much about Skymar’s most notorious princess, but rumor has it she’s stepping back into her position as a working royal. After a less-than-regal history, is Princess Elliana St.Clare, Duchess of Mara and the North Country, ready to take on the responsibilities she so shamelessly denounced three years ago? Only time will tell. And what may be on the radar for her future romances? Is there anyone in the aristocratic ranks willing to take on her past to plan a future? Share your tattle in the comments below!
Text from Izzy to Penelope:You haven’t happened to hear anything about Luke’s arrival yet, have you? I’m waiting in the arrival line outside the airport (as he told me to do) but I’ve not heard anything from him.
Penelope:Are you surprised? He’s probably going to leave us in suspense about whether he arrived safe just for spite. Or to cause us to develop worry lines. Besides, half the time he forgets he even has a phone.
Izzy:He’s gotten better at keeping it nearby since I moved to Skymar. But his plane should have landed a half hour ago and I’ve not heard anything. He has to go throughcustoms and get his bags, so maybe he still has his phone on airplane mode?
Penelope:I think he does things like this on purpose to annoy us. Like we’re all waiting for his important words or something. He’s such a BROTHER!
Izzy:Well, I AM kind of waiting on his words. And I’m so excited to introduce him to Brodie’s family and show him Skern and have him see Brodie’s house up close and personal! Oh, how I’ve missed you guys and it’s only been three months since I left North Carolina.
Penelope:I’m glad he’s getting to stay for a while too. And he’s hired Charlie to run his business here while he’s in Skymar, but I’m watching his dogs. Which, of course, makes me want to get one now. I’ve always loved Charlie. She’s one of our few cousins who can actually carry on a conversation about important things. Like musicals and food. We tried talking about fashion once, but her style and mine are really different. The only hat she’s ever worn is a baseball cap. Can you imagine?
Izzy:Not everyone has your shoe fetish or collection of hats, Penelope.
