Page 45 of The Promised Prince
“Are you sure?” Seran pressed. “It seemed like something was bothering you.”
Seran! Stop! Please!
Renna shook her head. “Nope. I’m fine.”
“Have you had a chance to meet Prince Ezra?” Seran asked, switching to another equally awkward topic.
Renna cleared her throat. “Only briefly.”
“Miss Degray, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Trev stiffly bowed in front of her, kissing Renna’s hand, sending a shot of tingles down her spine—tingles that needed to stop immediately.
Renna gave Seran a playful look. “You’re right, Seran. You are much better looking than Prince Ezra.”
Trev nodded dramatically. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Seran shook her head, smiling. “I never said that. Renna is known for pranking people.”
Trev raised his eyebrows. “Is that so?”
Renna’s eyes dropped to the ground as her face flushed.
“Yes,” Seran said, looking between them. “I think you will get along well. You both have a playful energy.”
“That’s...uh...” Trev stumbled over his words. “I...uh...don’t know about that,” he finally managed to get out with a nervous laugh.
Renna wanted to crawl under a rock. Her joke had definitely backfired.
“In fact,” Seran said, still beaming, “Renna should join us tomorrow for the tour of the palace.”
Just the three of us? No, thank you.
Trev smiled at Seran, though it looked a bit strained. “I thought it was just going to be the two of us.”
“Oh, but Renna would love it. You’ll come, won’t you?” Seran looked at her expectantly like she was secretly begging her to come. If Renna didn’t know any better, she would think Seran was trying to avoid being alone with the prince. Renna didn’t understand. She would give anything to trade Seran places.
“I couldn’t.” Renna shook her head, looking at Trev for some help. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense!” Seran stood a little taller. “It’s a palace tour, not a candlelight dinner.”
“Perhaps the queen would like to come too,” Trev offered, obviously not thrilled at the idea of the three of them alone.
“Yes!” Seran smiled at the two of them. “It’s settled then.”
Lizanne walked to Seran’s side, grabbing her elbow and whispering in her ear. Trev glanced at Renna. He held her stare for a moment then looked to the ground.
“Okay,” Seran said to Lizanne. “I’ll be right there.” Seran turned back to them. “There are a few young ladies I need to meet.”
“I’ll go with you,” Trev said a little too eagerly.
“It’s all right.” Seran put a hand on Trev’s arm and smiled. “I know you have people to talk to as well. I’ll come find you in a moment.” And with that, Seran followed Lizanne away.
“You don’t have to keep me company.” Renna tried to release him. “You can go talk to somebody else.”
“And leave you alone?” Trev smiled. “I’m too much of a gentleman to do that.”
“Who says I’d be alone?” she challenged, raising her eyebrows. “Mr. Tybolt and I have struck up a romance. I’m sure he’ll be along shortly to claim me.”
Trev fought back his smile. “Didn’t you know? He’s already married.”
