Page 47 of The Promised Prince
“Yes. People who are incredibly attractive and charming.” He gave her a dashing smile, and she couldn’t help but laugh at his arrogance. She couldn’t tell yet if he was actually this conceited or if he just feigned it for humor. “You see, I can help you here in Albion, show you around, introduce you to important people.” He raised his eyebrows again. “Entertain you.”
Renna smirked. He was definitely entertaining. She leaned back in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. “That sounds awfully generous of you.”
“I’m a generous man.” He stood and motioned for her hand. “In fact, let’s start getting to know each other now, on the ride back to the palace.”
She stood, placing her hand in his, unsure of what she thought about him and his forwardness. As they passed the other table, her eyes met Trev’s. He seemed surprised and even a little upset.
She raised her eyebrows in challenge. He didn’t get to care about how, or with whom she spent her time.
* * *
The ride backto the palace was all about Joniss Doman. He was very self-assured, and that was putting it politely. His father was the high ruler of a province in Albion, and his family was among Albion’s most distinguished. Renna could tell by his fancy-cut riding suit that he came from money. For the first twenty minutes, Joniss went on and on about his wardrobe—the different colors, patterns, and textures of his suits and ties. Then for another fifteen minutes, he described—in great detail—his “rigorous exercise routine,” which he rotated through weekly in various different athletics.
Somehow his in-depth description of himself came with just enough flattery to keep Renna smiling the entire ride.
Back at the palace, Joniss helped her off her horse. He was a bit too touchy, placing his hands unnecessarily on her hips as he helped her down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she backed away from him slightly.
“Do you find weddings romantic?” His expression was overly suave. “Because I’m hoping that you’ll be in the mood for a romance of your own.”
Renna laughed out loud at his absurd flirtation. She handed the reins of her horse to a servant.
“I’m serious,” he said. “I find you very irresistible.”
“Officer Doman, you don’t know anything about me.” She still wasn’t sure if she liked Joniss or not, but she did like his attention.
“Find me tonight at dinner. I would love to get to know you better.”
Renna was sure he would since he hadn’t asked a single question aboutherthe entire ride back.
“Maybe you’ll find me first.” She gave an awkward curtsey before walking away.
* * *
Per Mangum’sbidding, Renna made her way to her mother’s room. She had a feeling she was in for a scolding for the scene she’d made at dinner last night. Mangum stood guard outside the queen’s door, staring blankly ahead. His body stiffened when he caught sight of Renna.
Renna smiled at him. “I’ll never prank you again if you tell my mother that you forgot to give me the message to meet her.”
Mangum’s eyes dropped and he shifted his weight nervously. “Actually, there is something I need to tell your mother.”
Renna couldn’t understand why he was acting so strange. “Okay.”
“I need to tell her about you and Prince Ezra.” He glanced up at her again. “That he was the soldier with you at the pond.”
A lump formed in Renna’s throat. She hadn’t thought about the fact that Mangum would recognize Trev, that he would tell her mother. “No, Mangum. Please,” she begged. “I didn’t know he was the prince when we were back at Wellenbreck. If I had known, I wouldn’t have...” She couldn’t finish her sentence, couldn’t say it out loud.
“What about in the stable this morning? I know what I saw.” His incriminating eyes broke her heart a little.
“That was nothing. We were actually talking about Seran and how we were just going to be friends.”
He shook his head. “Your mother needs to know. It’s my job to inform her. It’s my job to protect the alliance.”
“No, it’s your job to protect herandthiswill destroy her. Not to mention it will destroy what little relationship I have with her.”
Mangum bit his lip.
“Please don’t say anything. I don’t think I can handle finding out that the guy I like is engaged to my stepsister AND deal with my mother’s anger.” Her eyes welled up with tears. “It’s just too much.”
The lines in his face deepened as he frowned. “Renna, this is a dangerous secret.”
