Page 22 of The Prom King & The Ice Queen

“Which is why I’m signing you up for the Princess Troupe.”

My mom’s words are so bizarre they finally bring me back to the moment.

“Um, what?”

She waves a hand to dismiss my question, a crazed gleam in her eyes. “Yes. It’s perfect.”

“Uh…” I start to back away from the intensity in her expression. “Mom, what are you talking about?”

“Mrs. Messner is looking for more boys to join her troupe.”

“What? No,” I start. “Oh no.”

She crosses her arms. “Why? Do you think you’re too good to work a part-time job like Savannah and her friends?”

“What? No! Of course not.”

She’s looking entirely too pleased with herself. “I think you’ve forgotten your roots, young man.”

“My roots?” I echo in disbelief. “You were born to the wealthiest family in southwestern montana. To what roots are you referring?”

“Grandfather’s grandfather built that company up from nothing—”

“Yeah, and no one has lifted a finger ever since.” This is an exaggeration, of course. My grandparents and my mother are on the board, and they all donate their time to various charities. But still… “I don’t see any family member parading around as a princess—”

“Don’t be silly. You’d be a prince.”

“Oh yeah, that’s much better,” I mutter.

She ignores that. “This will be good for you, Leo.” She starts to walk away before I can stop her. “And maybe now you’ll think twice before pulling a stupid prank like the one you pulled on Vince.”

“I didn’t—”

I didn’t do anything wrong.

But the words die in my throat because I’m alone.

And apparently…I’m now a prince.

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