Page 62 of Royal Bosshole

He passed it into my hands, and I knew what it was. “Mother’s ring.”

“Yes. For when you are ready. Do not ask because of Lenovia, ask for you. But I think that she has come all this way, and that is a good sign. I cannot wait to hear her sing. Singing was always a sign of the princess.”

“Yes, I know.” I nodded, tucking the box into my pocket.

I wanted to ask her desperately, but I again didn’t want to push her.

“But don’t wait too long, James. You don’t want to miss out.”

“I won’t,” I said standing. “I promise.”

* * *

LILY

“Oh my God! You’re sleeping in a real-life castle!” Stevie squeaked over the phone.

“I know! I can’t believe it.” I looked around at my amazing room. I felt like I was in that Amanda Bynes movieWhat a Girl Wants. It was a dream come true.

I heard a knock on the door. “Okay, okay, I’ve got to go to sleep. Talk soon!”

“Bye girl! Love it up!”

The door opened, and James walked in. He was grinning at me and looking perfect in his very royal pajamas.

“Hello,” I said from the bed.

“Hello.” He leaned down over me and gave me a kiss. When he pulled back, he frowned. “Is this okay? I didn’t want to sleep alone. Not when you’re here.”

“Oh, thank god, me either.” I pulled open the comforter, and he slid in next to me. “But is this okay? You’re a prince. Doesn’t this like break protocol?”

“Well, the Lenovia royal family is hardly well-known. We don’t get the crazy press.” He pulled me into him, and I felt warm and safe again.

I knew it was crazy, but I wondered when he was going to ask me to marry him again. Time was running out. I’d learned more when I’d spoken to Gerald a bit. I wanted to help if I could. And I loved James, even if there were a lot of details to be worked out.

“I love you,” he said, nuzzling against me.

“And I love you.”

“There’s a ceremony in a few days, to celebrate my father’s birthday. I was wondering if you might sing. I know we have to go on the tour a few days after, but—”

“I’d love to. I’d be happy to.”

“Thank you,” he said, and I could feel him smiling against me.

The next few days were a busy whirlwind, and I learned more about the Lenovian royal life than I ever thought I would. James spent a lot of time with his dad, and I popped in every now and then. I didn’t want to get in the way. But every time I did, I got the distinct impression from them that they were talking about me.

When the time for the ceremony came, James waited with me on the side of the stage, and I started bobbing up and down; I was so nervous.

“You’re going to be great. Everyone here loves Langton, and they are so excited about it.”

“But I’ve never sung for this many people before. It’s so much.”

“Good practice for the future.”

We were hidden behind a partition, and he leaned in and kissed me. It was soft, slow, and deep, and when he pulled away, I needed him to steady me a bit.

“There. That’ll distract you.”

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