Page 30 of Princess of Thorns and Ruin

Peter’s voice is clear and deep as he interrupts his conversation to greet me. “Princess. You are a sight for sore eyes.”

I bite the insides of my cheeks. Between his light brown hair, gorgeous eyes, and square jaw, Peter Chastain is a work of art, but all of that pales in comparison to his charisma.

A blue satin suit hugs his lithe frame, and I can’t help but stare as I offer him a respectful nod. “Prime Minister Chastain.”

“Ah, princess, I wish you would start calling me Peter.” He covers my hands with his. “My condolences for your brother’s passing.”

My skin tingles all over. “Thank you.”

His companion bows. “You’re the spitting image of your mother, your highness. It’s a privilege to meet you. I’m Axel Brooks.”

I keep my gaze firmly planted on Peter. “Your daughter is in confinement, I hear?” My voice is higher and more melodic than usual.

“She should grace us with a second heir any day now.” He lets my hands go, still smiling, and I can’t help but smile back.

In a sea of old, patronizing vampires, Peter always stood out. When he looked at me, it felt as though I was the only person in the room, and he actually listened to my answers when he asked a question. He was the only one who bothered to ask for my opinion when I was a bloodling.

My whole body vibrates in excitement at finally meeting him as an adult instead of a child he humors with conversation.

Lucas erupts into the hall, breathless, and hurries in my direction. He raises a hand toward my arm, but catches himself in time, and lets it fall by his side. “Good evening, princess.”

“Excuse me, but I have a meeting in a few minutes. Nice to see you again, Lord Pereira.” Peter leaves us, and I can’t help but follow his movements until he disappears from view.

Damn Chastain men and their impossible charm.

Lucas inches closer. “You kept your blue eyes.”

“Yes.” A few of the men present sneak glances at us, and goosebumps prickle my neck. “It’s good to see you, Lord Pereira.”

Lucas’ gaze turns analytical as he notices our audience. “It’s an honor to be here for the coronation,” he says loudly before whispering, “Can I come to your room? I heard about the attack.”

My chest cramps at the dark expression on his face. “Meet me there in half an hour, I still have to approve my new staff.”

With a small nod, he acknowledges my answer and orders a cup of tea from the butler.

I wonder what Peter’s meeting was about. I should have asked him instead of staring at his eyelashes. I should have asked about the attack instead of blabbering about his daughter giving birth.

God, he must think I’m an idiot.

Beating myself inwardly for losing my cool, I walk to the library where Leo has gathered the candidates for my staff. Most of them already work for the night court and are looking for a promotion, so I’m sure he had no trouble finding capable help.

Evangeline hops down from the mahogany table she’s sitting on as soon as she sees me coming, but it’s too late. I’ve seen her slouch. Blood floods to her cheeks as I walk to the front of the room.

Five humans form a line next to my first-blood, his new haircut giving him a severe edge. They all curtsy at my arrival.

“I find you all in good hands, I hope?” I say.

They all answer, “Yes, your majesty,” in perfect synchrony.

I turn to Leo. “Anything you wanted to run by me?”

“They are all more than qualified for the job, though I figured you might like to taste the food. I asked the patissier to prepare your favorite dessert, lemon cake.”

A man with a white apron approaches, holding a plate, but my nose wrinkles when my gaze lands on the triangular piece of cake he’s offering.

“I think that from now on, I’ll be more of a red-velvet girl, with o-negative instead of cherry.”

That gets me a few polite laughs from the crowd, but Leo remains as stoic as a statue.

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