A Royal Decision

by Daphne James Huff

  A Royal Decision

  The Princes of Prynesse

  Daphne James Huff

  Copyright © 2018 by Daphne James Huff

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover Design: https://romacdesigns.com/

  to my readers

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Epilogue

  Thank you for reading!

  Acknowledgments

  About Daphne James Huff

  Also by Daphne James Huff

  A Royal Departure Preview

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Keep Reading

  Chapter 1

  Lady Stella Van Der Ness took a final look in the mirror hanging on her bedroom door, pleased that she looked nothing like a lady at the moment. The dress was short, the heels were high, and her long blonde hair was cascading in waves down her back. She looked, and felt, hot as hell. All eyes would be on her tonight, just the way she liked it.

  Her phone rang, breaking the spell, and her heels tapped in time to the music of her ringtone for a few seconds before she answered. She reminded herself yet again that she should change her ringtone. She’d missed more than one call by being too into the music.

  “Helloooo?” she sang, a smile in her voice when she saw Alix’s name on the screen. She had hoped she’d be hearing her best friend’s voice more often now that Alix was finally done with her year volunteering abroad with Refugee Medical Alliance. While most of the other nobles in Prynesse were happy to help charities with their pocketbook, Stella was proud of her friend for trying to do more. She had just missed her so much.

  The past year hadn’t been much better. Alix’s graduate program had been intense, and she was shacked up with her handsome prince, Duncan. Their visits back to Prynesse had been much too short for Stella’s liking. An unplanned phone call was a nice surprise.

  “Someone’s in a good mood!” Alix laughed. “Did you just see Anton?”

  Stella’s smile instantly vanished.

  “Ah, no, not in awhile,” she said. Duncan’s brother Anton was the youngest prince in the royal family. He was also the hottest (in Stella’s completely unbiased opinion), but she didn’t want to think about that right now.

  She hadn’t planned on telling Alix about their most recent breakup. Alix was so busy and so happy with Duncan that she didn’t want to bother her best friend with all their drama. Even Stella was starting to get bored with it all.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Stella.” Alix did sound sorry, for about three seconds. Her next words shone with barely contained joy. “I hope it won’t be too awkward for you then when you’re both at my wedding!”

  “He proposed!” Stella couldn’t help jumping up and down a little in her four-inch heels. She didn’t even tremble. She had done more complicated things than jump in them. “When? How? Send me a picture of the ring right now!”

  Alix laughed.

  “I already emailed it to you,” she said. “We’re in Boston this week for one of my med school interviews, and we went for a walk after dinner down by the water. Oh, Stella, it was so sweet!”

  As Alix went into the details, including describing the twinkling city skyline that was the backdrop for the proposal, Stella sighed and sat down on the couch across from her bed. Stella would never understand the appeal of American cities; she loved the blended energy of Prynesse’s capital city too much. The mix of medieval village and bold 21st century architecture funded by some of the biggest banks in the world was so unique. She adored visiting Alix in the different places she’d lived, but nothing could compare to the surprising beauty of a 16th century armory transformed into a school, or a sleek glass and steel construction added on to the side of a 200-year-old factory.

  Her skirt rode up her thighs as she shifted on the couch, but she was too focused on Alix’s story to bother fixing it now. The dress was so tight she would have trouble breathing, but she didn’t need to breathe to drink and dance. And she planned on doing a lot of it tonight.

  “I can’t believe he finally asked!” Stella was surprised to feel the prickle of tears in her eyes. Honestly, she’d been expecting the news, as had everyone, for months. She’d been thinking she’d have to fake happiness for her friend but was pleased to discover it came easily and naturally now that the moment was here. Why shouldn’t Alix have her happy ending with her prince charming, just because her own had turned out more like a never-ending booty call?

  She refused to think of Anton right now but couldn’t help it. Alix and Duncan had met the same night she’d finally hooked up with Anton, and yet their story had taken such a different road.

  “Well, technically this is the second time he asked,” Alix said, reminding Stella of the only bit of drama in her love story: Duncan’s desperate plea to change her plans to go volunteer after college and stay in Prynesse with him to be queen instead. Thank goodness Leo had decided not to abdicate, or Alix’s life–and Stella’s–would have been completely different.

  “Well, it sounds like it went much better this time,” Stella couldn’t help but giggle. “I’m so happy for you!”

  She could practically hear Alix beaming from across the ocean.

  “I’m sorry things aren’t great with Anton right now,” Alix said, her voice suddenly full of concern. “What’s he done now?”

  Stella let out a frustrated groan and leaned back on the couch while kicking off her heels. This might take a while.

  “He hasn’t done anything, that’s the problem,” she said. “It’s been two years of this back and forth. He’ll be into me for a few months then goes into a total art hermit mode, forgetting all about me, then pops up in the spring like a hungry bear waking up from hibernation looking for food.”

  Alix chuckled.

  “A hungry bear, huh?”

  Stella rolled her eyes.

  “Well, hungry for something.” She tried to laugh but just couldn’t find it funny anymore. It really hadn’t bothered her, not at first. She was nearly as insatiable as he was in that department. Those first weeks and months had been fun, figuring out new ways to keep him entertained between the sheets. Right around the five-month mark, however, his interest always seemed to wane.

  Since they were never anything official, he would just kind of float off, not answering her texts. The first time she had freaked out, especially without Alix there to talk to about it. By now Stella had learned to be patient. He always resurfaced after a few months with a new exhibit ready to go and a strong desire to make up for weeks of celibacy.

  Two years into this routine, however, and she was starting to get tired of it. Even though he was still her ideal man in every way: insanely gorgeous and talented, not to mention the most eligible prince in Prynesse. With two older brothers, one with a baby, he was far enough away from the throne to get into all sorts of fun without too many raised eyebrows.

  “Stella, I’m so sorry. You should have told
me,” Alix said. “I know I’ve been so busy with school and everything. I wish I had called you more often.”

  “No, it’s fine,” Stella said, and she meant it. “I’m heading out tonight with some of the girls. I like being able to have fun without him. He’ll be back eventually.”

  It wasn’t the happy ending she’d imagined for herself, but she wasn’t sure what else to do at this point. She’d settle for a crazy night of dancing after a long week at work.

  She glanced out her window at the dark evening sky as she stood to adjust her dress and put on her heels again. She should probably be wearing something a little warmer for the cool fall weather, but she was all about form before function in her weekend style. The rest of the week, her work kept her in conservative skirt suits and kitten heels. Sometimes, she needed a break.

  “Where are you headed? Gilt?”

  “Where else?” Taking over the lower levels of an 18th century villa-turned-office-building, the scene of Duncan and Alix’s first meeting was still the best and most exclusive club in the city.

  “I’ll try to video chat more, okay?” Alix said, and Stella heard Duncan’s voice calling her in the background. “And I’ll be back for the coronation at Christmas. We can strategize then if things aren’t already better.”

  “I’m sure they will be.”

  Stella kept her voice cheerful for her friend, not wanting to ruin her happiness. But in her heart, she wasn’t sure that she was still willing to give Anton any more chances to make things better.

  Chapter 2

  Anton reveled in the warmth beneath his hands. He traced the smooth curves with a finger, barely able to contain his anticipation. He was ready to get started. He’d waited long enough.

  At the sudden, shrill ringing of his phone, he cursed and pulled his hand off the piece of clay he’d been holding. He thought he’d turned it off. He really needed to concentrate.

  He looked around the chaos of his studio, searching for the phone. Moonlight was shining down through the floor to ceiling windows. He looked around at the endless array of half-finished works he had scattered around the converted greenhouse in the back garden of one of the royal properties in town. He also has a smaller studio in his apartment at the top of a luxury apartment in the newer business neighborhood of the Prynesse capital. The light there was perfect during the day for painting, but he needed more space for his larger works. Not that it seemed to be helping. He was really struggling with things. He’d been working too hard.

  He grabbed a cloth hanging from one of his failed bronze creations to wipe the clay from his hands. The ringing continued. When he finally found the phone, perched atop a stack of boxes containing a very particular shade of blue he’d special ordered, he looked at the screen and let out a sigh.

  “Duncan, this had better be good,” he said gruffly, not even attempting to hide his irritation at his brother. “I’m working.”

  A chuckle from the other end.

  “On a piece or Stella?”

  Anton didn’t answer. He’d put up with enough of teasing about her from his siblings over the past few years. He didn’t need to explain their relationship to anyone. It worked just fine for them; who cared what everyone else thought?

  “Hmm, a piece I guess,” Duncan said, undeterred by Anton’s irate silence. “Well, I have some news.”

  Anton waited for Duncan to say more and clicked his tongue when he remained silent.

  “Well? I don’t have all night.”

  Another chuckle. God, he’s annoying when he’s in a good mood. Which had basically been the past year and a half since he’d flown halfway across the world to declare his love to Alix. The press had had a field day with that. Anton hadn’t minded giving up his role as the main source of tabloid fodder in the royal family. He had been front page news since he was sixteen. The young noblewomen of Prynesse he usually chose to associate with were not known for their discretion. Stella’s unexpected streak of privacy the past few years had been a welcome break.

  “Alix and I are getting married.”

  Anton’s face broke into a genuine smile.

  “Congratulations!” he said, and he meant it. Annoying as Duncan’s good mood was, it was still infinitely better than the aimless uncertainty he’d gone through since graduating. He enjoyed seeing the transformation his big brother had gone through.

  An engagement would also mean the pressure would be off of Anton to settle down. Their parents had married young and didn’t seem to understand that being unmarried past the age of twenty was perfectly normal these days. He was suddenly very happy about his brother’s call.

  “Any ideas on when the big day will be?” he asked, hoping it wouldn’t conflict with any of his upcoming shows. He would be happiest of all for Duncan if he wouldn’t have to share the spotlight with him. Tabloid fodder was one thing, but Anton was on the cusp of really breaking out in Prynesse’s difficult art world. He didn’t want anything getting in the way of that.

  “What, looking forward to seeing Stella in a bridesmaid dress?” teased Duncan. Again, Anton didn’t rise to the bait. “Calm down, I only asked her last night. We’ll take our time. No need to rush it like Leo did.”

  The rush of the wedding had pushed back their older brother’s coronation by nearly a year. And it still hadn’t completely quashed the (technically true) rumors that Annabelle’s pregnancy had started before her family had been granted a title. Duncan had made it much easier on himself, falling for someone who was already a noble. Anton made it easier on himself on himself by not falling for anyone.

  “How are they doing by the way?” Duncan asked. “How’s baby Felix?”

  “You’ll see them at the coronation,” he answered before panic suddenly ran through him. “You are coming, right? Helena has been impossible lately.”

  “Of course,” Duncan assured him. “Alix is dying to see her. And Stella.”

  This was the third time he’d mentioned her name and Anton still remained silent. He hoped his brother wouldn’t notice.

  “I take it things are off rather than on right now with her?” Of course Duncan noticed.

  “Why does everyone want us to be like some fairytale couple blowing kisses at each other?” Anton snapped. “It’s fine. I’m working. She knows I need space for my art.”

  “Uh huh,” Duncan did not sound convinced. “She won’t put up with that forever. She’s by and far the best girl you’ve ever shagged.”

  Anton knew he was probably right but bit his tongue. No need to give him more fuel for the fire.

  After a final congratulations and assurances from Duncan that he would be there soon, they hung up. Anton turned back to his now cold and lifeless lump of clay. He was too riled up to get back to work. This show was taking him forever to get ready. It was happening a few months after the coronation and, even if his role in that would be minimal, he wanted to get as much done as possible before then. His parents had been hinting at commissioning something from him as well as a gift for Leo on his big day.

  He sighed and ran his fingers through his thick dark hair, suddenly realizing how long it had gotten. He usually kept it very short, but he ignored everything else while focused on his art. Stella got that. Why didn’t his family?

  His phone rang again, and he let out another long, tortured sigh when he saw the name.

  “Hey Marcella,” he said politely but without much enthusiasm. The Ventaglio Gallery manager was around his age, and they usually got along well. It just bugged him that she liked to check in on him while he was working. Like she didn’t trust him to finish in time.

  “A bunch of us are going out to Gilt tonight,” she said. “You’ve been working all week. You need a break.”

  He looked around and knew he wouldn’t get much else done that night. He might as well go out. Marcella’s friends were mostly harmless. Moving around might even help.

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Be there soon.”

  Showering was something he usuall
y forgot about, too. He looked down at his rumpled and stained shirt as he made his way back into the main house. He hoped it would be worth all the trouble to go out and he’d get in the right mood again. He wanted to be able to finish at least one piece this week.

  This was a bad idea, Anton thought as he sipped his drink an hour later.

  Gilt was noisier than he remembered, and Marcella more annoying than usual. This was why he didn’t go out in the middle of working. Everything just pissed him off. Everyone wanted to talk to him about art, but that’s the last thing he wanted right now.

  Stella understood the space he needed. After those first intense months, and not a peep to the press, he’d known she was someone he could keep around.

  She’d naturally been more than a little upset at his disappearing act the first time around. When she realized the only thing he’d been fondling during that time had been clay and paint, she’d relaxed. He explained how inspiring their time together was for him, and she hadn’t let him down finding new ways to stimulate his... creativity. Thinking of their last night together almost a month ago left him shifting uncomfortably in his seat, trying to adjust things without drawing Marcella’s attention. She’d think it was for her. Marcella wasn’t unattractive, but she was no Stella.

  Almost as if he’d conjured her with his dirty thoughts, he suddenly spotted her blonde waves and lithe form across the dance floor. God, she was gorgeous. Half the pieces in his studio were based on her lush curves and the sensations she inspired in him. He’d never admitted it to her, but that’s why he needed the breaks. Not just to work. He knew if he let himself, he’d get lost completely in her. And he couldn’t let that happen.