Damaged Royals

by Hazel Parker

  She bowed the proper bow. “Your Highness.”

  “Lucas,” I corrected automatically.

  Her mouth twitched, and amusement sparkled in those big brown eyes and had me distracted into staring for a while. Then I remembered the purpose of us being here—in one of the many rooms near the restricted wing and one the other princesses wouldn’t have access to—and stepped forward, bowing in return and holding out my hand.

  She placed hers on mine, her movement graceful and her skin warm, and I placed my other hand on her waist. Liz took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a brief second before she nodded and opened them back.

  “Prince Lucas,” she said. “I’m ready.”

  Beside us, Kyle sat on the bed and turned the music on. I watched Liz cock her ears towards it.

  Then we moved at the same time.

  My expectations when it came to her learning ability were broken each time we tried something new, and this one wasn’t any different. The Liz with her two left feet was still there, and her movements were still quite stiff—but she no longer stumbled as she matched my steps with hers, as she used counting and the music itself to follow the dancing routine. Eventually, a smile slid on her face, even while she tried to maintain a straight expression.

  “No, let a little bit of that smile out,” I instructed. “There’s no need to be too serious.”

  “Such as yourself?” she shot back, though it was said lightly and with no malicious intention.

  I smirked. “Then you don’t know me well enough.”

  Our eyes met, and this time, it held. We danced and danced, making use of the space in the bedroom as I twirled her around, dipped her, and guided her some more. The music switched to fast, and I switched the tempo of my feet and almost laughed as Liz scrambled to catch up.

  “Kyle!”

  Still on the bed, Kyle grinned mischievously and turned a page of the book he was reading.

  He asked some questions here and there, and I answered while still dancing. Finally, the music stopped, and Liz and I stepped back at the same time. There was none of that wariness now as she looked at me, and I could feel the joy radiating from her.

  “That was awesome!” she said. “Wasn’t that awesome? Did you see that?”

  “It was awesome,” I agreed. “And seeing as I danced with you, I did see it.”

  She made a face, then grinned again. “You know what I think?”

  “What?”

  “You’re not the bad guy you paint yourself to be, Prince Lucas.”

  It was a compliment, coming from her, and I wasn’t quite sure it was safe for her to be thinking that way.

  So I said what I could without giving away too much in front of the kid, who was still watching us.

  “Then you don’t know me well enough.”

  * * *

  With the dance lessons done, there was only one thing left: setting up a new wardrobe that would fit her. Our resident clothing designer, Mr. Thompson, took one look at Liz, eyeing her critically before muttering under his breath about how Liz needed to eat some more. Then he was pulling her aside and telling me not to worry because he was going to make her as presentable as she could possibly be.

  Two days later, I got an update from Mr. Thompson early in the morning, right when my head was still throbbing and the thirst for alcohol was too much. Actually, I thirsted for something else—something forbidden—and I had to wonder if Benjamin fared better than me. It was bound to consume us both, and he really needed to marry as soon as he could to get rid of this damned curse.

  Which meant we needed to weed out the impostor as soon as possible.

  “How’s everything going?” I asked.

  Mr. Thompson clapped both of his hands together, looking pleased with himself. “I’ve done what I could, and I have to say that the end result is outstanding. Would you like to take a look inside and see for yourself?”

  He’d always been elaborate, and usually I dismissed the flowery words when he tried to use them as compliments to me or Benjamin when he measured us up. But amusement slid inside me now, especially considering how he kept complaining over Liz’s figure a few days ago.

  When he indicated the dressing room, I entered without preamble, not really sure what to expect. Most of the princesses’ ball gowns were contemporary, a mix of their royal colors and what was trending at the moment. Of course, ball gowns weren’t the only thing I asked Mr. Thompson to make for her, but it was one of the most important pieces as it would give off an impression at her first ball.

  The first thing I saw was the swirl of red and gold, a rather bold choice but pleasing to the eyes. My gaze went up to take the whole of her in, and whatever comment I’d been about to make left my mind completely, to be replaced by a vision that staggered me.

  I froze on the spot.

  Liz’s ball gown was beautiful—not only that, it was the ball gown that was bound to knock everyone out of the park. It was off shoulder, showing off her creamy skin before tapering down to a tight waist, then spreading to a fluttery, silky material around her hips and down. It covered whatever petticoat she had to be wearing, but I could see her toes peeking from the material’s edge in gold heels, one that sparkled and matched the muted embroidery of her gown.

  She twirled around from facing the mirror, almost stumbling in her movement but catching herself in time. Her hair was up in a loose bun that softened her face, and her face had some light makeup on. It made her eyes just a little bit darker, make her cheeks a little bit pinker and her lips a little bit juicier as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth.

  Suddenly the hunger was back—only it was an entirely different kind of hunger this time, and it was one I wasn’t quite ready for. Something hot, then cold, went over my spine as her eyes met mine.

  “I can’t do this,” she blurted out.

  I blinked at her words, then looked at her more closely. When I did, I finally saw what I missed earlier—the nerves in those golden-brown eyes, mixed with irritation and the makings of a temper that was about to come out.

  “Can’t do what?”

  “This,” she said impatiently, indicating at her dress. “This pretending. I look like the biggest impostor on the planet, and they’ll see through me right away.”

  “They’ll see through you if you keep doing that.”

  “You’re not helping,” she snapped.

  “Calm down.”

  “I am calm.”

  On the contrary, her nerves were off the chart. Because I didn’t want to add to it, I strode forward as calmly as I could, keeping my footsteps silent and placing my hands on her arms—a deliberate move, because I didn’t think touching her shoulders would ease any of us.

  “Liz, do you remember why you agreed to this deal?”

  She frowned at me, then nodded. “For your brother.”

  “For my brother,” I agreed. “If you panic now, then all our hard work would be for nothing, and I’d have to find another candidate to train for another week, which would mean the impostor would have more time to lurk and try to fool Ben. Do you want that to happen?”

  “Of course not,” she said, almost offended that I asked. But I had to ask it, and I knew she realized it too when her shoulders slumped and she finally, reluctantly nodded. “But you’re right. You’re too right.”

  “I’m always right.”

  That brought a little of her fighting spirit back as she shot me a look. Then she tilted her head and more panic set in, though the irritation was completely gone. “I still can’t breathe.”

  “If it’s because you’re still nervous…”

  “No,” she bit out. “The dress is too tight. Mr. Thompson is trying to kill me. Can you please help me loosen the corset a little bit?”

  They were words that had me stunned and had my hands going numb. I was about to refuse. I really was.

  But for some reason, I was turning her around, and my numb hands were going to her back and slowly easing her laces off.

/>   We were both looking at the mirror, and I felt her body go still before I watched something hot flare in her eyes. She met my gaze there, and I saw something in them that I wasn’t supposed to see. I kept loosening the laces, feeling electricity travel in my skin and shoot down my groin as she unconsciously licked her bottom lip and took an inward breath, making her cleavage pop out even more.

  Jesus.

  I could feel the heat of her skin as I loosened the corset string by string, as I watched her eyes flutter closed and her breath leave her altogether.

  I wanted to touch. I itched to touch, and the desire to do so was almost tangible.

  She turned around, facing me—and giving me a glimpse of creamy skin on her back through the mirror.

  Heat throbbed, then flashed. My cock stirred.

  “Why are you being so nice to me?” she said, her voice feather light against my neck.

  Because I want to be. Because I can’t help it.

  “Because I’m doing it for my brother.”

  The words weren’t cold, but they might as well have been. A stricken expression crossed her face before disappearing altogether, and she looked down.

  “Right. Thank you, then. I’ll do my best,” she intoned.

  “Please do,” I said.

  Then I was walking out of there and away from her before more things could be said—things that shouldn’t be said.

  Things that we would both regret.

  Chapter 13

  LIZ

  There was something to be said about dreaming of a ball once in your life, wondering what those women dressed in gowns thought and felt as they walked the glitz and glamour—then, getting to experience the ball yourself and finally knowing what the women thought and felt.

  I even got the gown part down pat, and right now it was currently swirling around my legs as I entered the main hall. I was slightly frozen in place as I took in the scene and the crowd, not sure whether I should take a step forward.

  Beside me, Lucas spoke under his breath.

  “Princess?”

  It was a wake-up call, effectively shaking me from my trance as I looked up at him. I gave him my practiced polite smile.

  “Yes, Prince Lucas. Kindly lead the way?”

  He nodded his head. Then he held out his arm to me, and I slipped mine into it and followed the way as he led me towards the other prince—the crown prince. Benjamin was currently speaking with one of the princesses while he held a plate in hand, but he stopped when he saw us approaching. His gaze took me in, and I didn’t miss the way astonishment slid in before he schooled his expression down.

  Then his eyes lit up, and he was excusing himself to turn to me.

  “Prince Benjamin, I’d like you to meet our late arrival. She just arrived from her flight and came straight here to attend this ball. This is Princess Elizabeth of Finnick.”

  Promptly, I bowed the way I was taught. Benjamin bowed in return, taking my hand and kissing the back of it lightly. To someone who knew him well, he was obviously trying to contain his mischief.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Princess. I’m so glad you could join us, no matter how late. I hope you know that every guest is welcome here.”

  I giggled, affecting the cover-up that Lucas and I thought up—a ditzy princess who talked too much and remembered too little. “Thank you, Your Highness. That’s very kind of you. I’ve been wanting to meet you for so long! I hope you really don’t mind and you’re not just being polite.”

  The words had the princess beside him staring at me in shock. Benjamin grinned, trying to stifle a laugh. Beside me, Lucas kept his poker expression on, and an urge to make him smile came at me. Remembering my mission, I turned to Benjamin instead.

  “Would you care to tell me more about what I missed?”

  “Of course. Princess Ana, would you excuse me while I pay some attention to our new guest?”

  The blond princess bowed gracefully. “Of course not. Go ahead.”

  “Shall we get a bite to eat Ana?” Lucas said graciously.

  They both wandered off, leaving me wanting to stare but refraining myself. We got into position, and soon I was in Benjamin’s arms and dancing the night away. Again, Benjamin looked surprised that I was pulling it off well—even better than when I was dancing with Lucas, in fact. But then again, I was much more relaxed now, with Benjamin making it easier as he gave me a reassuring smile.

  “You’re doing pretty well,” he said.

  “Thanks,” I said cheekily.

  “What’s your plan of attack?”

  I winked at him. “That’s something only I should know.”

  He threw back his head in laughter at my response, and I grinned. Belatedly, I noticed that everyone was staring at us now, something that made me self-conscious. Was my dress wrinkled now? Was my hair in disarray? Did I—

  “Stop thinking too much,” Benjamin warned. “Focus on me. Did my brother give you a hard time?”

  I took a deep breath, then did as instructed. I tilted my head at his question, realizing the answer was easy.

  “If you mean him being cruel, then no. He was very nice.”

  Because I’m doing it for my brother.

  I could still hear Lucas’ determined voice.

  “I knew he’d warm up to you. You’re irresistible to everyone…including me.” He winked, and I giggled again. We twirled away, goofing around as he teased me. I realized he was doing it to ease my nerves, and it worked, because soon I didn’t even care about the other guests staring and just enjoyed the moment.

  After the dance, Benjamin took me to the side and left me so he could go mingle with everyone else. I checked out the food and was delighted to see that I could recognize most of the selection and knew who cooked or created which food. Mrs. Bentley really did spoil me and Darla.

  Speaking of Darla…my eyes scanned the crowd, knowing she was doing some waitressing job right now. I finally spotted her on the other end, smiling as she served champagne to the guests. Our eyes met for a fraction of a second, and I watched her smile widen before she looked away. She was another one of the few who knew what was up, and she had repeatedly expressed her excitement for me.

  “Good evening. You’re Princess Elizabeth?”

  The words brought my attention back, and I found the blond from earlier eyeing me. She looked interested, not at all cold, and I found myself smiling and nodding. Beside her stood a black-haired beauty, one with pretty green eyes and a wary expression.

  “Yes, but please call me Liz. I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t catch your names,” I said, keeping my tone gentle but bright.

  The blond readily held out her hand for a handshake, then introduced herself as the English Princess Ana. The black-haired beauty was a princess named Julianne from Russia. They tried probing me about where I came from, and I gave out whatever information I could, most of it made up but some true—like the fact that I had a younger brother who loved to read. They responded with tales of their own, and I tried to cock my ear for any semblance of a lie.

  Soon, I was confident enough to mingle with the others and introduce myself first, then chatter a mile a minute about where I was from and how lovely everyone was. Some opened up immediately to me, while others were more cautious and treated this as a competition more than anything. Princess Ana really was one of the friendly ones, and once we found out we were of a similar age, we were practically inseparable as we chatted.

  “Did you come here voluntarily or did your father send you over?” she asked.

  “Well, my father was always interested in Osmerol—unfortunately, a family emergency didn’t allow him to come, so I came in his place. It’s a shame, though, because this is a really lovely place.”

  I was pretty satisfied with my response. It didn’t pose a threat to anyone who wanted the prince, but it also wasn’t too farfetched.

  “What about you, princess?” I asked after a while.

  Ana sighed. “Well, my father did send me. He’s busy, to
o. But it wasn’t like I was forced or anything. In truth…I’ve read about the prince in magazines and thought he was such a philosophical charmer. So I got curious and wanted to meet him.”

  “And what do you think now?”

  “I think he’s living up to his reputation.”

  I tilted my head. “What is his reputation?”

  “The kind, charming prince who only wants goodness for his kingdom. Have you heard the way he talks about Osmerol? It’s clear he loves this place more than life.”

  Yes, I knew. I also knew her wistful tone wasn’t casual at all, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this certain princess had really fallen for Benjamin—hook, line, sinker. It made me wonder if she really was who she was, or if she was faking an identity just to be close to him. It was hard to tell.

  “I’m sure he has some secrets in his closet, just like we do,” I said lightly.

  “Maybe,” she said. “But if he chooses me, I’ll always be honest with him and tell him all the things he needs to hear to be a better ruler.”

  I still couldn’t tell whether that was intentional or not, and I decided I was going to get a headache if I thought too much on my first night pretending. I smiled at her and winked.

  “That’s the spirit. I’m just here for the food,” I admitted.

  She looked startled. Then she grinned at me, obviously finding it the most amusing thing in the world.

  I snorted out laughter, my eyes widening at the not-so-dainty sound. Ana's eyes widened. Then she giggled, too, though it was more graceful than mine sounded. We were in the middle of our laugh fest when I happened to look around, wondering if anyone caught on and found us the most bizarre duo in this hall.

  My gaze caught Lucas' profile, and it took me a few seconds to take in the scene. The laugh froze on my face, then disappeared altogether as I took in the sight of him.

  He was standing beside a woman—an older woman who had gorgeous chestnut hair in a braid and equally gorgeous blue eyes. She was wearing black with some gold trimming, which showed she was a royal in mourning. Those were the official colors one had to wear for a year or two if a husband or direct family member died. They were standing very close, not at all a casual stance but rather an intimate one. The woman was talking, and Lucas was paying so much attention that he almost looked enraptured.