Page 24 of A Royal Obligation
When Prince James saw them coming, he waved at them and removed himself from the conversation he had been a part of.
“Cousin, you’re looking as spiffy as ever.”
“Thanks, you cleaned up nice yourself.”
“I know.” James smiled, and Jules couldn’t help but think his smile was a little too perfect. “Now, who is this beautiful lady?” He turned his overly forced smile to her.
“This is Lady Charlotte’s assistant, Jules Smith. She will be staying with us for the near future.”
“I guess I will have to come over more often then. It is a pleasure meeting you, Jules.” He took her hand in his.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Jules replied, removing her hand from his as discreetly as possible. “If you all will excuse me, the food has been calling my name all night.”
She curtsied and hurried over to the food stations. Jules filled her plate with meats and cheeses with names so fancy she wouldn’t even attempt to pronounce them properly. She glanced at the desserts again and grabbed an eclair.
She sat at one of the high-top tables and ate her food as the evening wore on. She watched Barrett greet some of the other royal families and people of royal standing in attendance. His limp continued as he walked around and her stomach turned, appalled that she had injured a prince. She pushed her plate back, having lost her appetite.
As the evening came to an end, Lady Charlotte approached her table.
“I’d forgotten how exhausting small talk could be,” Charlotte said as she stretched her back. “Are you going to finish that?” she asked, pointing to the eclair on Jules’s plate.
Jules pushed the plate toward her in response.
“I was wondering if you were free to talk in private for a little bit before we retire for the evening?” Charlotte asked.
“Of course. I’m ready to leave whenever you are.”
“Okay, let’s go.” Charlotte polished off the rest of the dessert and led Jules from the ballroom.
Charlotte headed to the women’s sitting room and motioned for Jules to join her on the couch. The instant after Jules sat down, Charlotte grinned and let out a joyful sigh.
“Aren’t the Wistonian royal brothers so handsome? Prince Barrett is so kind. I can’t believe I actually got to dance with him tonight. He never dances with anyone at events.” Charlotte clasped her hands together and Jules saw her knuckles start to turn white.
“Do you think he might come to like me? With my parents pushing me to get married, I have to think about all of this very seriously. Marrying a prince would be very advantageous for my family, and Prince Barrett has always seemed like a good man.” Charlotte said through her hand that was covering her mouth. Like she was trying to hold everything in but couldn’t any longer.
“Prince Barrett appears to be very gentlemanly. I think you both are well-suited for each other and that you could have a happy life with him. I think the fact that he got out on the dance floor with you says a lot. It seems he is truly beginning to search for a bride. Continue to be you, Charlotte. I mean, look at you…” Jules motioned to Charlotte. “There is no way the prince could find someone more poised to be his queen.” The words hurt coming out, but they were true.
I can never be with him. I need to get over these silly feelings. Charlotte is a wonderful person and she would make a great queen. Yes, I’m helping Charlotte with Barrett. That’s what we’re doing here. Team Charlotte and Barrett all the way!
“Do you really think so?” Charlotte’s eyes widened.
“I do.”
“Thank you. And thank you for listening. I have never had many female friends. Living in the spotlight, it can be hard to know who you can trust. I’m thankful I have you here with me.” Charlotte rose and reached out to squeeze Jules’s hand.
Jules gulped.Why did Lady Charlotte have to be so kind on top of it all?Pushing down her feelings for Prince Barrett had already proven to be hard enough. But now her stomach twisted at the thought that she was hiding something from someone who was becoming her friend.
“I’m glad to be here.” She squeezed Charlotte’s hand back.
“We should both probably get ready for bed. We have an early breakfast tomorrow. Goodnight, Jules.”
“Goodnight.” Jules excused herself and walked back to her room. She changed into a casual sleep dress and brushed her teeth before she jumped into bed.
She fell asleep hoping she would be able to shake the undeniable feelings of attraction she had for Barrett.
Jules huffed out a breath, causing the hair that was lying messily across her face to flutter into the air only to fall back on her face. She brushed the rogue hairs aside and moaned as her cellphone played her Backstreet Boys alarm for the second time. She had tossed and turned all night after the ball and felt exhausted and confused.
How can Barrett be my mystery man? I can’t be attracted to—let alone have feelings for—the person who is supposed to fall in love with Charlotte. Charlotte aside, I can never be with Barrett anyway. He needs to marry someone royal. Ugh. I can’t even get through one dance with him without making a fool of myself.