Page 36 of The Wrong Royal

He casually wiped his hands and took a drink. “No, thank you.”

I was surprised. “What?”

“I’m not marrying your mother. I’ll only go if you want me to be there.”

He was going to make me say it. I supposed I could appreciate a man that was a good opponent. I knew how important it was for my parents to start the negotiations and I was a dutiful daughter.

“Okay, Ashford,” I said, grinning. “I see what you’re doing. Fine, I would like for you to come to dinner to talk to my parents about the business duties of the person I am to wed.” I said it with a pleasant smile and in a voice that was not natural to me.

He flashed a sexy smile. “Thank you for the invitation, Emilie. I would be thrilled to meet my future in-laws.”

I tossed one of the little cookies at him. “Jackass.”

He clucked his tongue. “Now, now, Princess. That’s not very ladylike.”

I rolled my eyes and looked toward the rest of the party. “We should probably join them. Not that I want to, but I don’t want the gossip to reach my parents. Not only am I supposed to secure a rich husband, but I also need to form alliances.”

“Do you need to?” he asked with a sigh.

“Form alliances?” I asked. “Absolutely. You aren’t the only rich and powerful man here tonight. We need all the help we can get.”

Theo chuckled. “Ah, so it’s all about power and money, then?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What else would it be about? Love? Romance?” I snorted. “That’s for the naïve and foolish. I don’t think I can make it any clearer.”

He leaned in closer to me. “I don’t know, Emilie. I think there’s more to life than just money and power. Don’t you ever want something more than just a business transaction?”

I felt a strange flutter in my chest at his words, but I quickly pushed it aside. “I don’t have the luxury of thinking about such things. My parents have made it clear what my responsibilities are. So, let’s get in there.”

“Will you be on my arm or is this a solo adventure?”

I wasn’t going to tell him I viewed going into that sea of upper crust like I would diving into shark-filled waters wearing a meat suit.

“I think it would be better if we went together,” I said. “You know, the united front and all that.”

I wasn’t going to tell him I didn’t know most of them and the ones I did know I didn’t necessarily like.

As we made our way toward the party, I couldn’t help but notice how Theo’s hand lingered on my lower back. I told myself it was just a friendly gesture, but my mind couldn’t help but wander to more intimate thoughts. I quickly shook my head, trying to clear away any unwanted musings. This was not the time or place for such thoughts.

As we entered the thick of things, I immediately felt out of place. Most of the women were wearing pretty spring dresses. The men were dressed like they were going to work at a bank, sans ties.

But Theo seemed to be in his element. “Charles, I’d like to formally introduce you to Princess Emilie Hansen. Emilie, this is Charles.”

Charles extended his hand, and I took it, giving it a light shake. I was surprised by the warmth of his grip and the softness of his skin. He was different than the other men, more relaxed and easygoing.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Emilie,” Charles said with a smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Oh, really? And what have you heard?”

Charles chuckled. “That you’re a force to be reckoned with. That you don’t take any crap from anyone, and you always get what you want.”

I felt a twinge of satisfaction at his words. It was true. I was a strong and independent woman who didn’t let anyone push me around. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but wonder if that was all I was known for.

Another couple approached Theo, the man clapping his hand on Theo’s shoulder. After fifteen minutes in the crowd, it became clear Theo was well liked. He easily made conversation with everyone.

“Why don’t we get some punch?” Theo said.

“Please,” I said, nodding.