Chapter 9

POV: Leopold

"Have you heard what your latest scheme resulted in?" I said, as I entered the Salon Vert.

As every Saturday morning, my family was there. We were sectioned off into the private living quarters while the touristes were touring the palace. Kept under lock and key until the palace belonged to us again.

As always, our life was a carefully curated and orchestrated spectacle. What had just happened in the garden was just another example.

"They are worried for her safety, Leopold," my father said, without from his journal. "That's good. They like her."

I threw my hands up in the air. "Perfect. Then she can run the country."

"Be reasonable, son," my mother scolded. She was in the corner of the room, at her easel. A paint flecked apron tied at her waist protected her silk dress.

"They think I'm violating her," I seethed. "I don't see how this could possibly be good for any of us."

"The people want you to be together," my father said, closing his journal and looking me in the eye. "We just need to take control of the story. You'll do an interview with Victoire Valance tomorrow."

"She almost died today and now you want to feed her to the wolves?" I shot back, pacing back and forth. The media were the ones responsible for today's twisted story. Doing a live interview would only stoke the flames.

"Almost died?" Lupa cut in. She was lounging on a settee near the windows.

"Yes, her horse spooked and took off while she was on it."

"I assume you rescued her?" she said, unconcerned.

I growled. "That's not the point, she could have been injured."

"But she wasn't." She licked her finger and turned the page of her magazine. "I thought you didn't like her."

"I don't trust her, that doesn't mean I want her killed."

"It's a shame the press didn't catch your rescue," Henri said. He was at my fathers side. As usual. Now more out of comfort and habit than necessity. "Saving her from near death would have made you look very good."

"Have you all gone mad?" I demanded, my hands balling to fists. How didn't they see what was wrong here. Why were they treating Cat's life with so little concern?

"Have you?" Lupa asked.

"I see nothing out of the ordinary here," Hector agreed. "The press always runs what they want. You can set it straight on air tomorrow."

"And you and I have both been thrown off of horses more than once," Lupa added.

"It's completely unnecessary for her to be involved in any of this. Her life is in danger. Her reputation is at stake. Her privacy potentially ruined. And…" the words stopped. My frustration and anger choked them off. Couldn't understand why I was pacing like a tiger around the room, furious, while the rest of my family sat calmly.

Lupa looked up at me, her green eyes knowing. "She's pretty, isn't she?"

All of the energy ran out of me in an instant. I sat down hard beside her, on the edge of her settee, and placed my head in my hands. "I just–"

The words caught again.

I just can't have anyone else get hurt.

Lupa shut her magazine, and uncrossed her legs, sitting up beside me. "I'll go talk to her. Get her in shape for tomorrow morning."

"What if this doesn't work?" I asked, looking at my father. "The longer she's here. The more exposure she has. The more impossible it will be to return to a normal life. The more she could impact ours."

"If the interview doesn't turn the people around, I will send her home," my father agreed. "If that's what you really think is best."

"I think you need to give her a chance," Henri said, ever the diplomat.

She picked up my left hand, examining the bruised knuckles, and tisked. "You don't always need to fight with your fists, brother."

POV: Cat

I was lounging on the pillowy sofa in my room, watching Netflix, when I heard a knock at the door.

Angelique never knocked.

I thought about ignoring it, and then began picturing Leopold throwing open the door in another fit of rage.

He didn't seem like the kind of guy that would ask permission to enter a room.

Which meant it was someone new.

Which meant I probably needed to answer it.

With a groan, I pushed myself up, muscles achy from nearly dying that afternoon and went to open the door.

"Oh, hi," I said, eyes growing wide. Princess Lupa stood on the other side, looking sleek and dangerous as ever.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

I stepped to the side, waving her into the room. I wondered what she wanted. Why she was here. If it had anything to do with the news article from that afternoon.

I hadn't heard from Prince Leopold since he's stormed off, leaving me alone in the foyer after our ride.

Lupa and I sat on the couch. I pulled my knees up to my chest, and picked at a whole in the fabric of my leggings. "What can I do for you?"

The Princess crossed her long, golden legs. "I heard about your accident earlier and wanted to check on you."

Point to me.

I felt my cheeks blush. "Oh I'm fine. Was very lucky I was with Leopold. I would have been squished like a bug if he hadn't been there."

"Yes, Leopold is a good man," the Princess smiled.

"Mmmhmm," I agreed non committedly.

She cocked her head. "You don't agree?"

My tongue felt thick and I stumbled over my words. What was the nicest way to say 'your brother is an asshole but I am still very glad he saved my life'?

"I don't think Prince Leopold likes me very much."

What was this, kindergarten? I was tattletaling the Prince to his twin sister.

I wanted to bury my head in the couch pillows.

Luckily, to my surprise, the princess laughed. "Leopold doesn't like anyone very much. Especially if they pose a threat."

"I don't see how I could be threatening." I gestured down at my legging and oversized concert t-shirt.

"If he wants the crown, the fastest bet is depending on you. A girl he knows nothing about."

"That doesn't give him the right to be a dick." The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. My eyes grew wide and my hand shot up to cover my mouth. "I am so sorry."

"Never apologise for saying how you feel," Princess Lupa said. Then continued: "Leopold has been through a lot. Until a few months ago, he was never meant to be king. He was second in line to the throne. Which, in modern times, essentially means he has no purpose."

"Doesn't being second born make you second in line for the throne?" It was something I'd been wondering since I arrived. Had Lupa passed up the throne as well? Did no one want the crown?

She smiled sadly. "In Solisain law, only a man can be heir to the throne. I was never in the running"

I snorted. "Well that's bullshit."

She shrugged. "It's the way it's been for thousands of years. Tradition is difficult to change. I would have gladly taken up the responsibility if it meant Leopold didn't have to."

"So you think he can't do it either?"

"No, I am confident he can," she said, voice fierce. "Leopold will be a great king. He just needs time and help to grow into the role. Henri has been trained his whole life in politics, economics, and etiquette. Leopold and I have had to create our own purpose."

"And he chose getting into drunken fist fights and making out with strangers?"

"All I can do is ask you to give him another chance. I know he can be cold and rude. I promise that's not all there is to him."

I scratched at the hole in my leggings. "I guess I owe him one after today."

"You can start paying off your dues tomorrow," the Princess said. "You and Leopold are going to be interviewed on live television."

My stomach dropped. "What?"

"You didn't think I came here to gossip about my brother, did you?" There was a wicked glint in her eye. "I am here to prepare you for battle."

"You're gonna Princess Diaries me?" I'd been praying this moment wouldn't arrive.

"Exactly," The Princess sat a little straighter, smoothing the lines of her skirt. "Every public appearance the family makes is like a perfectly curated piece of art. A dance. And act."

"And you think you're gonna teach it to me by tomorrow?"

"Of course not, but we need to start somewhere if you plan on staying the whole summer."

I sighed. "So you want me to do an interview and play nice with Prince Leopold to get some good press?"

"Correct."

"It didn't work this morning. Why should it this time?"

"This time, you have me to help you get ready. I never lose."

I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

The Princess frowned. "What are you doing?"

"Taking notes. If I'm going to embarrass myself again I may as well be prepared."