To Steal a Prince (21 page)

“That’s not what someone with taste would say,” Gabe mutters.

After much fussing and adjusting, he finally presents his choice.

“Charcoal. Nice.” I brush a mote of imaginary dust off his shoulder. “Now what color tie are you going to wear?”

“I have to choose a tie?” Gabe retreats again, wailing.

I slip on a black dress while my roommate agonizes. I wince, realizing that he won’t be my roommate after tonight. And I probably won’t come back to visit him. Heading back to the kitchen, I check to see if the bottle’s empty yet.

“How’s this?” Gabe emerges, panting, a blue tie thrown over his shoulder.

“Perfect. Now can we go before I change my mind?”

“Let’s do it!”

I glance at the rose on the kitchen counter. It’s all wrong here, set against curtains that Gabe swears weren’t once potato sacks. I need to take it back to the palace. Snatching it up, I’m ready to leave.

Gabe slams the door behind us in his eagerness. We run down the stairs, racing each other to every landing.

“How are you planning on getting there?” Gabe asks.

“Taxi.”

“We’ll have to walk to the city center to get a taxi at this hour.”

“We’re not walking. If you don’t jog with me, I’m leaving you behind.”

By the time we reach the lobby, I’m less enamored of the jogging plan. We’re both panting. I don’t know about Gabe, but I have a terrible stitch in my side.

I stretch as best as I can in a tight dress. It’s time to head into the night.

Gabe doubles over, holding up a hand. “Just need to catch my breath. Can you carry me?”

“Come on.” I push him toward the doors. “We can make it.”

I’m not looking forward to dragging Gabe all the way to the palace. Fortifying myself, I push open the door.

A sleek car is parked outside the building. Rashad leans against it.

He nods to us. “Need a lift?”

“Rashad!” I’m stunned. “How long were you planning on waiting out here?”

“As long as it took.”

“But . . .why?”

“How do you expect to get back into the palace without me?”

I know palace workers love to be proper, but I can’t help but hug him. Laughing, he opens a door for me. “Welcome back, Lady Sparrow.”

Gabe stares at Rashad, a little too long for comfort. “Shouldn’t you introduce me?”

I elbow him. “Just get in the car.”

We fasten our seatbelts as Rashad closes the door.

Gabe leans over. “Seriously, introduce me.”

“Rashad?”

He sets his gloved hands on the wheel. “Yes, my lady?”

“This is my roommate, Gabe. You need to watch out for him.”

Rashad revs the engine, appraising Gabe in the rearview. “I’ll make a note of that.”

To my astonishment, Gabe’s cheeks tinge with red.

The journey back is mercifully silent. I try not to think of what tonight will hold. Knowing I’ll see Damon again is enough. I washed off his kisses, and now I’ll have the chance to collect some more. The road twists and turns before us, and I find myself twisting and turning the rose in time. It’s somewhat comforting. The last person who touched this rose was Damon, after all.

Like out of a dream, the palace rises before us. Tumbling from the highest tower, the waterfall glows silver. I gasp. It looks enchanted.

Gabe presses his nose to the window. “I’ve always wondered how they got it to glow like that.”

Rashad adjusts the rearview. “It’s a family secret.”

“Oh.” He sounds rather disappointed.

“If I had to guess, I would say that there are thousands of lights embedded underneath. But the Lions think that knowing ruins the magic, so you didn’t hear it from me.”

Science or magic, the waterfall is magnificent. Gabe clutches my hand as the gate opens for us. He’s practically giddy with delight. Lanterns line the winding drive, guiding guests to the main door. Fireflies blossom in the night, as if they know they’re competing with man-made light. I roll my window down to take in the warm night air.

My heart starts to pound as we approach the entrance. “Can you drop us off to the side, Rashad?”

“Certainly.”

Instead of having to enter the long receiving line, we can sneak in the back way. That’s a relief. I’m not ready for Damon to see me just yet.

Rashad jumps to open our doors for us. “Will that be all this evening?”

“Definitely. I owe you, Rashad.”

He bows. “It was my pleasure.”

Gabe stuffs his hands in his pockets. “Are you going to come with us?”

The driver flashes an enigmatic smile. “I have some errands to take care of.” Nodding to us, he starts to walk away.

“Will you be at the ball tonight?” Gabe calls after him.

Rashad waves without looking back.

“Did he just brush me off?”

I push him toward the back gardens. “Maybe you shouldn’t be so forward.”

“I can’t help it. Did you see how cute he was?”

“I saw, Gabe. Now can we get inside?”

He sighs as if he’s the only love-struck soul in the city, but lets me lead him down the gravel paths behind the palace. “Remind me why we can’t go in the normal way? I’ve never been to a royal ball. Why don’t I get to experience the pomp and elegance?”

“You can experience all that later. Right now we’re trying to go unnoticed.” It’s harder to tell in the dark, but I’m pretty sure this is my staircase. Is it too much to hope that Eris left my dress and mask laid out on the bed, and then left to attend the festivities? I certainly don’t want to face her.

I put a finger to my lips as we ascend, warning Gabe to be quiet. There’s no telling who could be in my room. Well, the room that used to be mine. Maybe a new girl has moved in already.

No one’s on the terrace. That’s a relief.

Gabe tugs at my sleeve.

“What?” I hiss.

“I know you told me to be quiet,” he says in a hoarse whisper, “and I don’t want to alarm you, but there’s a fucking lion over there.” He points, finger trembling.

“That’s just Regulus.”

“That beast has a name?”

“Keep your voice down. Damon calls him Reggie.”

“That beast has a nickname?”

I punch him in the shoulder. “He’s trying to nap. Don’t startle him.”

Gabe’s eyes widen. I have the feeling that he’d maintain silence indefinitely to keep Reggie asleep.

There’s a soft noise inside. Looking at Gabe, I motion for him to follow me. Drawing a deep breath, I peek behind the curtain.

I see Nic’s bulk on the bed. He’s shirtless and bent at the waist. It takes me a moment to register the small white hands caressing his back. Nic, the stoic bodyguard, is seeing someone? I sputter in disbelief.

The two lovers spring apart. I blink rapidly, trying to make sense of the scene. What kind of girl would fall for Nic? It hits me. I almost didn’t recognize her in a silky gown, with red hair cascading over her shoulders in waves.

“Eris?”

She turns as red as her hair.

“And Nic?”

I didn’t know it was possible, but his face turns even redder than Eris’s. He tries to cover it by putting his shirt back on.

I still can’t believe this is happening. “Who’s watching Damon?”

“The prince wanted some time alone. There’s extra security tonight, so I didn’t push him.”

The thought of Damon distressed wrenches my heart. I can fix this, but not quite yet. My brain is still trying to work out what Nic and Eris are doing here. They look quite comfortable on the bed, and I almost feel like I’ve invaded their space instead of vice versa.

I step through the curtain. “How long have you been using my room?”

“We’re sorry, Grace,” Eris says. “There’s nowhere else we can have some privacy.”

“It’s not like we’ve done much,” Nic is quick to add. “I’m an honorable man.”

Eris sets a hand on his arm, and they share a glance. It’s like they’ve forgotten I’m here.

“I thought Damon had set you on me, Nic.” My legs feel too shaky to support me, so I drop into a chair.

“He asked me to keep an eye out for you, and make sure you were safe. Why?”

I don’t want to tell them my earlier fears. I’ll just seem paranoid. “What were you doing earlier, when you left the room?”

Eris stands, modeling her dress. “Nicolai got this for me. I couldn’t believe it. You see, the downside of working on dresses is that I never have time to make my own. I usually end up dancing in some hideous garble of fabric.”

“I wanted her to have a dress as beautiful as she is.” Nic beams at her.

I’m lightheaded with relief. They weren’t trying to double-cross me after all. They just wanted some alone time.

“Um, Grace? Are you going to introduce us?” Eris looks at Gabe.

“Of course. Come in, Gabe.”

He yanks the curtain shut behind him. “Thank god. I thought that lion was going to eat me.”

“Reggie’s only ever maimed people,” Nic says.

I glare at him. “Be nice. Gabe, this is Nic and Eris. Nic and Eris, Gabe.”

“I’m Grace’s former roommate. Present best friend.” Gabe bows. “That last one’s probably obvious, though.”

Something chimes in the hall.

Eris’s hands fly to her face. “That means the ball’s started. Grace, you’re not even ready!”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not!” Eris shoos the men out to the terrace, ignoring Gabe’s protests. “Nic will protect you from Reggie. Now get out!”

Eris helps me into the bronze dress. It’s even better than I remember. It fits me perfectly, which comes as no surprise, and I can’t help sneaking long sideways glances in the mirror.

Once I’m decent, Eris lets the men back in. Gabe looks me up and down, letting out a low whistle.

“You clean up nice.”

I give him a warning glance. “I can have Nic get you for that.”

Gabe turns to Nic. “Would you follow her orders?”

“Would you like to find out?” The bodyguard surreptitiously flexes a bicep.

“Grace,” Gabe says, “you’re the most stunning woman to have ever lived.”

“That’s better.” I watch as Eris sweeps my hair up onto my head. I’m not one to fuss with my hair, so it’s usually either tied back or left loose. This glamorous updo makes me look worthy of a prince.

“Put your mask on, Grace.”

I can barely believe it’s real. The feathers in the center are a dull brown. But as they radiate outward they transform, slowly becoming a brilliant bronze. That’s how I feel tonight. I’m radiant, and I’m not going to stay in the shadows anymore.

“Damon will be relieved to hear that you’ve returned,” Nic says. “Should I tell him that you’re here?”

“No. I want to surprise him.”

Eris puts another pin in my hair. “You certainly will. No one will recognize you like this.”

I turn to the mirror, barely recognizing myself. A striking woman looks back at me. If I didn’t know better, I would swear she must be royalty.

“Don’t forget these,” Nic says gruffly. He hands Eris a jewelry box.

“What’s that?” I ask.

Eris opens it to show me a chunky turquoise necklace, and matching earrings. I put them on, marveling at how they contrast with the bronze dress.

“Damon would want you to have something nice,” Nic says.

“Where did you get them?”

“I borrowed them from the Jewel Room. Be sure not to lose them, or it’ll be my ass.”

I trace one of the stones, touched that Nic would do that for me. What’s more, he trusts me with them. I’m glad the mask prevents anyone from seeing how overwhelmed I feel.

Eris picks up the rose. “Did you want to do something with this? I could put it in your hair.”

“No. Damon would know it was me.”

Taking up a pair of scissors, she trims the stem. “I can pin it under a fold in your dress. It’ll be there when you want it.”

I grab hold of her hands. “Thank you.”

“Any time, my lady.” She puts on an emerald mask that perfectly matches her dress. It’s covered with beaded roses. Across the room, Nic slips on a plain dark mask.

“Do you need a mask?” I ask Gabe.

“We have extras,” Eris says. “Here’s a blue one. Are peacock feathers okay?”

Gabe huffs. “What, you think I want a ridiculous mask just because I’m gay?”

“I–I didn’t even know… It just matched your tie,” Eris stutters.

“I’m kidding. I love it. Peacocks are my favorite birds. I’ll give you three guesses as to why.”

“Stop it, Gabe.” I glare at him from behind my mask.

“All right, I’ll behave. For now.” He adjusts the mask, preening his new feathers. “I like to arrive as fashionably late as the next man, but don’t we have a ball to get to?”

We file out the door. I don’t have butterflies in my stomach. It feels more like I’m filled with sparrows, a hundred tiny birds pecking to get out. I’m going to see Damon again. But will he be happy to see me?

I stay close to my friends as we walk toward the main hall. It’s time to dance.

14

Nic stops me before we reach the ballroom. “You know, Grace, you can’t show up as just anyone. Damon, for one, will want to know who you are.”

“Can’t I make something up?”

“Not if you want to fool him for more than three seconds. I happen to know of a last-minute cancellation. You can be Clara Dubois, of Belgium. Your father is Ambassador to the United States.”

“All right. I can be Clara.” I watch the guests filing in, wondering if I can compare to them.

“You just got back from a vacation in Ostend, where you took in the beaches and visited St. Petrus Church.”

“Should I be writing this down?”

Nic adjusts his tie. “You’ll remember it if you want to stay under the radar. Damon will probably ask about your brother Lucas. Say that he’s enjoying his third year at Ghent University. If the prince wants to know, he’s studying architecture.”

“How am I supposed to remember all this?”

“You should be able to handle it. If not, make something up. The only part that really matters is that you’re Clara Dubois.”

“Of Belgium.”

“See? You’re a natural.”

Eris leans toward the ballroom. “Are you two done scheming yet? Can we dance?”

“Post-haste, my love.” Taking her arm, Nic guides her in. Gabe and I follow.

It feels like I’ve stepped into a fairytale. The ballroom is so stunning that I have to pause to take it all in. Chandeliers covered in golden vines cast a soft glow over the room. Revolving dancers pass, their masks covered in leather, feathers, jewels. Colors blur together as women swish their dresses.