Page 28 of Her Royal Rebellion

“I could certainly be talked into that.”

He seemed pleased by the idea. During stressful times while deployed and living in less than ideal conditions, my men and I would come up with dreams and ideas of what we would do when we got back home. Some days it was as simple as drinking ice cold water and lounging in a soft chair. Other days we thought about racing cars or lavish vacations. It was all we needed to push through particularly tough times.

My job now wasn’t anywhere near as bad as it used to be, but we still needed something to look forward to. A goal to distract us from the monotony of the day to day.

“There’s a great course near Taramore I’ve always wanted to play,” I added.

He nodded, and Isla stood and led the group back to the hall. She held my gaze while she passed, heading off toward the east exit. We waited a beat before trailing them.

Sometimes it was a stolen glance or secret smile that got me through my days. When she looked at me like that, like I was someone special or important to her, it was enough to keep my heart full of hope. It was all I needed to watch other men touch and talk to her. They might have her attention now, but they could never know her like I did.

11

Isla

Philippe was by far the least offensive of the men who had arrived, but that was like saying he’s the kindest lion. He was still a threat to me and my future. Perhaps if we were meeting under any other circumstances, I’d give him an honest chance, but I couldn’t. My guard was up, and I wasn’t letting any of these men close to me, emotionally or physically.

“Are you sure you like this option best?” Silvia, my dressmaker, was frowning behind me in the mirror.

“It’s perfect.” My parents decided to throw a ball this evening so I could continue to get to know Peter, Philippe, and the last man who was expected to arrive sometime today. I knew nothing of Lord Marius, none of my friends throughout Europe did either. He was a mystery, and while some would find that exciting or appealing, I was suspicious.

My parents expected me to play nice with the guests and dance around the ballroom like I was having the time of my life. I knew better than to try to get out of it, so I decided to control what little I could.

“It’s just so different for you.” She tugged on the long, billowy sleeve. “You have such lovely shoulders and arms.”

The lace overlay of the dress was exactly what I wanted. I loathed the idea of men I don’t like or know touching me. I didn’t want my back exposed like I normally did. I didn’t even want them touching my wrist without my permission and now they couldn’t. At least, not my bare skin.

The cream lace was accented with a pale pink bow that pulled in at the waist and tied in the back, and matched the color of the underlayer. It was pretty. Modest. Definitely not something I would wear normally, but this ball was far from normal.

“I love it.”

She gave in and began pinning areas that needed to be taken in or hemmed. “You’ll look lovely. The men won’t know what to do with themselves.”

I smiled to myself. Hopefully they would be distracted by all of my surprise guests.

My parents might think they had the upper hand since they sprung the ball on me just last night, but they underestimated how loyal my friends were. I sent one mass text to my wonderful girls, and now a dozen of the most beautiful and eligible women in Europe would be attending tonight.

They knew and understood the situation I was in better than nearly anyone else could. They wanted me to have the ability to choose my future myself and agreed to come and steal the attention of any man I didn’t want near me. They would be too tempting to ignore, especially if the men were only after a titled, attractive woman rather than me.

Only Logan, Shane, and my maids knew of the incoming guests. Since they weren’t planning to stay in the castle overnight, I didn’t need to have rooms prepared. I simply let my few closest maids know to expect a few more people tonight so they could pass along the message to the kitchen and staff preparing the ballroom.

“That’s all, love. I will get this finished and back to you this afternoon.” Silvia stood and helped me out of the dress, careful not to move a pin.

“Thank you.” I slid on my robe and walked her out.

Once she was gone, I hurried to dress. I wanted to catch Aiden and Charlie before they were caught up in meetings for the day. I stepped out of my room and smiled at Shane. He nodded once and followed silently behind me as I strode down the hall. I made it to the main staircase when my name was called.

I froze and looked around. Philippe was in front of the main entrance watching me. “I’m so glad I found you. I was hoping to spend some time together before tonight.”

I wanted to sigh and run back to my room, but escape was not an option. “I’ll have to check my schedule for the day. I might be full until the ball.”

“No, miss. You’re available all day. Your father saw to it himself that all your meetings were moved or your brothers will be attending in your place.” I glanced over my shoulder to see Carolyn staring down at her folder like she was hiding from me. Impeccable timing for her to show up.

“Lovely.” I did little to hide my sarcasm. She was supposed to be on my side. I couldn’t completely fault her though. The king was the boss.

“Wonderful. How does a ride sound?” His face was so full of hope. I wanted to crush it then and there.

“Can you give me a few minutes? I have to change first.” I gestured to my navy dress, and his grin widened.