Page 16 of Royal Resistance

It’s only natural to feel that way.

I acknowledge, accept, and plan to move on.

I think I’m moving on. At least I hope I am.

Envy and resentment aren’t my favourite emotions, and I’ve put in the work these last few months to resolve them. And it’s not just what I’ve learned as a psychologist—I’ve had sessions with a colleague to help me move through things.

Also many conversations with Courtney have helped.

She was my assistant for two years, but now she’s my best friend. I’m glad she moved to Ottawa with me.

“I can’t believe I met Duncan Laz.” Courtney rubs her hands together, still in fangirl mode.

“You also met the King of Laandia,” I point out.

“Technically, I did not, because you dragged me away before he could kiss my hand like he did yours. By the way, how did you not swoon? I mean, how often does a devastatingly handsome king kiss your hand like that? Totally fairy-tale moment.”

“I’m not looking for a fairy-tale moment.”

‘But still! You think he’s good-looking, don’t you? And Duncan?”

Duncan, yes. I’ve fallen asleep with too many novels with him on the counter not to appreciate his attractiveness. Sharp cheek bones, smoldering gaze, those full lips that beg women to imagine kissing him, and that hair. There’s no question about Duncan.

But Magnus?

“I’m not sure he’s my type,” I admit.

“Why, because he looks like a real man?” Courtney says with a sour twist of her lips. “And yes, that was a shot at Lord Darren.”

“You never liked him.”

Courtney stares at the dance floor, refusing to meet my gaze. “No, I did not. And I don’t think I hid my feelings that well either.”

I have to agree with that. Courtney was the only person I knew who didn’t think that Darren and I made the perfect couple. “No, you did not. The relationship made sense.”

That’s what everyone should look forward to in a relationship. That it makes sense.

I’ve learned a lot about my relationship in the past few months.

“For him. Not for you. You were always too good for him.”

“Because I was going to be queen,” I point out. Because that’s what Darren really wanted. Not me. To be king of Avelaine.

How did I miss his ambitions? And why doesn’t it hurt more?

I’ve been numb since Papa told me, interspersed with bouts of anger that are finally fading. But still, the pain of losing Darren never appeared and I don’t think it ever will.

“No, because you’re you,” Courtney says, squeezing my hand. “You’ll always be a queen, Selene, even if you don’t wear the crown. No more men like Darren.”

Definitely. And possibly no more men in the foreseeable future. “I agree.”

“But someone like Magnus…” She wiggles her eyebrows hopefully, and I smile with a shake of my head.

“I doubt Magnus is interested. He didn’t even remember me.”

“Temporary brain fart, because when he did—” Courtney smiles widely. “There was interest.”

“There was not,” I assure her, even though my mind flashes to the smile Magnus gave me.