Brett proves to be a worthy competitor, but I still win easily.

“I’m impressed, Your Highness,” he compliments when I sink my final striped ball.

“You exceeded my expectations as well,” I reply. “I thought your only talent was getting kicked out of every school in the country.”

Brett laughs loudly, attracting even more attention.

“Let’s go,” I call to Michael, who’s standing closest to me. He nods and straightens. The rest of my agents quickly fall into formation as well. Brett gives me a mock salute, and I can’t help but smile as I turn on my heel and walk out of the room.

I know Charles will follow even before I hear his footsteps. I climb into the car as Michael holds the door open, and glance back at him.

“Do you want a ride?” I offer.

He nods. I look behind him to see a number of our classmates are staring out the massive front windows at us.

Charles climbs into the other side of the car, and we begin to drive along the cobbled stones back toward the main street. We sit in silence for a while, until I manage to get my discombobulated words under control and know what I need to say to him.

“I know I can be difficult,” I tell Charles, breaking the silence between us. “It’s not you. I’m still—I’m having trouble adjusting to everything that’s about to change in my life, and I’m taking it out on you, which isn’t fair. I promise I’ll work on it.”

“I’m not going to lie. You’re not that easy to get to know,” Charles replies. “But I would like to. I know your situation isn’t ideal, but… I like you, Vivienne. A lot.”

Unbidden, Jace’s voice sounds in my head. Has anyone ever told you that you’re difficult to get to know?

I let Jace in. I let him know me. I don’t regret it, but I didn’t realize letting him in would mean I wouldn’t want to open up to anyone else.

“I’m working on it; I promise,” I reply, choosing to ignore the end of his statement. “I just need a little more time to come to terms with everything.”

Charles nods.

We pull up in front of the Vanderbilts’ estate and pause for the gate to open. It slides back slowly, the same way the one at their house in South Carolina does. The thought sobers me more than the cool night air did.

We pull up in front of the house, and Charles takes off his seatbelt, then turns to look at me. I don’t move. I’ve given him all I can tonight.

“Good night, Vivienne.”

“Good night,” I reply.

He lingers for a moment longer, but I still don’t move, so he opens the door and steps out. As soon as the door shuts, we begin moving, headed back through the dark to the palace.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

JACE

“Was it this difficult to assemble last year?”

“It’s probably that fancy new tent you bought,” I call out, grinning. “Camping is not supposed to include an air mattress and an electrical outlet.”