Suddenly Royal(56)
“What did you study, Samantha?” Daniel looked at me, interested.
“Good God, Danny. Don’t you read the papers?” Barney took a long sip from the tumbler in his hand. “She’s a biologist of some sort.”
“Wildlife biologist,” I explained.
“You know I don’t read that trash. It’s a waste of time.” Daniel frowned at his friend. “Good for you, Samantha. You’ll have a lot in common with Alex.”
“Is that so?” A woman came over with a tray of drinks. I picked a glass of white wine and sipped.
“Yes, our illustrious future monarch has a degree in wildlife biology. He specialized in birds, I believe.” Daniel smiled. “What’s your specialty?”
“Raptors.”
Daniel laughed and pointed at Kyle. “You might as well give up right now.”
I looked at them confused. “Excuse me?”
“Let’s just say that there aren’t many eligible female nobles right now.” Daniel laughed at Kyle’s expression. “It’s a lost cause.”
“We don’t know that.” Kyle winked at me. “I’ve got a lot to offer.”
“Are you guys serious? I’m not looking to get married.”
“You’re fresh meat, sweetie.” Barney leaned forward and I could smell the bourbon on his breath. “Daniel here could care less since he’s not into skirts. But for every other eligible man in the country, you’re a potential wife. With a lot to bring to the bank… and bed.” He stared down at my breasts. I squeezed my hands into fists so tight I could feel my nails digging into my palm. All of the responses that popped into my head were wildly inappropriate for a queen’s sitting room.
“Barney.” Daniel glared at him. “That’s enough. We’re not all terrible, Samantha.”
“What are you talking about?” Catherine moved next to me. “You can’t monopolize the guest of honor.”
“I was hoping you’d come over here to check on her so I could enjoy that pretty dress up close.” Kyle tilted his head and looked up and down Catherine’s slim figure. She blushed, but didn’t look all that upset with his perusal.
“Dinner is served.” A door off to the side of the room opened and I couldn’t have been more relieved.
“Your Highness, may I escort you to your seat?” Kyle bowed to Catherine who accepted with a roll of her eyes.
“Samantha?” Daniel held out his arm to me and I let him guide me to into the dining room. There was a long rectangular table, with place settings for each guest. Little cards, with handwritten names told everyone where to sit. Daniel leaned close when we got to my seat.
“I may not be worried about finding a wife, but I am always happy to make a new friend.” He smiled at me, and I felt a little better.
“That would be nice.” I let him pull my chair out and help me sit, before he went to find his own seat.
“Welcome to Lilaria.” Daniel winked at me as he walked away.
“Kyle is not someone you should befriend.” Alex sat next to me and leaned close. “He’s only interested in what kind of dowry you have.” He glared over to where his sister was joking with the young duke. “Among other things.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious,” I whispered. “Tell me you’ve told your sister this.”
“Sisters don’t like to hear that kind of stuff from brothers, but yes, I’ve tried.” Alex opened his napkin and laid it over one leg. “You, on the other hand, have no one else to tell you this.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Not true. Barney has already informed me that I’m fresh meat.”
“He told you that? Those exact words?” The skin along his jaw tightened and he glared at where Barney was asking for a refill.
“Calm down. I’m not an idiot.” I shook my head.
“He can be very convincing when he wants to be. I don’t want to see you be taken advantage of.” He looked at me with frustrated eyes. “Consider it a friendly warning.”
“Are you upset that you can’t stomp around like a caveman and pee on my leg?” I poked his shoulder. “I’m not a tree, Your Highness.”
He laughed and several of the people at our end of the table turned their attention toward us. “What happened to my nickname?”
“That was an accident. Not going to happen again.” I looked around the table, noticing how everyone was watching us. The queen was smiling behind her wineglass and Rose was decidedly ignoring us as she spoke with the prime minister and his wife. Catherine, however, was grinning widely from her seat next to Kyle, a complete contrast to the glower he was shooting my way.