THE BLOOD ROYALS Book 2: Long Live The Queen!

Chapter Five: Let Me Help

Renée's POV
I like this place.

I have eaten more than I can keep down. Everything is free! The once daughter of a billionaire can definitely settle for free things after her disinheritance. It's not like I can afford much. I only spend when it is absolutely necessary.

I am still not so sure about what these people are celebrating. A few explained to me that it's Carperia's way of uniting the subjects and royalty. I don't think it's working. Most of these royals are huddled together or sandwiched between guards. I think the commoners are enjoying themselves much more. They don't suffer from petty restrictions. It's a warm happy atmosphere. Everyone is friendly.

The palace is right behind me. I can't stop looking at it, the glimmer of the golden domes in the settings sun is captivating. Mayb I'll see the king or the queen or the princess or the prince. I would love to see Reli again. That image if him seated on a stool and slowly dragging his fingers through his long hair is still in my mind. It's my go to memory when I want to squeal like the fan girl I am. He's handsome! He is one shallow reason why I came back.

My eyes scanned around the open field with pitched open tents. I think I'll find a group around the many bonfires and I'll blend in. It shouldn't take the night along more quickly. I don't want to retire to my little space just yet.

I was drawn to the aroma of grilled meat and I stopped at the stand looking at the array of food. My mouth is dripping already. An older woman offered me a skewer with little pieces of meat stacked on it. She gave me another one. "Thank you!" I told her.

People are so generous tonight! If my sister Charle was here, we would eat so much we wouldn't be able to walk. We are such foodies!

I stopped to wrap the skewers in paper napkins. I'll eat them later. As I was zipping up my bag, I saw the prince casually walking down the narrow street. He's shaking hands and taking pictures with the commoners.

My face immediately lit up like the 4th of July!

I think dragging his fingers through his hair is something he dies on purpose to make giros scream or it is so subconscious he doesn't even notice.

I quickly followed until I got close.

"Reli." I whispered when I reached him. I was going to repeat myself when he turned.

"Renée."

"Hey!" I am his biggest fan girl. Probably stockholmed too! A girl can't help it! He's a freaking real prince! He's so handsome! I can scream right now!

"Hey." He smiled a little. He looked around at the attention he's getting and he gestured that I follow him. I didn't walk beside him but right behind him until we reached the end of the trail where there is a field and some abandoned trains skirting the horizon. "What are you doing here?"

"Party! Free food! Mingling! You know, those things. What are you doing here?"

"I live over there." He pointed to the palace.

"Neat. Will you invite me over for tea sometime?" He has such a serious expression on his face. "I'm just kidding... Or not. I would love to see the inside of the palace but if you won't invite me it's okay. No pressure."

Awkward silence followed. He's just staring at me. He bit his lip in such a sexy way! Oh please don't do the hair thing or you'll get me pregnant without touching me! "Last time I checked, Xanth completed the arrangement we had with you."

No hair thing! Sigh.

"Yeah."

"So why are you back?" He asked me in the same regulated tone that doesn't rise or fall to betray what he's feeling.