The Queen's Game

A FREE preview of Stealing Luna! [Cincamarre Book 2]

"Remind me what event this is again?" Nina asked, snuggling deeper into Felipe's arms, as their car moved through the winding roads of Cincamarre.

"The Regent's Ball, I think," Felipe said, his fingers idly playing with the fabric of her dress.

The gorgeous gown was made with two tones of pink and burgundy, the cap- sleeved bodice made with finely-processed piña cloth to make it fit and flare like it was made of the softest of fabrics. The dress faded into a chiffon skirt that was currently spread out all over the backseat of the car.

"Your uncle's hosting tonight, and we're supposed to bring attention to South Basco, where that flash flood happened."

"Right," Nina nodded, scratching the lobe of her ear. The pink drop earrings she wore to match the dress were beautiful but a bit heavy. "There have been so many pre-coronation events, my head's starting to whirl. This is Cora's event."

Felipe snorted, and Nina swatted his arm. "Hey! I am not standing for a rivalry between you and Cora for my affections, Spaceman."

"Because there's no competition."

"You guys are so alike, it's hilarious," Nina said, extricating herself from Felipe's arms to get her little purse, where she'd stuck her phone.

"Unlike her, I am not a thief."

Nina's eyes went dark as she glared at her husband. Felipe relented, and mumbled a quick apology. Because of course even he, a prince from the neighboring country, was aware of Cora Justa Dumagat's family legacies. The Dumagats used to be farmers, the first allies of the Mercados when they decided to seize power from Spain. The Justas were thieves of the elegant kind. The kind that stole paintings from corrupt officials and aided in the 'rediscovery' of previously lost art.

"Cora's a Justa and a Dumagat," Nina not-so-gently reminded him. "Whatever her family's done, she's my friend and a daughter of Councilman Dumagat. I love you, Felipe, but she's like a sister I never had."

"I'm sorry," Felipe said, kissing Nina's temple. "But last Christmas she gave me a shirt that said 'Plant Daddy' on it."

"I like that shirt on you," Nina laughed as their car pulled up to the bay of the Justa Galleries.

Almost immediately, every person within a hundred meter radius stood stock still. At the top of the stairs, Nina saw a familiar figure in a deep pink dress with more ruffles than some of her curtains at Palasyo Pacita.

Cora made it work, though.

"You," Cora announced with all the regal air of a princess. Nina climbed up the stairs slowly, smiling as her friend came closer into view. In the distance, she heard cameras taking photo after photo, a constant clicking that followed her every time she was out in public. Thank god there was no audio, though. "Have some explaining to do."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Nina shrugged, she, Felipe and Cora walking together to the ball.

"A smash and grab," Cora shook her head. "A smash and grab! For the korona! I've helped you steal cookies from the kitchen with more elegance."

"Well, we weren't really trying to be subtle," Felipe shrugged. "And it's been more than a year."

"You talked her into it, didn't you," Cora sighed. "Really, I expected more from you, Plant Daddy."

"Will you please, stop calling me that?"

The two of them walked slightly ahead of Nina, as per protocol, she had to be the last to enter the room. She watched them talking to each other, two parts of her life coming together, and she realized, with her friends and her family at her side, she could do it.