"What a warm welcome we get. That's the infamous hospitality of the Chantelle," said the other man with Crown Prince; he had the same black hair but his eyes were darker.
He was a couple of inches smaller than Nikos and not as broad, but it was unmistakable that they were brothers.
"Mateo azaral," Crown Prince Nikos said in a low voice that made me shiver.
Emyrs was still snarling and struggling like a wild animal, but Nikos held him at arm-length.
"Emyrs," I said firmly, gripping his upper arm. "It's enough. That's not how we treat guests."
Emyrs froze, then gazed up at me over his shoulder. "He's not a guest. He wants to steal you away, Sister Arabella."
Mateo chuckled. "This is too good. I'm glad Father convinced me to come."
"Ordered you," Crown Prince corrected, but he didn't take his eyes off of me. I couldn't return his gaze. My cheeks blazed with heat at his scrutiny.
My father and his bodyguards made sure that Victoria, Lily and I weren't around men very often, and the ones he let near us were either family or ancient old people.
CrownPrince was neither family, nor old. He was only five years older than me, but he looked like a man and made me feel like a small girl in comparison.
He let go of Emyrs and I pulled him toward me, his back against my legs. I folded my hands over his small heaving chest. He didn't stop glaring at The Crown Prince.
I wished I had his courage, but he was a boy, an heir to my father's title. He wouldn't be forced to obey anyone, except for the King. He could afford courage.
"I'm sorry your highness," I said, even if the words tasted foul. "My brother didn't mean to be disrespectful."
"I did!" Emyrs shouted. I covered his mouth with my palm and he squirmed in my hold but I didn't let him go.
"Don't apologize," Victoria said sharply, ignoring the warning look I shot her. "It's not our fault that he and his bodyguards take up so much room in the corridor. At least, Emyrs speaks the truth. Everyone else thinks they need to sugar up his ass because he's going to be a king —"
"Victoria!" My voice was like a whip. She snapped her lips shut, staring at me with wide eyes. "Take Lily and Emyrs to their rooms. Now."
"But—" She glanced behind me. I was glad I couldn't see Crown Prince's expression.
"Now!"
She grabbed Emrys's hand and dragged him and Lily away. I didn't think my first encounter with my future husband could possibly have gone any worse.
Bracing myself, I faced him and his men. I expected to be greeted by fury, but I found a smirk on his face instead. My cheeks were burning with embarrassment, and now that I was alone with the three men, nerves twisted my stomach.
Mother would freak out if she found out I wasn't dressed up for my first meeting with Crown Prince Nikos. I was wearing one of my favorite dresses with sleeves that reached my elbows, and I was silently glad for the protection all the fabric offered me. I folded my arms in front of my body, unsure of what to do. "I apologize for my sister and brother. They are—" I struggled for a word other than rude.
"Protective of you," Crown Prince said simply. His voice was even, deep, emotionless. "This is my brother Second Prince Mateo Azaral Rousseau."
Prince Mateo's lips were pulled into a wide grin. I was glad he didn't try to take my hand. I didn't think I could have kept my composure if either of them had moved any closer.
"And this is my Army Captain , Alexander." Alexander gave me the briefest nod before he returned to his task of scanning the corridor.
What was he waiting for? We didn't have assassins stashed in secret trap doors.
I focused on Nikos's chin and hoped it appeared as if I was actually looking at his eyes. I took a step back. "I should go to my siblings."
Nikos had a knowing expression on his face, but I didn't care if he saw how uncomfortable, how scared he made me. Not waiting for him to excuse me – he wasn't my husband nor my fiancé yet – I turned and quickly walked off, proud that I hadn't given in to the urge to run.
********
Mother tugged at the dress Father had chosen for the occasion. For the meat show, as Victoria called it. No matter how much Mother tugged though, the dress didn't get any looser. I stared at myself in the mirror uncertainly. I'd never worn anything that revealing and tight for a gown. The black dress was clinging to my butt and waist, and was skin tight ; the top was also quite revealing. "I can't wear that, Mother."
Mother met my gaze in the mirror. Her hair was pinned up; it was a few shades darker than mine. She was wearing a floor-length elegant dress. I wished I was allowed something that modest. "You look like a woman," she whispered.
I cringed. "I look like a hooker."
"Hookers can't afford a dress like that."
Father's mistress had clothes that cost more than some people spent on a car. Mother put her hands on my waist.
"You have a wasp waist, and the dress makes your legs look very long. I'm sure The Prince will appreciate it."
I stared down at my cleavage. I had small breasts, even the push-up effect of the bustier couldn't change that. I was a sixteen-year-old dressed up to look like a woman.
"Here." Mother handed me five-inch high heels. Maybe I'd reach The Prince's chin when I wore them. I slipped into them. Mother forced her fake smile onto her face and smoothed down my long hair. "Hold your head high. The King called you the most beautiful woman of Aroma.
Show The Prince and his entourage that you are more beautiful than any women in Atmos Rousseau too. After all, The Prince's knows almost all of them."
The way she said it I was sure she'd read the articles about Nikos's conquests as well, or maybe Father had told her something.
"Mother," I said hesitantly, but she stepped back.
"Now go. I'll come after you, but this is your day. You should enter the room alone. The men will be waiting. Your father will present you to Prince Nikos and then we'll all come together in the dining room for dinner." She'd told me this dozens of times already.