“That’sAva.”
“My future sister-in-law, if Octavia gets her way.” I snort. “Now it all makes sense. Marrying into that family is just one more way she can torture me.”
Chloe leans back against a pile of pillows with a sigh. “Maybe. But I’m guessing it has less to do with making your life miserable than it does consolidating the royal family’s wealth. Octavia knows if you marry Alden, all that Sterling money will be at her fingertips.”
“Wow. How romantic.”
“Haven’t you heard? Romance is dead.”
“This from the girl who’s been pushing me to date?”
“Screw. Not date. There’s a difference.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, Chloe, but I’m not the screwing type.”
“Then you’re missing out.” She shrugs. “Don’t shoot the messenger, but screwing Alden might be the only silver lining to be found when you’re eating cucumber sandwiches with the Sterlings in the countryside. And if you’re going to wind up married to him anyway… you might as well sample the goods…”
“I honestly can’t even tell if you’re joking anymore.”
“That’s half the fun of it though, right?”
I heave a martyred sigh.
“Oh, cheer up, buttercup. It could be worse.” Chloe smiles. “She could be trying to sell you off to the Earl of Cromwell — the one who kept stepping on your feet during the waltz at your coronation. Remember?”
“How could I forgethim? I still haven’t regained feeling in my right pinky toe.”
Chloe’s lips twitch. “You know, I probably have a pill for that…”
I toss a pillow at her head.