“What’s the first?”
“Overbearing mothers. Obviously.”
“If that were true, you’d have married Alden by now. The Sterlings are the wealthiest household in the kingdomandLady Sterling is a nightmare.”
“A family trait, it seems. His father isn’t much more palatable, judging by our interaction at the National Assembly this afternoon. And don’t get me started on Ava…”
“Mmm. Honestly, it’s amazing someone as kind as Alden actually shares their gene pool.”
“Agreed.”
“Have you spoken to him lately?”
“Not since his birthday party.”
“Do you want to talk to him now?”
“Now? What do you mean—”
“YO! STERLING! OVER HERE!”
I gasp as Chloe’s voice booms like thunder in the quiet night. My head whips around to a familiar blond man in an impeccable suit on the opposite side of the terrace. He’s already crossing to us, a glass of scotch in one hand. His platinum hair looks pure white in the moonlight. There’s an onyx ring on his finger, glinting darkly. I usually find jewelry on men rather effeminate, but he’s attractive enough to pull it off.
“You boomed, milady?” he says wryly, winking at Chloe.
“Alden Sterling, as I live and breathe!” She grins at him. “It’s been ages.”
“That’s becausesomeonenever accepts my requests to visit the castle.” He shoots me a pointed look. “You’re looking lovely as ever, Queen Emilia.”
“It’s nice to see you, Alden.”
“Is it?” he asks, sipping his scotch.
“Of course.”
“Then why haven’t you been returning my phone calls?”
I swallow. “I’ve been a bit busy…”
“But she’s remarkably free right this moment,” Chloe interjects. She lifts her empty seltzer glass and shakes it. “Would you look at that? I’m out. I’m going to run and get a quick refill…”
“Chloe.Chloe!” I call, but she’s already gone — striding across the terrace and disappearing back inside the museum. I can only hope Galizia’s keeping an eye on her, as I instructed earlier. Open bars and unsupervised addicts are not a great combination.
Alden chuckles lowly at the expression on my face. “Is it so terrible?”
“What?”
“Being alone with me.”
“Oh! Of course not. I just think I should go with Chloe, so she isn’t alone…”
His hazel eyes fix on mine. “You always seem to be running off when I manage to get you by yourself.”
“It’s not you, I promise,” I assure him weakly. “I’m just…”
“Not comfortable at this sort of event.”
“Is it so obvious?”