Page 5 of Don’t Look Down

“And the warmest welcome to our two ambassadors here with us today.” Every head in the room turns in mine and Beau’s direction. I do my best not to shift in my seat. “As you all know, Briar and His—sorry, Beau.” Juliette stumbles, fighting the default of formality with Beau’s request to be called by his name. I see Beau nod encouragingly out of the corner of my eye. “Their fathers started our organization together almost five years ago. Within that time, we’ve been able to grant scholarships to over fifty children, as well as supply recreational funding for more than two hundred children.” Applause fills the room and my chest swells.

This is meaningful. This can be my purpose.

“Would either of you like to say a few words?”

Momentary panic flashes through me, worsened when Beau looks at me in silent permission to go ahead. I inhale deeply, trying to find that poise my mother has been instilling in me in preparation for moments like these. I clasp my hands together on the desk.

“Yes, thank you very much, Juliette.” I’m grateful that when I speak, my voice doesn’t waver. “I’m very honored to be here today, and over the course of the summer to help for a push in recognition and donations. If it weren’t for my grandparents’ sacrifices, many of which they should’ve never had to make just to ensure a good education for my father, none of us would be here today. My father would’ve benefited from an organization like this when he was young, and if it weren’t for his friendship he found at university, I would’ve greatly needed an organization like this or I would not have been able to attend any further schooling. That is not lost on me, the privileges that I have been granted, and I’m very excited to be here to extend a hand to others.”

Juliette beams, and her approval radiates through me.

“However, I did see some sort of relay race being set up out on the pitch, and I would just like to say I surely hope no donations are being put on the line for my success out there.”

Everyone laughs, and even Beau gives a little shake of his head. I sit back, relieved my introduction is over.

“Thank you, Briar. Not only for your commitment today but for the remainder of the summer’s event.” She turns her eyes to Beau. “And Beau, I don’t want to misspeak, but I’m not certain of your commitment. Are you… is this just for today, or should we be expecting His Royal Highness at a later date?”

Before Beau can speak, a short, balding man who I didn’t notice in the round of introductions interrupts from the other side of Gabriel. “Prince Lockwood has been called away to attend to more pressing commitments. Perhaps at a later date, he may be able to attend, but I cannot make any promises.”

A few folks exchange glances, and I do my best to keep the confusion off my own face. The man is dressed nicely, so I assume he must work for the Crown.

“Edwin, I think you skipped over your introduction.” Beau leans back in his chair to peer at him. “Would you like to introduce yourself to the group?”

Edwin’s jaw ticks as he sweeps his eyes to Beau. The look he casts is one that I’m surprised he’s leveling toward the Prince. But Beau remains lax, waiting him out. Tension coats my tongue, and I’m not even the one involved in this conversion.

Edwin inhales sharply. “I’m here on behalf of His Royal Highness, The Prince of Doriella. I’ve been his butler since he was a babe, and previously served His Majesty King Harold and Queen Hilda.” He pauses, like he’s waiting for some sort of applause, and when it doesn’t come he frowns. “I’m here today to give the Prince’s deepest apologies. He regrets not being able to fulfill his commitment for the summer festivities.”

The whole summer? He’s not going to be here at all?

Disappointment swells and I swallow it down. I’m sure whatever has come up is important, but this… I thought this was supposed to be some time together for us to get to know each other. As nervous as I am about courting and stepping into this next chapter of my life, I also can’t stand to be so stagnant anymore. This was supposed to prepare us for our future. And now?

Also, he couldn’t let me know?

A little heads up would’ve been courteous. I then feel stupid even at the notion of thinking I deserve that. But though we don’t speak, I’m sure he was just as aware of what this was supposed to mean for the two of us. Did that even cross his mind? It stings, and I’m not sure why. It’s not like Lock owes me an explanation. If anything, he owes one to the organization and Juliette. But at the end of the day, he’s the future king, and really answers to no one.

“My brother, as you can imagine, is pulled in many directions. His lack of attendance moving forward is not a reflection on the importance of what you all do. It is simply the nature of his duty.” Beau tries to soften the harsh edges of Edwin’s bluntness.

With his nose in the air, Edwin says, “He’s the Crown Prince. He has many important matters that require his attention.” A cursory glance my way. “He sends his regards.” The lack of inflection in his tone tells me he in fact does not send his regards. “And he sent his brother in his place.”

Beau stiffens beside me but remains silent. As if that’s all he is. A placeholder for Lock. But he retains that steady ease about him as he says, “Now Briar here might not garner many good graces in a relay of sorts, but now you have me. I’m sure you’ll all be pleased with my performance.” He turns his head toward me with a grin plastered across his handsome, chiseled face. “I don’t expect you to be able to keep up with me.”

This is going to be a long day.

Three

Stupid white dress. Despite not participating in the relay, or bag race, or co-ed football game, flecks of dirt splatter the hemline.

It felt ridiculous to wear it this morning, and that grew tenfold the moment I realized that the one it was intended for wasn’t even going to see it.

“Maybe something a little more practical next week, eh?” Beau startles me, and I whip my head to the right. He still looks pristine, not a blond hair out of place, and his jacket is as fresh as it was when he arrived. Must be some sort of prince magic because he was out on the fields with the children most of the day, while I talked with donors and parents.

I bypass his thinly veiled insult. “Next week? Does that mean you’ll be here again?”

“Don’t sound so excited.”

“Sorry, I… I didn’t mean to be rude.”

He slips his hands inside his pockets and studies me. “Do you have a problem with this? My being here?”