King and Kingdom by Danielle Bourdon

the Princess in Sander's arms. From this new, unique perspective, she saw just how commanding the heir to the throne was on the dance floor, how polished and smooth he took Valentina through the turns. He filled out his suit in a way that most other men did not, shoulders broad and strong, his coloring setting him apart from the rest.
    No wonder Sander was considered one of the top ten bachelors in the world. He had everything going for him from position to money to looks.
    She wasn't the only woman who noticed, either. Chey caught glimpses of other debutante types whispering behind their hands, watching Sander on the dance floor. Chey could just imagine what they were saying.
    “They make a stunning pair, do they not?” a man said at her side.
    Caught off guard daydreaming, Chey glanced over. Her new companion must have been someone of importance, considering his security team hovered not far behind. He was middle aged with distinctive, darker coloring and clothing that suggested mid-eastern descent.
    “Yes, they do,” Chey finally said, cautioning herself not to say too much. She glanced at the dance floor, back to Sander and Valentina, since they were the object of discussion.
    “Rumor has it they will be married in the spring. A strategic move, if I say so myself.” He took a drink from his glass, watching Chey rather than the Prince and Princess.
    “As far as I know, it's just a rumor,” Chey said, glancing back to the man.
    “Really,” he said, and it wasn't a question. “It seems the entire congregation thinks otherwise. What do you know that we don't, I wonder.”
    “Only that it's a rumor, rather than solid fact.” Chey bristled at the thought Sander and Valentina's 'engagement' was already a done deal.
    “Interesting,” the man said. “That will change a few people's political affiliation with Weithan Isle if so. The connection with the Ahtissari family was an important factor in decisions on importing goods from an untried source.”
    Chey cursed under her breath. She was in way over her head and had no idea how to respond to such a claim. Why was this man even talking to her? Chey was just a guest, not a Princess or a Liaison or an Ambassador better suited to discussions like these.
    He's using your naivety to see if there is weight to the wedding rumors.
    “I really wouldn't know anything about that,” Chey said, and at least it wasn't a lie.
    “No, I suppose you would not,” the man said with a thin smile and a glance that suggested he thought her purpose a much more tactile one with the Prince.
    Before Chey could think of a suitable reply, he turned on a heel and strolled away, causal as you please.
    Had she just given him the wrong ammunition? Would it really damage Weithan Isle politically, that small exchange? Chey couldn't be sure. It was ridiculous to think someone of such obvious importance would put too much stock in what she had to say. Yet perhaps this was part of Valentina's insistence this evening that their engagement come to light. Maybe there were heavy political implications lurking at the fringe.
    It serves Valentina right for jumping the gun, Chey thought. The woman should have never just assumed Sander would agree without talking to him first.
    Once again, Chey felt out of her element. Way out of her league. Tipping the champagne up, she finished off what remained.
    “This must be your first time at a function like this,” a masculine voice said at her side.
    Chey glanced from Sander and Valentina to her newest companion. The Chey of three months ago would have melted on the spot at the handsome lines of his face and linebacker type build. Dark haired, with a rakish dimple in his tanned cheek, he was the epitome of charismatic charm and devilish allure.
    The Chey of today, smitten with a certain Prince, barely noticed the man's ample attributes.
    “My second, actually,” she replied, and wished she had another glass of champagne to help her relax.
    As if he'd anticipated