LADY JEMIMA

hed a bright smile to dispel the tension. But he

d, my voice laced with

r Sharon again, aren't you? You'll come

arm around his. "Come on, Sam! I j

away, Samuel's sk

preading across his face. "Sam, have you found yourself a lady

laughing. "Br

. "You look stunning, Jemima. Perfe

s like this all the time and act l

im a sidew

t, Simeon," I whisper

rmth made him the peacemaker of our fam

iant complexions - belied their vastly different personalities. Samuel's quick temper

yet?" Simeon asked,

rough my hair. "You know how long he t

drift to Elena, nestled in Sharon's arms. I pushed the tho

ngdom," Samuel said, his expression serious.

ek and a reassuring pat on Sim

ility," I said, chuckling

mes I wonder if I could f

hared

erns resurfacing. "I still t

as mysterious, but power has shifted. Let's embrace new beginni

tures. He had spent years devouring books on the fi

e workers had outdone themselves; intricate tapestries, shimmering candel

were already seated around our big palace

is twins, Lady Lorena and Lord Lorenzo, their con

nied by their three sons: Lord Theodore, Tobias, and Th

daughters, Lady Arabella and Isabella, and son, Lord Nuel, their el

excitement, flanked by their son, Lord James, and

ide the other royal families. The room shimmered with grand

rrived, beaming with his trademark charm

a," King Liam sai

of discomfort under the princes' gazes. I fo

pleasant evening, my l

" King Liam replied,

the room. "Oh, how lovely!

we joined the gathering. Sharon's effo

could coax a smile from even the most relu

ion, seemed to rub me the wron

e chatter, his tone genuinely concerned

eryone st

ammered, feeling the we

m further embarrassment. "She's just a bit

. "We've heard of your exceptional sword sk

forced a smile, trying to deflect. "You

roving glances, while Samuel's na

engrossed in their own convers

ourageous of you, Lady Jemima! But shouldn't princesses focus

one's path is unique, my lord. Let's not focus on me.

versation

gered on my brothers, their

made them the epitome of royal charm. Samuel, in particu

dy Isabella cooed, her gaze locked on S

s of congratulations. "I'm betrothed, and I'd

ly" we chim

, a mischievous glint in his ey

n, anticipation building wi

"No, would you like me to marry your sist

erupted in

frow

end, Elena, across the room. Her p

y rose fro

d, bowing slightly before slipping

found Ruth, her face a

, Jemima," she said,

without a sword for

my gown. "I hate this d

born for royalty, even if y

were with me

"I'm working on a new sword desi

ned. "Really?

t's perfect for you." Her expression turned anxio

just playing his part. He

wistfully. "

darted off, leaving me t

n to the festivities. But then, a shadowy figure caught

im, curiosity getting the better of me.

the castle, I quickened my

g Ruth's words: "Good to see you without a sword for

I confronted the stranger.

eyes met. My heart ra

an was b