Mum and Grandmother Sarah continue to bicker.
The whiskey disappears down to the last drop, causing Sarah to flick her wrist.
“Do not,” I snap at the butler stationed near the doorway who’s ready at Sarah’s disposal, “give my grandmother another drink, or your next breath will be yourlast.”
Mary gasps.
Sarah laughs. “Oh, Vicky, my dear, just go, uh . . .”
“Console your newest pet,” Princess Mary snaps. “Just like your father.”
“She's so cute and tiny.” Grandmother claps her hands. “Like . . . like a little poodle.”
Fuck, Grandmummy, you are not helping!
Although Sarah meant no harm, her assessment causes Mum to chuckle.
I turn around to consider another whiskey for myself.
“Victor, will you please retire to your quarters,” says Princess Mary. “I need you presentable. We’re having a celebration in less than an hour. Madeline is almost?”
“Maddy?” I do an abrupt about-face. “You invited Madeline?”
My mother’s pale blue eyes twinkle. She shrugs. “The second you arrived. Maddy came straight away fromyourduchy. Why not?”
Mum’s mouth corks at the edges, and I have nothing to say as Grandmother takes a swig of a new bottle of bubbly that she opted to stand up and grab for herself.
“Your Royal Highness,” a voice begins.
We all look over. The strawberry-blonde woman who helped Burt take Luxury to her room steps just inside the threshold. “Miss Whitson will not be in attendance this evening.” She finishes the statement with a deep breath.
I quickly excuse myself from the room with Luxury’s maid at my heels.
“Your Royal Highness, she’s under the assumption that this is Arlington. I was confused as if I should correct her.”
Bullocks.I spoke with the chief of staff while Luxury was completing her introductions.“Where is she?” I stop abruptly to snap.
“West Wing. Fourth apartment on the left.” The girl directs with a shaky finger.
“You are not paid for your confusion, thoughtfulness, or inquiries. I compensate you for carrying out your orders. Were you ordered to tell Luxury where she is?”
“No, sir.”
“You're relieved.”
“Am I . . . fired, sir?”
Ah, still confused, I see.I stalk away.
As soon as I enter the room, Luxury gives a pouty face I’ve come to know all too well. “Victor, I ruined my first impression with your mother and grandmother.”
“Fuck first impressions, Luxury, you’re my guest.” I pull her into my arms. “My mother will live.”
“Burt said first impressions are everything to her.” Luxury turns to her side and leans on her elbow. “How will we have a lasting relationship if—”
“BecauseIcommand it, Luxury.” I mount her, draping my hips with her thighs.
With a coy smile, Luxury says, “Alright, Your Royal Highness.”