Page 18 of Royally Tempted
“What did you just say?” Kedar asks as he steps inside from the balcony. Vander is right behind him, and his handsome face is thunderous.
Alexandra’s eyes widen and she drops into a hasty curtsy. “You- Your Highness,” she gasps, dropping her gaze to the floor.
“How dare you speak to my sister in such a fashion.” His tone is dark.
Hayley walks in from the balcony behind the two men. “Apologies, Princess. They arrived as you were preparing for the day.” Her eyes flash with anger as she focuses on Alexandra.
“You misunderstand, my king. I’m only trying to help her.”
“By belittling her?” Vander’s voice is sharp. “By ignoring her hunger?”
Alexandra straightens. “Who are you?” She asks imperiously.
“I’m the man who will be marrying your princess. I don’t particularly care who you are, but know this, no one will attend my wife who doesn’t respect her.” Vander comes to stand by my side and my eyelids burn in humiliation. He takes my hand. “Princess Adara is everything I want in a wife.”
Kedar turns to me in surprise, his eyes taking in the way Vander is holding me, but he says nothing. Instead, he addresses Alexandra. “Are you suggesting that if my sister’s gowns don’t fit, we don’t have the means for new ones?”
Alexandra gasps. “No! I am only thinking of her health—”
Vander raises his hand, slashing it through the air. “Quiet. Those are excuses for your heinous behavior. You say you think of her health, but you clearly have no concerns for her mental health.” He turns to Kedar. “Your Highness, I won’t have such unkindness around my future wife.”
My brother nods, warmth in his eyes. He turns to me. “You should have told me how this woman treats you, little sister. I’m sending her home to her father.”
Alexandra inhales a sharp breath, anger flooding her features.
I bite my lip. “Laela too,” I say softly.
He studies me carefully. “I’m sorry, Adara. From now on, you will choose your own household.” He reaches out, shaking Vander’s hand. “Is there somewhere in the hotel those two can wait while Bashir has their things cleared from my sister’s suite?”
“I can arrange that,” he says.
Hayley steps up beside me. “Come, I’ll help you dress for lunch.” She shoots a triumphant smile at Alexandra and Laela who is now standing by her friend, mouth open in shock.
Before I can move, Vander lifts my hand and presses a kiss to my fingers. His blue eyes twinkling. He leans down, lowering his voice so my brother can’t hear, “wear that green dress. I’ll be taking you to the rooftop garden after lunch.”
