“You look spectacular.” She was wearing a small diadem in her hair and a long, plum-colored dress that made her silver hair shine.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Rose smiled, pleased with my compliment. She patted her hair gently. “I hate wearing these, but since it’s a formal event it’s part of the uniform.”

“Is it heavy?” I eyed the diamonds.

“This one isn’t too bad, but even after an hour it starts to weigh on you.” Sarah stood up and helped Rose into a dressy winter coat. “You’ll have to practice at home so you learn how to hold your neck and get used to the weight for your ceremony.”

“Excuse me?” I looked at her like she’d grown a second head.

“You will have a choice of jewels for the ceremony, but the Rousseau family jewels would be the most appropriate.” Rose picked up a small purse from a table and laughed at my expression. “You look like I told you you’d have to wear a bear head, not a crown.”

“You guys don’t wear bear heads, do you?”

“Only for the secret ceremonies.” Rose winked at me as she left in a whirlwind of purple and black.

“She was kidding, right?” I looked at Sarah but she only smirked.

Chapter Twelve

The Weight of a Crown

—New York Constant

“You’re going to Lilaria?” Jess sat on the couch next to me.

“Yeah. I think I need to do this.” I looked over my shoulder to where Becca sat in the kitchen. “Jess, there are millions in the bank accounts. And there’s a specialist to work with Dad.”

“What did Geller say?” Jess crossed her legs and leaned toward me.

“He gave me the name of someone he knows in Lilaria and seemed to understand. It’s not like I can teach any of the classes right now. It was a fiasco.”

“It could calm down.” Jess frowned. “Okay, not any time soon, but it just seems like a huge decision.”

“I know.” I picked at the blanket over my legs.

“Look, if you think this is a good idea then you should do it.” She sighed and flopped back on the cushion.

“I thought you would be excited. You told me I needed to know more about my family.” I leaned my head against the armrest and closed my eyes.

“I’m playing devil’s advocate. I just want to make sure you’re happy.”

“You really need to stop hanging out with Bert so much.” I opened my eyes and glared at her.

She just laughed at me. “I can’t believe you’re leaving me. Who am I going to torture?”

“I’m sure you’ll find ways of bugging me.” I chewed on my thumbnail for a minute. “Are you going to have someone else move in?”

“Bert and I talked about it. I think we’re just going to make it official and stop paying rent for two places.” Jess smiled, her face bright with excitement.

“About time. I guess I’ve been holding you up, huh? No wonder you don’t look upset I’m leaving. You get to officially shack up with your boy toy.” I laughed when she threw a pillow at me.

“You guys realize I’m sitting right here, right?” Bert was sitting in the ugly old recliner by the curtain, a book opened on his lap.

“Shut up. I’m upset you’re leaving and you know it.” She frowned at me. “Will you be back here at all? If your dad is going there you won’t have a reason to visit.”

“Of course I’ll have a reason to visit.” I shoved her shoulder. I wouldn’t throw Bert under the bus, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before they were mailing out wedding invitations.

“Speaking of boy toys, how’s Prince Yummy?”

I heard Becca sputter in the kitchen and I kicked Jess.

“What? Don’t act like you haven’t thought it.” Jess raised her voice and craned her neck to look at Becca. She smiled and got up from the table to go to the sink. “Fine. Pretend if you want to.”

“Alex is fine.” I tried to keep my tone normal.

“Mmhmm. He sure is.” Jess wiggled her eyebrows and I groaned.

“Please tell sixth-grade Jess that I’d like to talk to adult Jess.”

“Fine. Has he kissed you yet?” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Oh ho! Your silence speaks volumes!”

“Bert, stop letting her read your textbooks. I’m begging you.” He didn’t respond other than to shrug.

“C’mon. You have to tell me!” Jess looked at me with pleading eyes.

“It’s not going to happen again.” I sighed, knowing I had to spill if I wanted any peace.

“Oh my God. Alex really did kiss you! How was it? Why on Earth is it not going to happen again? Was it bad?” Jess sat up straight. “That’s the saddest thought in the world.”

“It was good.” I shook my head. “Really, really, good. The best. But it shouldn’t have happened. I have too much going on to deal with that too! I mean, I’m not interested in a fling.”

“What makes you think it would be a fling?” Jess narrowed her eyes at me. “Did he say that?”

“No.” I bit my lip and then blurted it out. “I’m an American! He’s a freaking prince! What use would I be? He probably needs to end up with someone from a royal family that can help him rule a country.”

“Um, aren’t you from a royal family?” Jess raised one eyebrow and looked at me like I was stupid.