Free To Steal a Groom (Royal Billionaire Romance) by Cora Caraway

attention, everyone,” Marc says as he rises. “I’d like to announce my engagement to Lady Natalia Fa of Andova.”
    Natalia waves prettily, as if none of us know who Marc is referring to.
    The queen puts her hands to her mouth, tears in her eyes. “Marc, I’m so happy for you! Natalia dear, come give me a hug.”
    Natalia rounds the table to accept the queen’s embrace. She looks over Sarina’s shoulder at me, a serene smile on her lips. My breath hitches. I have to remind myself that none of this is Natalia’s fault. There’s no way she knows how much this stings.
    Darius leans across the table to shake Marc’s hand. “A smart match, my son. I knew you had it in you.”
    “Thank you, Father. You taught me everything I know.”
    I feel like I’m reeling. How could this day get any worse?
    Marc holds an arm out to Natalia, who comes to stand beside him again. “If it’s all right with you, Father, we’d like to get married as soon as possible.”
    “How soon?”
    “In two weeks’ time.”
    The king strokes his beard. “I’m sure that can be arranged. Of course, you’re welcome to hold your celebration on the palace grounds.”
    What? He never made that offer to us! And they want to get married before us as well? Damon lays a hand on mine as I silently seethe.
    “That would be lovely, Your Majesty.” Natalia sinks into a low curtsy. “I’ll alert the Duke and Duchess of Andova as soon as possible.”
    “Do so with our blessing,” Darius says. “We understand if you need to forgo brunch to make arrangements.”
    Natalia gazes into Marc’s eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of missing brunch with my future family.”
    I can’t take this anymore. I push out my chair, not bothering to silence its squeals. Without a word, I stride for the exit. I know it’s horribly rude to leave without a formal farewell, but I’m afraid of what could come out of my mouth if I open it.
    “Grace!” Damon calls after me.
    “Oh dear. Is she unwell?” Natalia’s voice echoes after me.
    Through the fog in my head, I hear the double doors close far away. Are Marc and Natalia intentionally trying to steal our thunder? I’m surprised I care at all.
    “What are you doing?” Damon takes my arm, steering me somewhere. “You can’t just walk away from monarchs.”
    “Looks like I just did.”
    Damon pushes open a door, and I’m hit with a blast of fresh air. It burns my lungs as I breathe it in. It feels good.
    “Please, you can’t act like this anymore. Disrespect is one of the cardinal sins among royalty.” He guides me to a bench near his mother’s roses. “No matter how upset someone makes you, you can’t show it. Especially not in the palace. It just isn’t proper.”
    Furiously, I wipe my eyes. “I’m not a robot, Damon. I’m sorry I can’t hide how much this hurts me. And I didn’t think it would hurt this much, but it does. I want you more than anything, but it would be nice to have a family too.
    “For the longest time I’ve had no one, besides Gabe. As much as I want your parents to like me, it seems that’s not going to happen. I would be okay with that, except they scorn me one day and welcome Natalia the next. I’m just tired of feeling unwanted.”
    Damon kneels beside me. “I want you, Grace. In the end, isn’t that all that really matters?”
    “You’re getting your pants dirty.” I sniff, feeling ridiculous. My eyes must be red, my face puffy. Damon is sure to think twice about marrying me based on that alone.
    “Then I’ll clean them with your tears.” He lends me a handkerchief.
    I dab my eyes. “Sorry. My dad always told me I look ugly when I cry.”
    “Then I’ll have to have a few words with him.” Damon kisses my cheek. “You’re always beautiful.”
    Does he want me to ruin his handkerchief? I let everything out, though half my tears are happy now. Will I ever deserve him?
    I lean my head into the crook of his neck. “I’m sorry. This hasn’t been the best