Chapter 10

Roman

“Cousin, I still believe you have officially lost it.” Brandon raised his glass as a mocking grin appeared on his lips. “I mean, marrying a commoner?”

“I guess so.” I clicked our glasses. Yes, I had lost it—but I was running out of options, and Audrey and that little boy both came as a blessing. They were exactly what I needed not only to save the kingdom but also to get Soliste and King Abel off our backs.

I grabbed the liquor bottle and waved at my bodyguard, beckoning him to come over. “Come on, another glass for you—Dalton!”

As politely as ever, Dalton bowed his head. “Your highness—“

“Ah!” I shook my head. “Roman.”

Dalton sighed. “Roman, I have to refuse—“

“As your future king, I order you!”

Startled, Dalton had once again bowed his head before stepping closer to fill his glass. Although we had known each other for a long time, he had been hypnotized by his father’s ways. His father, Lotus, had been the head of the royal security for years—so it was only a given that he wou