Sins of a Wicked Princess by Anna Randol Read Free Book Online

she’d agree or not. After all, he’d been too much of a coward to accept his one chance at salvation.

Chapter Eight
    “I may need more pin money.” Constantina made her announcement before Juliana had even made it through the door of the breakfast parlor.
    “That isn’t possible.” Juliana accepted a plate from a footman.
    Constantina’s bottom lip thrust out. “Leucretia has a new brooch.”
    “She also doesn’t bet her pin money on card games,” Eustace reminded her, reaching for the jam. But Constantina grabbed the spoon first.
    Juliana took a piece of toast. “We will be going to the Duke of Sommet’s house party next week.”
    Her great aunts stopped bickering over the jam and stared.
    “Did you change your mind about Prince Wilhelm?” Constantina asked.
    “I cannot afford to pass up any opportunities at this point, can I?”
    Eustace nodded. “Quite right.”
    Leucretia had acquired the jam while the other two were distracted and scooped some onto the side of her plate. “Why the change?”
    She’d known Leucretia would ask. “I spoke with Gregory last night. He says Prince Wilhelm might have more to recommend him than I thought.”
    Leucretia lifted a brow, but seemed to accept it. “The Spanish ambassador requested an audience with you.”
    “No.”
    Leucretia frowned. “I already accepted. You cannot simply ignore the man and hope he goes away.”
    That was exactly what she’d planned to do. “What time?”
    “Noon. That should allow you enough time before you meet with the Lenorian cabinet at two.”
    Juliana would be happy when she only had one government to deal with. Her cabinet here corresponded with their counterparts in Lenoria, leaving her with far too many people to keep happy.
    “What do I tell the ambassador? I won’t sign the treaty.”
    Leucretia clicked her tongue. “You must give him the impression you are considering it, otherwise you risk the Spanish growing impatient.”
    Her aunt was right. As always. “How am I to do that?”
    “Flirt. Flatter. Make empty promises—” Her aunt stopped abruptly. “Perhaps I should join you.”
    “She shouldn’t have to simper,” Eustace protested.
    Leucretia dabbed at her ruby lips with her napkin. “We’re talking about the survival of Lenoria, she will do whatever is best.”
    Constantina clapped her hands together. “I can flirt.”
    Leucretia gave her a disgusted look. “We are trying to stop a war not start one.”
    When the three of them began arguing, Juliana slipped from the breakfast parlor.
    “Your Highness?” Her secretary, Renner, approached. She’d long suspected he laid in wait for her, like a hungry tiger. Or perhaps a hungry stork.
    Her hope to escape to her room for a few moments evaporated.
    “I have sent your acceptance of the invitation to the duke’s house party. And here are the lists of Prince Gregory’s financials.” She took the folder of papers.
    Juliana entered her study. He followed, his nervous motions making her long to grab his shoulder so he’d stay still for a single moment.
    “Here are the letters containing urgent business.” He handed her a stack of about ten papers. “These ones contain useful information, but are not vital.” The stack was about twice as tall.
    She’d barely managed to set them on the desk when her housekeeper entered. “Your Highness, I have the final seating arrangement for tonight’s state dinner ready for your approval.”
    Renner’s nostrils flared. “You’ll have to take care of this later. Her Highness is busy.”
    Her housekeeper planted her fist on her hips jingling the ring of keys at her waist. “Well, the table will not set itself. And the Marquess of Hastings sent his regrets this morning, so that will cause some changes. I need to know if Lady Rinatta should be moved between Lord Malcome and Sir Ulef, or if she’d be better off by the Russian attaché?”
    The last thing Juliana needed was more bickering this morning. She’d been