His voice is like sandpaper. I artfully disguised my smirk as a small cough.

Imagine my shock when I walked into a meeting instead of my parents’ dinner. My eyelids started to droop and I struggled to keep them open. I felt like I was at that Church on Fifth. Their priest is the only guy I know who can put me to sleep at noon on a stifling hot day after I’ve had two expressos and an energy drink. But, Prince Latos runs a close second.

“And, of course, I’ll be looking forward to your attendance at my ball, Princess Pyxil.” I jumped. The slimeball himself was now addressing me. I looked up and was slightly shocked to find everyone on their feet with Latos holding his hand out to me. He was smirking, obviously thinking I had been amazed by his brilliance, or something along those lines.

I stood up and smiled sweetly at the prince. “An honor, I’m sure, your highness.” I swear I could feel the relief wave off my parents. Of course, neither the prince or my parents saw the rude hand sign I flashed at his back.