Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“Does Eden know?” “Not yet. She’s off with Vanity getting fitted for her gown and has missed all the gossip. But you better pray to whatever old god you can that this remains a secret until after the ball. Do you have any idea what a scandal of this nature will do to our family?” “We live in a realm of sin. It’s hardly—” “Sin is one thing. Fornicating with the prince of our circle, while he’s hosting a realm-wide competition to find a princess, of which your own blood is vying for that coveted crown, is reprehensible behavior. Have you no honor or loyalty to family? What would your father think?” My eyes suddenly burned. “You’ve crossed a line, stepmother.” “Have I? Because I’d argue you crossed a line when you spread your legs again for a male who is clearly uninterested in taking you to wife.” I flinched as if she’d struck a physical blow. Sophie watched me closely, her cruel mouth twisting into a sneer. “Stupid girl. Nearly thirty and still unable to see the truth. The prince doesn’t care about you. If he did, he’d call off the competition right this moment, publicly declare himself to you, and prevent any rumors from spreading.” If she only knew, that was precisely our plan. I kept my mouth shut, unwilling to share the truth. In a few hours everyone would know. Sophie glanced around our empty sitting room. “Do you see him here? Hunting you down to make sure you’re all right? Ensuring no one speaks ill of his beloved?” She shook her head. “Do not be surprised when this ...