Star Rising: A Coastal Hearts Novel by Janet W. Ferguson

Author:Janet W. Ferguson [Ferguson, Janet W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC
Published: 2020-01-04T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

“Fetch the prisoner from the dungeon.” The earl clapped his hands, and the two men escorted Paul back to the stage but remained at his side. “The king and queen have resolved to grant mercy on our villain. But first the scoundrel must”—the actor gave a dramatic pause, waggling his eyebrows, and Paul readied himself for more humiliation—“perform a melody of their Royal Highness’s choosing.”

Yep. More humiliation. Good thing he’d had a few glasses of wine.

“What will you have the scoundrel sing, Your Majesties? Danny Boy? I’m a Little Teapot? Don’t Go Drinking with Hobbits?”

Paul groaned. Star and Will had to come up with better choices than those.

Star shot an apologetic look Paul’s way, then leaned close to Will. They discussed back and forth, shaking their heads as they selected his penalty.

Finally, Star nodded, and Will smiled. Will stood and shouted, “Do you know Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey? Maybe a little dance to go with it?”

Paul rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately.” One of his boss’s girlfriends had been a huge Journey fan and had played the group on the plane every flight. Plus, most every cover band in the world played that song.

“We’ve a treaty, then.” The earl raised one hand high in the air. “Singing and dancing to Don’t Stop Believin’. We will judge if your frolicking entails the proper amount of punch.” Wiggling his hips, the earl turned in a circle, and the audience laughed. “Go forth, scoundrel.”

The men nudged Paul forward and released him. He’d preached sermons in front of good-sized audiences and led kids’ songs at the orphanage, acting pretty goofy while doing so, but that had been in another life.

Maybe he could admit it had been in a more enjoyable life.

At least he wasn’t wearing his ugly outfit.

He took a deep breath.

Here goes nothing.

After belting out the first verse, he raised a fist. He wanted to be sure to give it the proper amount of punch so he’d be released from his misery.

The longer he sang and danced, acting completely ridiculous, the louder the crowd clapped and sang along with him. Finally, he gave it one last whoo-hoo and bowed. That had to be plenty.

Star jumped to her feet and whistled, and the rest of the room followed her lead, applauding and yelling.

Paul couldn’t stop a snort. Shaking his head, he strode off the stage, directly to her. “Trifling with the ladies, huh?” He leaned close to her ear. “Are you sure you aren’t doing a bit of trifling of your own, your majesty?”

A laugh tinkled from her as she pushed a loose strand of hair from her cheek, but it fell right back in the same place, capturing Paul’s attention.

“It was Will’s idea to pick you.” Shoving her thumb toward the teen, Star asked, “Right? You got my back on this?”

Will raised his hands. “I think my queen is a trifler.”

Unable to stop himself, Paul tapped her nose. “Payback is coming.”

A blush crept across her cheeks, along with that loose strand of hair.

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