Page 80 of The Royal in Room 3

But no more.

“Soren, you are the crown prince of Belvaria,” Father said. “You’ve been through a lot, and that might cloud your decision about what you plan to do with the title. Still, Belvaria is your home, and I hope you see that now, more than ever, you owe it to yourself to prove that you are suitable for the position and not let them win.”

“What I plan to do with the title?”

“You just said that you were never given a choice before. This time, I am allowing you to choose whether you want to retain your position as the future king of Belvaria.”

I swallowed hard, already feeling the weight of the position settle across my shoulders. He said he was giving me a choice, but was it really one? If I walked away, wouldn’t I disappoint my mother? My brothers? Every heir who had come before me and carried the responsibility until it became mine?

Five months ago, I had accepted my fate without a fight. I had handed over my title because I’d been made to believe I never deserved it in the first place. At the time, crown prince had been something not meant for me but had fallen into my lap due to a crisis.

I understood more now.

I knew what groceries cost. I knew what happened when bills arrived faster than money. I knew people could work long hours and still have to choose which expense mattered most. I had met so many youths who had nowhere safe to sleep because the people meant to protect them had turned their backs on them.

I thought about Halo House and the way Phoenix fought to protect the vulnerable by opening the doors of the home his late husband had willed to him so that others could have a safe place to grow. I thought about Jude, laboring tirelessly in his workshop from sunup to sundown, and how he would never have been able to own a home without it being willed to him. I thought about how much people carried while the people in power who could make a difference ignored them.

And it changed what the title meant to me. It was an opportunity to be the change I wanted to see.

“Maybe five months ago I would have turned my back on the title,” I said slowly. “But I understand now. I want to serve my country well, to rule not because I was born first in line but because the people deserve someone who will pay attention.”

My father’s smile wobbled and tears filled his eyes. He nodded slowly, a laugh spilling from his lips. “And an excellent king you will be someday. Now we will return to Belvaria and you will learn how to serve your people well.”

The thought should have filled me with nothing but joy. Instead, Jude’s face came to mind. I had tried calling him several times from the car on the way to the hotel, but he hadn’t answered. I knew he was more than likely angry and hurt. Either way, I couldn’t leave things between us like this. Not after everything he had done for me. Not after he had become home when I thought I no longer had one.

Not when I loved him.

Not when no one deserved to be my consort more than the Daddy who’d grounded me and made me into the version of me who felt ready to learn how to become the kind of king who would make a nation prosper.

Phoenix.

He was the only one I could count on to help me. If he wasn’t mad at me too for keeping the secret from him.

“Father, I will return to Belvaria with you, but there is one thing I need to ask first.”

Before anyone could question me, I lowered myself to my knees before him.

“Soren,” Father said immediately. “Get up.”

I remained where I was, bowing my head with the respect due not only to my father but to my king.

“Your Majesty, I ask your permission to bring the man I love home with me.”

The room fell silent.

“He gave me shelter when I had nowhere to go,” I continued. “He cared for me when I had nothing to offer him, and he loved me without knowing who I was. I do not want to return to Belvaria without him.”

“Soren, you do not need to kneel to ask me this.”

“Please, Father.” I finally raised my head and looked at him. “You often credited my mother’s love and presence in your life for what sustained you as a young king. All I want is to have the man I love stand beside me in the same manner.”

His expression softened. “You love him?”

“With all my heart.”

He held out his hand. “Then bring him home, son. He will be welcome in Belvaria.”

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