Page 33 of His Royal Request

A knock sounded and she hurried to open the door. “Ronan, what is it?”

“It’s time.”

She glanced at me, her smile appeared to be strained, and then she relaxed. “Okay, let’s get going.”

I moved to the door and followed them down the corridor.

“Where’s Aiden?” Isla asked her brother and he cleared his throat.

“He got caught in a meeting for longer than expected. He’ll meet us down there.”

Isla nodded and looked over her shoulder at me. I smiled but the one she gave in return lacked the warmth from before. Something was wrong, but they didn’t want to tell me.

I slowed my steps. Should I turn back and stay in my room?

Ronan noticed I wasn’t following and stopped. His blue eyes, that matched his brothers’, seemed stressed. “Come on, Charlie. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

What an odd thing to say. “That obviously means there is.”

He laughed nervously and looked to his sister. “Smart girl, that one.”

Isla’s smile turned brittle. “It’s just dinner. There will be more people to meet.”

Oh. That was all? Were they worried I’d embarrass them or myself? “Anything I should know before I walk in?”

Ronan bit his lip and Isla looked at the ceiling. Great, they were both keeping something from me.

“Oh no,” I said. “It’s the groom’s family isn’t it?”

They shared a look before turning to me. “What do you mean?” Ronan asked.

“Aiden told me your cousin is marrying royalty. They’re going to be here, aren’t they?”

Ronan started choking and Isla thumped his back. “Um yes,” Isla said. “Some of his family might come.”

I leaned against the wall. “I’ve never met anyone that famous or important. What do I do?”

Isla touched my shoulder. “You’re not Lochish so technically you don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary.”

“But it is customary to curtsy to royalty,” Ronan interjected.

I pushed away from the wall and moved one foot behind the other and bent my knees slightly. “Like this?”

“Yes, but bow your head a bit,” Isla directed.

I did and she put her hand on my shoulder. “Perfect.”

“How will I know who to curtsy to?”

They shared another look. “Just watch my eyes. I’ll direct you.” Isla sounded more confident than she had a moment before so I trusted her.

“Anything else?”

Ronan rubbed his jaw. “It’s best to speak only when spoken to and watch us eat. Follow our lead.”

I nodded taking mental notes. “Okay.”

“Just breathe. I promise it’s not as bad as we’re making it seem.” Isla’s attempt at comfort didn’t have its desired effect. They were obviously nervous about this so why wouldn’t I be?