Page 35 of His Royal Request

“I’m so sorry. I’ll explain everything later.”

He pulled out my chair and helped me settle in. I fought the urge to protest and sat across from Ronan and Isla across from Aiden. Now wasn’t the time to make a scene.

Another man that looked so similar to the brothers sat across from the queen, but he ignored us. Was he another brother?

Isla and Ronan smiled at me and I tried not to shoot daggers at them. I just had to sit here silently and not make a fool of myself until I could go back to my room. I’d have my bags packed and be out of here in a few hours. I didn’t care if I had to hitchhike to the closest airport. I needed to get away from this insanity.

And Isla. My eyes shot up to her. Her gaze met mine and she sunk a bit in her seat looking guilty. Her betrayal stung as much as Aiden’s.

She was a freaking princess. A princess had helped me dress and did my hair. I was wearing her royal earrings. I’d said I felt like a princess! What an idiot I was!

I placed a napkin on my lap and tried to slow my breathing.

A royal wedding. Ha! His cousin wasn’t the big deal. Aiden was.

The cousin might be marrying a baron, but she was someone with a title too! I wasn’t sure how cousins worked but she was probably a duchess or something.

Servers brought out platter after platter of elaborate dishes. I tried to eat but each bite made me feel worse. I didn’t want to leave or puke in front of this group so I stopped eating and moved the food around on my plate, hoping no one was paying attention.

“Cian, how did the meeting with the British parliament go?” The king addressed the man to his left. He looked so much like Aiden, but why hadn’t I seen him yet?

“It was successful.”

His clipped answer seemed to satisfy the king, but I was left more confused. Who was he?

Isla must have noticed where my attention was. “Cian, have you met Charlie?”

He turned to her before looking at me. “No. I’m sorry I haven’t had a spare moment. It’s a pleasure.”

Zero percent of his words sounded sincere and I got the feeling immediately he wasn’t interested in knowing me.

His attention was back on the king before I could respond.

“Sorry, my brother isn’t known for his warm personality,” Aiden whispered into my ear and my suspicions were confirmed.

“Any other family members I should know about?” I bit out the words with a bit more venom than I meant to show.

He dropped his head. “I’m so sorry, Charlie.”

I sat stiffly in my chair, not caring if were attracting attention. If we did, he deserved it.

“Please, forgive me. We can talk later,” he asked.

I didn’t respond. Just glared at him out of the corner of my eyes. I didn’t really want to talk to him about his deception. I was steaming mad and didn’t want to forgive him. I was anxious to pack and leave Aiden to his princely pranks. Hopefully, I could pack and be far away long before he noticed I was gone.

“I’ll explain everything.”

I clenched my jaw as another course was served. This had to be number five. How long would this meal last?

Ronan caught my eye and made a face. I knew he was trying to make me laugh but I wasn’t amused. They each had their chance to warn me and none of them did.

I felt like a fool.

It was probably all a joke to them. How stupid could we make the American look before she cried?

I was already pretty close.

It didn’t matter how pretty I’d felt before walking into this room, or how kind they’d each been to me. This was all a sham. I was meant to be made a fool. In front of the king for crying out loud.