Page 36 of His Royal Request

I was mortified and I just wanted to get away, but I remembered the rules. Don’t speak without being spoken to. I was sure that meant don’t leave the room before being excused.

I sat through the next two courses, even ignoring the delicious-looking chocolate soufflé that taunted me during dessert.

I probably should have taken advantage of the best meal I’ll ever have in my life, but my stomach was somersaulting and my brain was threatening to blackout at any second to save me from this horror.

No one spoke to me throughout the meal. Isla was occupied by her aunt Evelyn and Ronan was talking to his brother for most of the meal. Aiden was pulled into different conversations and I faded back into the scenery.

I’d expected to feel a bit out of place at the wedding, but I didn’t know I’d be invisible for the days leading up to it.

I’d never been so uncomfortable in my life.

And it was all Aiden’s fault.

I never should have trusted him. I should have listened to the voice in my head that told me to stay away from strangers. I should have gone back home.

I sucked in a breath when the servers removed the last plates, but then tea was served.

No one seemed to notice my discomfort. Not even Aiden who kept touching my hand under the table. Each time he did I pulled back and scooted further away in my chair. I shot him another glare and shook my head slightly.

He wasn’t the sweet, thoughtful man I’d met in Ireland. He wasn’t the one who sacrificed a meeting to spend the day with me. Who went out of his way to make sure I saw and experienced everything I’d wanted to?

I’d been so wrong.

I thought he was different. I thought there was something real between us. There were only lies.

10

Aiden

I could feel the tension radiating off her through the entire meal. I wanted to take her out and explain, but that would cause a scene. I wished I had the chance to explain everything to her, but my parents had kept me for almost forty minutes. I barely had time to change before I had to meet her.

I should have texted Ronan or Isla and had them tell her, but that wouldn’t be right either.

I should have been honest from the beginning.

She didn’t touch her food the entire time and her back remained rod straight.

When Mum and Dad finally stood and wished everyone goodnight, I jumped up and helped her stand. I tried to touch her back but she stepped out of my reach and headed for the door at a pace just shy of speed walking.

She was more than I deserved. She remained calm and collected through dinner and still didn’t draw attention. She had every right to freak out and yell at me from the second she recognized my dad, but instead, she remained gracious.

She hurried up the stairs and I followed behind her. Isla and Ronan were on my heels. They probably felt guilty too which made the weight on my shoulders double. I shouldn’t have dragged them into this.

“Charlie, please.”

She didn’t slow until she reached the wing she was staying in. She stopped and looked around. She spun and let out a huff. “I don’t remember which one I’m in.”

I bit my lip to keep from laughing at her adorable fit. I knew she wouldn’t appreciate that.

“It’s this one,” Isla said quietly from behind me. Charlie glared and walked to the door to her right.

She opened it, stepped inside and immediately slammed it behind her. Isla, Ronan and I looked at each other.

Ronan gestured to the door and stared at me.

I knocked and Isla shook her head before stepping closer to the door. “Charlie, please. Let us explain.”

We waited in silence for a minute. “Please Charlie, just hear me out.” I pleaded.