Page 40 of His Royal Request

I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue with her. It was fun having girl time with her. Neither of us had sisters, so maybe she craved this bonding as much as I did.

Once she announced my hair and makeup were complete, she waved toward the bed. “I laid out your outfit. Be careful not to mess up my hard work.” She bent down and hugged my shoulders. “I’ll meet you down the hall.”

She let herself out and I stood to see what I’d be wearing. A beautiful, emerald green number with long sleeves and an A-line skirt. It was another dress I wouldn’t have picked out because I never would have had a place to wear it.

My reasons for fancy dresses had pretty much ended with high school graduation. I stepped into the matching heels and slid the emerald ring on that was waiting. I convinced myself it wasn’t real. Just costume jewelry. There was no way she’d let me borrow a ring with a stone the size of a dime. Nope. It had to be fake.

I took a deep breath and turned to face the mirror. I smoothed the dress over my hips and sighed. I could do this. I could pretend to be prim and proper and well-mannered. I’d just keep my mouth shut as much as possible.

I opened my door and headed to the main hall where the grand staircase led to the main floor. Isla was waiting for me with Aiden at her side. He was wearing another suit, but his hair was styled back for the first time. He looked regal. Like a prince. My stomach tightened at the sight of him, as it did every time I saw him. His crystal eyes met mine and lit up.

He stepped forward and took my hand in his, bringing it to his lips and placing a gentle kiss. “Good morning. I’m sorry it’s such an early start, but guests will be arriving soon and my parents asked that we receive them.”

My jaw tightened. “Did they specifically include me in this request?”

Aiden didn’t even pause. “Mum emphasized that all of us, and she mentioned you by name, were to be ready.”

I wasn’t sure I believed him. I doubted I made a good impression with the king and queen last night. They probably didn’t even remember me or my name.

“Let’s get going,” Ronan called up to us from the bottom of the stairs. Aiden took my hand and wrapped it around his arm, helping me down the staircase. I had to remind myself to breathe. That this was real. He was real.

A butler stood in front of the center set of doors and opened them when we approached.

I smiled. “Good morning.”

He tipped his head slightly. “G’ morning, miss.”

We walked through the open door to the top of the stairs leading to the driveway. Well, could you call a mile-long paved road that led to the palace a driveway?

Aiden stood first in line with me beside him, then Isla and Ronan next to her. It seemed to be their unspoken order. I looked around and frowned. “Where’s Cian?”

Ronan scoffed. “Probably hiding in his office pretending to have a task too important to delay.”

I pursed my lips to keep from laughing at his tone. He sounded like an annoyed little brother.

“He’ll be here just in time,” Isla said.

There weren’t any cars coming that I could see, but the siblings all faced forward. Aiden kept my hand in his while absent-mindedly running his thumb over my knuckles. I could feel his nervousness rolling off him in waves.

I leaned in close to his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

He didn’t answer right away and I was about to move back when he sighed. “I’ve enjoyed being myself with you. I’m dreading the moment when people arrive and I have to go back to being the prince.”

I squeezed his hand hoping to reassure him the best way I could. “I know I’m just your fake girlfriend, but I’m here for you anyway I can. If you need an excuse to leave, I can come up with something. If you need me to cut into a conversation just give me a sign and I’ll make a fool of myself if necessary.”

His smile made a brief appearance, too short for my liking. “I might have to take you up on that.”

The quiet roar of an engine broke through the silence and I turned to squint looking for the first vehicle.

The car stopped in front of the stairs and the driver jumped out and opened the passenger rear door. An older, regal looking couple stepped out. They looked like old money, but that probably meant a lot more here than back home.

“Earl and Countess Wallace, a pleasure to see you.” Aiden stepped forward. They gentled bowed before him before shaking his hand.

Isla leaned over. “This is our father’s right-hand man.”

I gave a subtle nod and smiled when they approached me. Aiden put his hand on my back and introduced me. “This is my guest, Charlie Avery.”

The countess smiled. “How lovely to meet you.”