Page 47 of His Royal Request

I turned to him. “Really?”

He nodded.

I pulled my shoulders back. “Then it seems I have fine taste.”

He laughed at me again then froze when the sound of a slammed door interrupted. I looked around and noticed a door that led to the next room instead of the hallway. It was cracked open and soon voices began arguing.

“She shouldn’t be here. We know nothing about her.”

It was Cian, and I was certain he was talking about me. I’d barely interacted with him, but he seemed to have a lot of anger and distrust around me.

Aiden tensed, and I stood to place my hand in his. “We should go,” I whispered in case he didn’t want whoever was in the next room to know we were there.

He shook his head, looking at the door.

“How else do you get to know someone other than spending time with them?” I recognized his mother’s voice and smiled. I knew I liked her.

“Is this why you invited the Marshall girl?” The king asked and I recoiled a bit. He sounded more than a little angry.

“Shauna is a great option for Aiden. He needed to be reminded of who he is and what’s expected of him.”

“And what is that, son?” The king’s voice boomed.

“He’s a prince of Lochland. He’s looked up to. He should set an example for his people.”

“Oh, Cian, who your brother dates or marries has nothing to do with that. It’s his character, how he treats others, and how he runs his company that people care about.”

I wanted to cheer for the queen. She was dead on.

“But to bring her to the palace to attend a family wedding? It’s inappropriate.”

Aiden shook his head and started for the door. I pulled on his hand and whispered. “Aiden, let it go. It’s okay.”

“No, Charlie it’s not.”

He stormed out the door and I hurried to follow him into the next room. It looked like another formal sitting area, but there was probably a better name for it. It was rounded with windows on almost all sides. Cian stood across the room from his parents. They all turned and froze when they saw us.

The queen covered her mouth with a delicate hand, looking worried. The king actually looked a bit ashamed, but Cian looked as proud as ever.

“You have no right to interfere in my life, Cian,” Aiden said.

“I’m just doing what’s best. What you’re obviously too blind to see.”

Aiden shook his head. “You have no right--”

“I’m sorry, Cian.” I interrupted Aiden, gaining the attention of everyone in the room.

“What are you talking about?” Aiden asked with confusion.

I stepped forward standing by his side but looking at his brother. “I know my attendance was unexpected, and I’m sure staying here is a bit unorthodox. I’m truly sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

Cian looked at me like he didn’t understand what I was saying, so I continued.

“I’m sure our relationship was a shock to everyone. I certainly wasn’t planning on ending my week staying at the palace and preparing to attend Nicole’s wedding, but here we are.” I paused and looked up at Aiden. “We met and I could feel something deep inside me telling me that Aiden was different. That I had to know him. That I had to take a chance, risk everything, and go far outside my comfort zone to spend time with him.”

“You didn’t recognize him?” His dad asked sounding surprised.

I shook my head. “I had no idea who he was.”