Page 51 of His Royal Request

“Once he realized that we’d both done the same thing to try to protect ourselves he got us together in the same room and explained everything.” William finished.

“But that was after I already leaked a few stories to the media about him.” Nicole giggled while William shook his head.

“What did you say?” Charlie asked, leaning forward.

“That William and his family were plotting to take the crown, that he’s a member of the Illuminati, and that he stole his family dog from a neighbor.”

William rolled his eyes, but Charlie looked affronted when she turned to him. “What happened? Were you arrested?”

Nicole laughed. “Hardly, only one tabloid in Scotland picked the stories up and it was one of the most notorious. It just made his family mad at him.”

William sighed. “It was then that I realized she was crazy, but I loved her and she obviously loved me if she was willing to do something that extreme.”

Charlie blew out a sigh. “Well, I’m glad it worked out for you!”

I smirked at her confusion. “It got back to our family that Nicole had unleashed her crazy and William still stuck by her. Everyone loved him instantly.”

“But the paparazzi do like to follow us to see if we’ll do anything crazy again,” Nicole said with a smirk.

“So, as you can see,” William said, arching an eyebrow, “we welcome any new distractions.”

“So that’s what I am? Huh?” Charlie giggled. “I’m not sure how I should take that, but if it’s what the bride wants, I guess I can’t argue.”

Nicole let out a bark of a laugh and pulled Charlie in for a hug. “I love you.”

They pulled apart and Charlie returned to my side. I put my arm around her shoulders, enjoying how natural it felt to have her near me, in my world and with my family.

“You guys.” Isla came rushing toward us a bit out of breath. “You will not believe what I just heard.”

We all turned to Nicole who held up her hands. “I did nothing.”

Isla waved her off. “It’s about you guys.” She looked between me and Charlie.

I groaned. “What is it?”

“Someone set off a rumor that you two are in a fake relationship and it’s spread like wildfire. Mum came and found me to ask about it.” Her eyes drilled into me trying to communicate what was at stake.

This might have started out as a farce, but things had changed. What I felt for Charlie was real. From what she’d said she felt it too.

Charlie twisted and looked up at me. “Why would they say that?”

I sighed. “I have a feeling I might know who started the rumor, and there’s only one way to kill it.”

Nicole let out an evil laugh. “I like how this sounds. Who is it? I’ll help you take them out. My guards have perfected the discrete exit.”

I’d have to ask her later what that meant. Right now, I had to fix things. If my own parents were listening to the rumor, I needed to prove it wrong before it was too late.

“How many are watching us right now?” I asked calmly as I ran my hand over Charlie’s back.

Isla discretely looked around. “Pretty much everyone.”

I met Nicole’s eyes and sighed. “Mind if we make a scene?”

Her smile brightened. “Oh, please do.”

I nodded and took Charlie’s hand and lead her to the dance floor. There weren’t many other people dancing which was in our favor. There would be no obstructions.

I stopped and spun Charlie before pulling her in and placing my hands on her waist. She rested hers around my neck and glanced around. “What are we doing?”