Page 55 of His Royal Request

“Those are his parents.” There was silence and I checked the phone to make sure the call was still connected. “Dad?”

“Aiden, as in Prince Aiden the second in line to the throne?”

“So, am I the only person on the planet that didn’t know who he is?”

Dad laughed and I finally relaxed. “Well, you’ve had your head stuck in books for the last four years, but yes. I think everyone else knows who he is.”

I groaned. “Well, I didn’t know. I totally flipped after dinner. I mean, I’d gone shopping with the princess!”

“So, you mean to tell me this week while I’ve been at work stuck behind a desk, you’ve been running around a palace with royalty?”

I laughed. “Yeah.”

He scoffed. “I should go on vacation more often.”

“Yes, you should. But that’s not even the reason I’m calling.”

“You mean there’s more?”

“Yeah, Aiden and I have grown close, and last night at his cousin’s party we kissed and someone took pictures and sent them to the press.”

“Okay, is that bad?”

I loved my dad so much at that moment. He wasn’t losing it over the fact I’d kissed a man I’d known for a few days. Fifteen-year-old me was still nervous I’d get grounded.

“Well, they’re trying to figure out who I am. Isla, the princess, told me that it’s only a matter of time before they search my name and she’s worried they’ll find your address or number. I just wanted to warn you.”

“Well, I appreciate that the princess was concerned.” He sounded like he was smiling.

I chuckled. “That’s the not point, Dad.”

He laughed with me. “I know, Charlie. Don’t worry. We won’t answer the phone and if they find our house, we’ll either stay in or find a hotel to hide away in for a few days.”

“I’m so sorry, Dad.”

“Don’t apologize for finding a man you like. The people that sold your picture are the ones that need to be sorry.”

I sighed and rested against the pillows. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too, but it seems that you’re doing just fine on your own. I knew you would, but I want to have a talk with that prince soon.”

“I don’t think cleaning your shotgun over the phone has the same effect.”

He chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

“Thanks, Dad. Go back to sleep. I’m sorry I woke you.”

“It’s part of the job description. Be safe and I’ll talk to you soon. I’m sure Liza will call you the second I say the word prince so watch for her call.”

“I will. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

He hung up and I felt like a boulder had been lifted from my chest. I didn’t realize how hard it was to keep this from him. I didn’t keep secrets from my parents, so having them caught up on what was going on felt like the universe was back on its axis. Though I had a feeling when Liza called, she’d be booking tickets to come see things for herself.

I rolled out of bed and went to shower and got ready for the day. I didn’t know what was on the agenda before the family dinner tonight, but I wanted to be ready in case something came up.

I dressed in the black and white tweed dress that was mysteriously waiting for me on the bed when I came out. It wasn’t one that I recognized from our shopping trip so Isla must have had it brought in. It had sleeves that cut just above my elbow and a dainty red belt. It looked refined and ultra classy. I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing in it, but I knew I’d feel confident. That was probably why Isla picked it out.