Page 70 of His Royal Request

“Don’t worry,” Michael said, as though reading my mind. “Aiden and the King’s office will know what to do.”

I nodded, but soon it wouldn’t be their problem. I couldn’t tell Michael that though. I was still on girlfriend duty. No matter what we may feel now, I was here for a purpose. I’d fulfilled my end of the deal, but Aiden’s was up in the air.

George somehow beat the carriage procession so we were able to get through the side gates and back to the house before anyone else was home.

He parked and got out to open my door. “Ye okay, Charlie?”

The concern in his eyes almost made me cry. I nodded; my throat too tight to speak.

Michael and I headed inside where a butler was waiting. “The king requests your presence in the yellow drawing room,” he said.

“Thank you.” Michael led me down the hall where a set of doors swung open for us.

The yellow room had gold walls and a light-yellow carpet over the marble floors. The back windows looked out over the gardens. The walls were bare except for an enormous mirror hanging over the fireplace mantle. My eyes were drawn to the exquisite crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room. My mouth opened but I quickly recovered and sat down across from Michael on the yellow, satin sofas. My nerves were out of control. Were we in trouble? Was the king going to ask me to leave? Did they know what had happened or was this just to check in after the wedding?

I didn’t have to wait long before the doors opened again and the entire family walked in, followed by Earl and Countess Wallace. The door shut behind them while I scanned their faces for a hint of what was to come.

Michael jumped to his feet. He approached Leo and shook his hand before giving Anne a kiss on her cheek. “I’m sorry I couldn’t see you before the wedding.”

Anne hugged him. “It’s been too long. I’m glad you’re here now.”

Leo smiled at him and I began to think they didn’t know about the scene following the wedding.

Michael moved on to Aiden, his shoulders drooping. Oh no. “I’m so sorry, Aiden.”

I wanted to run over and tell Aiden everything was fine, that we all survived and it wouldn’t happen again, but I knew Michael wouldn’t allow it.

Aiden’s eyes flickered to mine before looking back at his friend. “What happened?”

“We walked out of the chapel and I didn’t notice them. I should have been paying attention or just used a back entrance instead of risking anything.”

“What are you talking about?” Aiden’s patience was running out. I could tell from where I was sitting as his hands clenched by his sides.

“The paparazzi were waiting for us.”

Isla sucked in a breath and crossed the room to me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “I’m fine. Michael got us out before anything happened.”

Aiden shook his head. “I should have been there. I should have made sure her guard was with her.”

I stood up and repeated, “I’m fine. It was a little scary at first. I didn’t know what was going on, then a huge group was rushing toward us. I got a little freaked out, but the guards showed up and blocked them so we could get to the car.”

Aiden pushed Michael out of his way and pulled me toward him. His eyes scanned my face while he ran his hands over my arms. “Are you sure you’re okay? Should I call the doctor?”

I stepped back. “No, I’m fine. I promise, nothing happened.”

He shook his head and turned around to face his family. “Something needs to happen.”

Leo and Anne shared a look before she spoke. “You made the choice to make a scene at the party. You also made the choice to have her attend the wedding. Unless you’re both willing to end this now and have Charlie return home until this blows over, I think you need to address this head-on.”

Huh. It seemed like the king and queen had been discussing our relationship. Wonderful.

I looked at Aiden to see what he would do next. He slowly faced me with a pained expression. I met his eyes and waited.

“Charlie.” His voice nearly broke my heart.

I knew what that meant.