Page 84 of His Royal Request

There was something deeper in her words. “Are you giving me your approval?”

Her smile grew. “Yes, dear. I am.”

I closed my eyes as my throat tightened. I had no idea how much that would mean to me. Not as the queen and king, but as Aiden’s mother and father. I blinked away tears and smiled. “Thank you.”

She stood and moved next to me, wrapping her arms around me. “Don’t rush. We want you guys to take your time. Enjoy getting to know one another and exploring those feelings.”

I hugged her back and nodded. “So, you’re not asking me to leave?”

She laughed lightly. “No, not at all.”

Well, this conversation had turned into an emotional rollercoaster I hadn’t prepared for. She left me with a smile while I sat and tried to comprehend what had just happened. I felt like I’d told her how I felt before Aiden. Not directly, but she had a better idea of where I stood than he did.

I smiled and ventured out to find him.

I didn’t have to look hard since he was waiting in the main foyer. He jumped up the moment he saw me and rushed over. “What was that about?”

I stood on my toes and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Just some girl talk.”

He narrowed his blue eyes. “Really?”

I shrugged. I knew it was killing him not knowing, but I was enjoying it. “A little of this and a little of that.”

I giggled at his sigh.

“Fine,” I said. “You want to know what really happened?”

“Yes, very much.”

“She told me my parents are back home and the media isn’t as much of a worry so I’m free to go home or continue my trip.”

His eyes darkened. “What did you say?”

“I asked her if I could stay. I was terrified to. I thought my only option was leaving.”

“What did she say?”

“She asked me why I wanted to stay.”

He laughed. “And?”

“And I told her about how we met.”

His eyebrows rose.

“Yeah, I told her the truth. I told her I had no idea who you were when we met. I told her that I hadn’t expected to meet anyone, but you came barreling into my life and plans changed.”

“What else?”

“I told her I had real feelings for you. She knew that the whole time and was just testing me.” I laughed. “But at the end, she told me that you and I have your parents’ approval.”

“Really?” He sounded as surprised as I’d been.

I nodded. “They want us to take our time getting to know each other and seeing what there is between us, but they’re rooting for us I guess.”

He let out a long breath and smiled. “That’s wonderful.”

“I think so too, but I have one concern.”