Page 23 of Her Royal Rebellion

“I’m sorry,” I replied and Mum’s disappointed look made me want to sink into the ground.

“Jean was just telling us about the trip he’s going on through southeast Asia. It sounds interesting. Have you ever wanted to travel there?” She gave me a pointed look that said I wasn’t allowed to bow out of this conversation.

“Of course. I was able to visit Indonesia and loved it. I would very much like to return and see more of that area.”

Jean looked pleased. “Maybe one day, we can see it together.”

I forced a smile but the thought made me cringe. “Where is your favorite place to travel?”

See, look Mum. I can participate in a conversation.

Jean stared off to the corner of the room like he was deep in thought. “Petra in Jordan is amazing. Although, if I just want to relax, I prefer Santorini.”

I nodded. “I visited Crete.”

He hummed. “Another beautiful spot.”

With that he angled himself slightly away from me and returned to his conversation with Dad. I wasn’t used to being so blatantly dismissed. I almost said something, but decided to let it slide. I could add it to my list of cons about the man.

“That was rude.” Peter whispered ,and I nodded.

“I must not hold his interest.” I tried not to sound as bitter as I felt, but I was offended. Why did this man want to waste his time, and my own, by being here when he obviously had no intention of getting to know me? I didn’t necessarily want to spend time with him, but I didn’t understand. The servers cleared our plates and set small dishes in front of each of us. I smiled down at the raspberry sorbet. My favorite. At least something good came from this night.

Peter took my hand under the table. “You desire to be admired and beloved. No man should be daft enough to ignore you. You should be your husband’s equal, not someone he can so easily forget.”

I met his eyes and nearly teared up at the sincerity looking back at me. He cared about me and wanted the very best for me, but I knew he wasn’t speaking about himself as that husband. What was going on?

Dad waved away the serving staff’s offer of coffee and stood from his dining chair. “Jean, would you mind joining me in my office?”

Of course, the man jumped at the opportunity. Without a backward glance, he followed my parents out of the dining hall, leaving me with Aiden, Charlie, and Peter.

“Well, that was interesting,” Charlie said with a sympathetic smile.

“Not quite what I was expecting,” I agreed.

The doors opened, and Logan stepped in. My heartrate picked up at seeing him, and I fought to keep my reaction under control. I’d never get used to his intimidating stature, and thick muscles. He was a man I knew would always protect me and my heart.

His eyes ran over those of us remaining at the table. He seemed to relax and moved to my side. “May I speak to you, Princess?”

Aiden looked past me. “If it has to do with our guest, please speak freely, Logan.”

I twisted in my chair so I could see him, nodding to let him know I was okay with it. He glanced down at Peter cautiously before speaking. “I have a bit of information about the count I think you would be interested in.”

“Please, let us know.” I urged.

“Jean’s company is looking to expand and establish a second headquarters. There are several countries in Europe as well as the US that are courting him to convince him to choose them. It would be a very lucrative move for the country, creating new jobs, boosting the economy, and increasing tourism.”

I gasped. It suddenly made so much sense. No wonder he was only interested in speaking with my parents. He wasn’t here for me at all, he was here to consider their offer. Was I a part of that? A piece of the bargaining?

Aiden shot out of his seat. “This is ridiculous. I will not let my sister be used in this manner.”

Logan nodded. “I was hoping you and your brother might be able to intervene.”

“We will. Thank you for letting us know, Logan.”

“Of course. I will continue to pass along anything else I discover.” He moved to step away, but I reached out and grabbed his hand.

His eyes dropped to mine, holding back the worry but I saw through him. “Thank you.”