Page 106 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

“You do?” A tentative smile crossed his features.

“Yes, I do. I–”

“Shh,” he said as he rose and pulled the ring from the box. “Then, let’s get married.”

He gently grabbed her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. She stared down at it. It felt so right on her hand. And she felt so right with him.

She raised her teary eyes to meet his. Before she could speak, he leaned forward, cupping her face in his hands before he kissed her, a gentle promise of his love.

She pulled back, her thumb tracing the emerald. “You may wish you hadn’t done this after I tell you what I must say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, El. Let’s just enjoy this moment. We’re in love. We’re getting married.”

She settled into his arms, wishing she could remain in his embrace forever, but she couldn’t. She had to tell him. He had to know before they moved forward.

She pulled back, sucking in a breath as another tear fell. “I wish I could enjoy this moment, but, Nathan, there is something Imustconfess.”

Nate’s features pinched as she pulled back to study her. “Okay?”

A knock interrupted their conversation. Elena snapped her tear-eyed gaze to find Victoria and the other Kingsleys hovering at the edge of the gazebo.

“I see a ring, but those don’t look like tears of happiness.” Victoria offered a hesitant smile as she flicked her gaze back and forth between them.

“She said yes,” Nate began as Ellie wiped at her cheeks again.

“I am very happy, Mrs. Kingsley, but I’m afraid there is something that I must say that may ruin everything,” Elena saidthrough tears.

Victoria winced as her features scrunched. “Oh, I’m so sorry. We’ll give you some privacy–”

“No,” Elena said with a shake of her head. “No, please, what I’m about to say…everyone should hear it.”

Victoria sucked in a breath as her features registered confusion. “Okay.”

“Oh,” Chloe answered with a chuckle as they shuffled into the gazebo, “please tell me I was right, and you’re cheating.”

Victoria shot her an unimpressed glance, and she shrugged as she mouthed a “Sorry.”

“I am not,” Elena insisted, her voice sharp but still tinged with sadness. “Of course not. I love you, Nathan. I just…needed to be certain you loved me. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I just…”

“Ellie, what is it?” Nate asked. “Why are you so upset?”

“Well…” she began, her voice shaking. Her heart twisted into knot as her breath caught in her throat. She pressed a hand against her stomach as it fluttered, and she tried desperately to steady her wobbly knees.

She searched their questioning faces as she tried to find the words to tell them about her identity. “The thing is…I haven’t been–”

The arrival of several new people interrupted her words. Her eyes went wide as she stared at the entourage, her gaze centering on the man in the middle. He eyed the group, a mix of authority, surprise, and indifference etching his features.

Her heart stopped. She’d never get to explain, not now.

“I’m sorry, but this is a private family moment. You should–” Charles began when one man stepped forward.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present His Royal Highness, King Frederick of Eldoria.”

Charles’s features tugged into a frown. “Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I realize your family has been inquiring into our company–”

The king held up a hand to stop his speech as his eyes settled on Elena. “Do you no longer bow to your king?”

Elena’s heart sank along with her gaze. She fought to steady her lower lip, and a single tear rolled down her cheek as she slid her eyes closed before snapping them open again.

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