Page 2 of The Royal Engagement

At that, Grandpa drops his gaze.

Well, it seems that the two of them have talked since I left. Maybe this entire thing has been good for the family—we’ve always been bad at communicating our feelings.

I clear my throat. “I’m glad you could come, Grandpa. How long are you planning on staying?”

Not that I want him to leave quickly, but I’m not certain I can survive a long visit. Thankfully, he is king and has a lot of duties. He’s never stayed anywhere longer than a week.

“Only for a few hours. I want to meet this fiancé of yours and make sure he’s good enough for you.” He checks his watch. “I have to be back home for a meeting by eight in the morning, so we better get a move on.”

Mom gives me a quick side hug as Dad leads us toward the large SUV. I climb into the far backseat, Dad climbing in beside me, while Mom and Grandpa sit in front of us. As soon we were buckled in, the driver takes off toward the estate.

I pick up my phone to send a quick text to Damek, giving him a heads up. He’s supposed to be there when we get back, but I should warn him about my grandfather’s surprise visit.

My grandfather decided to come. He wants to meet you,I type quickly.

He responds within seconds.King Bennett is coming to meet me?

Yes.

Any advice?

I look at my phone and then at the back of my grandfather’s head. I still can’t believe he came with my mom, though I don’t believe for one second he came just to meet Damek. I bet this visit was more about meeting my dad than anything else.

Still, I do want Damek to make a good impression.

Just be polite and respectful. My grandfather isn’t like other incubi. He won’t care that you’re gorgeous.

I hit the send button and then re-read what I just sent.

Yep, I did just call Damek gorgeous.

Damek is my fiancé, but we’re not a typical couple. The truth is, I don’t know him that well. We’ve spent the last month talking every day on the phone until the late morning hours—he is the reason I’ve been getting very little sleep. But we’ve barely kissed and we weren’t dating before our betrothal. We’re still getting to know one another and I’m not sure that I’ve ever told him just how attracted to him I am.

Should these things be done via text?

You think I’m gorgeous?

My cheeks grow warm as I read his response. I’m trying to think of how I should respond when another text comes through.

Since we’re both sharing, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. But you already know that.

My heart swells.

“Who are you texting?” Dad asks.

I lock my phone, putting it away. “Damek.”

Dad’s eyebrows knit together. “You two really like each other, huh?”

“Like?” Grandpa twists around in his seat. “They’re engaged to be married—I should hope that they’re inlove.”

“Dad,” Mom says. “Do you really want to argue that you’re against marriage for political gain?”

That shuts him up.

“Yes,” I say, answering my dad’s question. “I like Damek a lot—I have since the first night I met him. Kaine tried to get me to give all the candidates a chance, but I couldn’t. Not after Damek.”

Dad’s lips turn upward and his shoulders visibly loosen. “I tried to give you more options than I had, but I feared I was still pushing you too hard.”

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