Page 27 of The Royal Engagement

But what about dinner? Do they have fancy dinners? But what if I pack nice dresses and dinner is casual? I could pack both, but what if Damek’s mom complains about me overpacking?

I’m thinking way too hard about this. I should just pack what I would if I went on vacation with my family because Damek’s familyismy family. Or, they will be in a few short months.

I turn when I hear a knock on my door.

“Come in,” I yell, wondering who it could be. Julien doesn’t knock, so I know it can’t be him.

When I see red hair, I turn to fully face my mother.

My mom is beautiful. I’ve always thought so. So when Damek told me that I looked like my mother, it was absolutely the highest compliment he could have given me. Even now, with her hair in a messy bun and wearing pajamas, she’s gorgeous.

“What are you doing?” Mom asks.

“I’m packing for my trip,” I answer.

She looks at the empty suitcase. “I see.”

I sigh. “I don’t know what to pack. I haven’t spent that much time with Damek’s family and this is the first time I’m going to be doing more than just having dinner with them. I have no idea what to expect.”

“With that mother of his, there is no telling.” Mom chuckles, shaking her head. “You’re going to have your hands full with that one.”

I chew on my lip, not saying a word. I don’t want her to have more ammunition to use against Damek’s mom.

Queen Rune may not be the easiest person to get along with, but she is the mother of the guy I’m marrying. And she has gotten better since that first meeting. I’m hoping that Damek is right and once she gets to know me, she will like me.

I hope this vacation isn’t complete chaos.

“All right, all right,” Mom says. “I won’t talk about her. But I will help you pack if you want.”

I nod. “Please.”

My mom is so good at always knowing the perfect outfit. With her help, every day will be perfectly planned. Then I won’t have to stress, I can enjoy my vacation with Damek and his family.

“So, what do you think of Damek?” I ask trying to subtly broach the subject as Mom steps into my closet.

Her eyes widen as she looks around my closet. “Just how much shopping have you done since you arrived?”

I grin. “Not me. Eden. She was quite excited about buying clothes for a daughter.”

Mom grows quiet.

I wonder what she’s thinking. She and Eden are cordial with one another, but they’re not overly friendly. They both stay quiet and only speak when necessary.

“She’s a nice woman,” Mom eventually says.

I nod, agreeing with her sentiment.

She turns to face me. “I wouldn’t mind if you’d rather have Eden help you pack.”

“No, Mom,” I say. “I like Eden—she’s a lovely woman. And while I do think of her as a second mom, you’re still my mom. You raised me. And I love you.”

She visibly relaxes. “I love you too.”

I watch as Mom carefully looks through my closet. I can’t help but think that she and Eden have a lot in common. Under different circumstances, the two might even get along.

I clear my throat. “You never answer my question earlier.”

She lifts an eyebrow at me but barely glances my way as she begins to gather clothes into her arms. “Which question?”

---