Page 1 of Learning to Rule

Prologue

Dalton

“So, I don’t talk to him unless he addresses me, and I don’t ask questions, just answer his. I’m to stay by the door until you call me forward. Curtsy low to all three of you. No, not you, because I should have curtsied to you when I saw you first thing this morning, but to your father and then your mother. What about anyone else in the room?”

Elodie stands fidgeting in the two-piece, purple suit Hinchbootie brought onto the plane for her to wear. The necklace I gave her sparkles through the white blouse she’s wearing, and she has a neat pair of low heeled pumps on her feet. She looks every inch a member of Janastria’s elite and not the carefree girl who loves her yoga outfits in Florida.

It was a long flight back, and even though we managed to get a few hours of sleep, we’re both exhausted and want nothing more than to have a warm bath, a quick fuck, and fall asleep for the next twenty-four hours. Our arrival in Janastria was accompanied with news of the black-tie event we attended last night in Miami, which is being heralded as a great success.

“Relax.” I try to get Elodie to calm down, but I’m aware I’m not very convincing, dressed in my formal pants, shirt, tie, and sweater. At least Hinchbootie didn’t make me wear a suit.

“It’s easy for you to say. I’m running on little sleep, little food, a lot of nerves, and absolutely no yoga in what feels like an eternity. I should be giving a class today. Instead, I’m standing in an absolutely amazing palace surrounded by acres upon acres of land. There’s gold ornaments, royal portraits, and priceless vases everywhere. I’m scared to touch anything. I’m petrified even to move. I just want to stand in the corner and do the tree pose.”

I raise an eyebrow at Elodie, who’s practically hyperventilating now.

“For a yoga teacher, you are highly strung at times.” I shake my head at her.

Her eyes narrow at me, and I know a famous Miss Nash explosion is imminent. I ignore it, though, and make my way to one of the fabric lined walls of the waiting room and lean against it. I bring my hands up into namaste and raise my left foot to my right knee, so I’m now standing on one leg. I assume the tree pose that Elodie is longing to do.

Her laughter echoes around the cavernous ceiling of the room.

“Quiet, I’m trying to concentrate.”

“I wish I had my camera.” Elodie chuckles.

I open my eyes and wink at her.

“While you are here, if you want to lean against a wall and do a yoga pose, go for it. As the love of my life, no one can tell you otherwise.”

Elodie comes over to where I’m standing, and she forms the pose as well.

“I don’t think I’ll go the whole way in this skirt. I’m likely to rip it or show off my panties.”

“Agreed. Your panties are for my eyes only.”

We both quieten for a moment and synchronize our calming breaths. My mind feels more settled already. I could face anything now—even my parents. I really should have discovered yoga years ago.

When I open my eyes, my personal assistant, Felix, who stayed behind with my father when I was exiled, is standing next to Hinchbootie. The latter has a smile on his face, while the former looks incredulous at what he’s seeing.

“Get used to it, Felix, there’ll be a lot more yoga around here…and it’s mandatory,” I inform him as I take Elodie’s hand in mine.

The 16th-century grandfather clock chimes midday. Punctual as ever.

“I assume my father is ready to see me now.”

I don’t wait to be introduced but march straight into the room. Elodie tries to loosen my grip from hers as we enter, but I keep a tight hold of her and more or less pull her forward with me.

“Your Majesties,” I bow first to my father and then to my mother. She raises an eyebrow at me. I can tell she’s already drunk by her flushed cheeks.

“Dalton, it’s good to see you looking so well.” My father smiles with all the politeness of a snake preparing to attack his prey.

I’ve previously never stood up to him like I did on the yacht, and he’s not going to let me forget about it. There will be retribution.

“The break did me good.” I motion for Elodie to come out from where she’s hiding behind me. “I’d like to introduce you to Miss Elodie Nash.”

I nudge her forward, and Elodie gives them both a low curtsy and keeps her chin down, as Hinchbootie has taught her, waiting for my father to address her.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Miss Nash. It’s nice to meet you finally. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Janastria. It’s a beautiful country. Have you liked what you’ve seen so far?”

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