Page 79 of Royal Rising

“My dad insisted on self-defence lessons when I started working here, and Dillon has shown me a few moves over the years,” I tell her. “It’s come in handy a few times.”

Fenella still looks at me, still wary but with a hint of respect. “I had no idea you were a bouncer as well.”

“That’s why they pay me the big bucks,” I say light-heartedly. “But I only get to do that when Kalle’s not here. He always likes to jump in first.”

“Like a knight in shining armour?”

“Like an alpha male looking to excrete some testosterone before he leaks all over the place.”

Fenella blinks, then lets out a laugh. It’s a big sound, coming from her belly. It’s contagious—Sophie joins in and I do to, even though I have no idea what I’m laughing at.

It’s been a weird day.

“I think you’re my hero,” Sophie declares, and I have to smile.

Fenella stirs her drink with a straw. “You know, I showed up for Odin and Camille’s wedding because I thought I’d have to slap some sense into Gunnar and your sister,” she says with a quickglance at Sophie. “It was clear there was something between them, but it turns out I didn’t need to because Gunnar was smarter than I gave him credit for. And I thought I might have to do the same for Kalle because it’s clear to me he’s fixated on someone else. I’m happy that there’s no need to slap some sense into him.” And Fenella looks pointedly at me.

“I don’t really do violence,” I manage.

“Says the woman who had a drunk in a wrestling hold ten minutes ago.” Fenella laughs again.

26

Kalle

Two things happen atfamily dinner: For once, my father beats us to the table.

And Gunnar brings a date.

Stella clutches her glass of wine with a wide-eyed expression that tells me right off how nervous she is. It’s still strange to see her with her natural hair colour—Stella has had funky hair for years now. The reddish brown makes her look more like her father.

Or Duncan before he went gray.

She’s flanked by Gunnar and Spencer, her half-brother, both trying to ease her worries about being here. I can tell Duncan is, too, but doesn’t want to push.

“So nice to have Stella with us tonight,” Dad says in his heartiest of voices as plates of tenderloin atop of a bed arugula are served. Baby carrots and tiny roasted potatoes round out the meal.

I much prefer tonight’s dinner to my lasagna from last night. Or maybe it was the company.

Although I did run into Fenella as she was leaving the castle. She’s been staying here since the wedding as Gunnar’s guest, but I don’t know how much time Gunny has been spending with her. It’s been Stella all the time since they got together.

I can’t see Fenella wanting to be a third wheel with a new couple, but I hope she’s found someone to hang out with.

There is not one bit of regret or guilt that person isn’t me. All I feel for her is a mild fondness.

Edie, on the other hand… All want to do is finish dinner and call her.

I can’t wait to tell her what I came up with for our date. Our very first date.

“It’s about time one of us brought someone,” Gunnar says under his breath, cutting into his steak.

“Got a bit of wedding fever there, little brother?” I ask. My tone is jovial; maybe too jovial because Spencer and Bo both glance over with confusion.

“No,” Gunnar replies quickly and Stella gives him a look. I like Stella. She’s always been a bit of a firecracker and she’ll keep Gunny in line. “You could have brought someone,” he accuses. “Like Fenella.”

“I’m not taking Fenella anywhere.” I swear a hush of relief sweeps around the table at my words. “But I’m thinking…maybe… Edie?”

There’s no hush after that. “Yes,” Bo says simply.

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