Page 109 of Royally Rivalled

“Astrid, my love, what is happening?”

“I’m fine,” she lied. “Let’s just… resume.”

We were in bed now, but she wasn’t into it. If Astrid wasn’t wholeheartedly interested, I wasn’t on board.

“No, Astrid, just tell me.”

“I…“ Her voice broke. “I love you. And I’ve been lying to you all evening… I can’t lie anymore.”

“What, my love?”

“Mon lupin, I love you too much to lie!” She broke into tears.

“Don’t. Just tell me. I’m here—all ears, Asti.”

She shook her head. “I fear I’m about to break your heart, Parker.”

I doubted she could. I trusted Astrid too much to believe she’d ever hurt me like that. I knew she was invested and honest. What could she do to wound me?

“Briggs is leaving—for Edinburgh. I’m not supposed to tell you. But… he invited me to join him.”

My heart sank, and my face fell.

The tell in my expression breached the dam, holding back the big tears. I held her as she sobbed. What she didn’t say was everything. I knew it was better for her to go. I knew she wanted to go because she was clever and knew better than to stick around to play second fiddle. And, because I loved her, I’d never ask her to forgo her career.

“I want to go, Parker. I need to go?—”

“Oh, baby,” I said. “I would never ask you to stay.”

“But you cannot?—”

“It will be complicated,” I said.

“But do you want to... do it?”

I took a deep breath. The truth? I didn’t plan on a long-distance relationship, but I didn’t see Astrid coming. Hours ago, I was sure I’d be with her forever. Even with my concerns about doing long-distance, I wasn’t sure I could give her up. My face said only bad things—concern, trepidation, and hesitation. It didn’t convey my love for her. I didn’t want to end it. I needed a moment to catch my breath and tell her the good and bad. Unfortunately, Astrid flew off the handle.

“Fine. I… I get it,” Astrid hopped out of bed.

“Astrid, love, don’t,” I pleaded. “Please, I just need some time. I want to?—”

“You don’t. I get it. But I won’t be waiting around. It’s not meant to be. You deserve a woman who can marry you?—”

“Astrid, I wantyou.Don’t you understand? I’d run off with you. I’d live the happiest life?—”

“I’m not ready for that,” Astrid said. “I’m not ready to marry you and have babies!”

“I didn’t ask?—”

“No! You implied. And it’s clear. Best to end it now before we get too serious!”

I sensed that was already done. I was already head-over-heels forthis fantastic woman. Astrid was everything I could want in a partner. I couldn’t let her go like this, could I?

“You should go to your party alone,” Astrid said. “Find someone suitable. Listen to your mother.”

Her words hurt.

“Astrid, don’t get like that?—”

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