Page 23 of Royally Rivalled

It tore at my heartstrings. Linnea must be getting so big! It’d been several weeks since I held my niece.

“What are you getting up to in England?”

“I had my first week of classes,” I answered. “And my first week of teaching.”

“How is it?”

“My methods course is fun. I like my comparative politics seminar. I already know my subfield is going to stay there. But I had an international relations module, and I switched it out for political economy already because that wasnotmy thing.”

“I have no idea what any of this means, but I am happy if you are happy.”

“I’m okay. Still trying to make more friends, but I have one, and she’s amazing.”

“Oh, really?”

“Amara. But we’re close now—more than housemates. We go everywhere together. I have wanted this so much.”

“I know. I am jealous,” Alexandra admitted. “I am so happy you’ve found someone to talk to there. I was worried you might be isolated. So, the people are nice?”

“My dissertation advisor is. He’s like my supervisor. And I think I could be friends with some students on the course.”

“All good.”

“Unfortunately, my co-teacher is a massive dick who cannot bother to be kind! I get the feeling he thinks I am nothing but entitled.”

“Keep being yourself. Soon, he will see the confident, brave, and quick-tongued girl we all love and miss so much.”

Her voice brought me incredible comfort but struck me with deep homesickness. I teared up. I missed them so much. For most of my life, they were all I knew.

“I miss you, Alexandra. I miss Odette playing the piano at all hours and Ingy climbing onto my bed to moan about this or that—seemingly never to leave. And, hell, I miss Rick’s stupid dad jokes.”

My sister snickered. “They have only gotten worse. I miss you, too, Asti. But you’re doing this. Be strong.”

“Oh... okay.”

“So, happier moment…”

“You’re pregnant?”

“No!” Alexandra was very sharp.

Awkward.I’d hit a nerve.

“Oh,” I said. “No, what is happier news?”

“Neandia will host a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in two weeks, and you, my darling, are on the guest list. We talked about coming to London, but I wanted you to focus on school and didn’t need you to assume you would attend. However, Queen Natalie makesit clear she would like you to be there—no doubt to introduce you to some attractive young men.”

I tried not to gasp. There weremanyfit British princes in my age range. I might not die alone! I had no desire to marry into royalty, but I knew it made things easier if it worked. My sister’s marriage to Rick was originally one of convenience, but they fell madly in love before the wedding day. Rick adored Alexandra and would do anything for her. That was the Happily Ever AfterIwanted, even if I’d never admit I did. I was strong and independent but curled up with romance novels. I longed to meet Prince Charming someday.

“I will be there!”

“Good. You can come up and stay with us at the palace. I will tell her you will begladto accept her invitation.”

“Yes, please!”

“Go buy a dress now!”

“I shall!”

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