Page 78 of Royally Rivalled

Several people stared.

“I’m not mad!” Astrid laughed in protest.

“You seem to be, Astrid.”

“Well, aren’t we all… a little?”

She made a good point.

“You’re nervous, Parker.”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t say I like bringing people around. Mum and Carolyn are… challenging. They have only ever liked one girlfriend, and, unfortunately, she broke my heart.”

“Why?”

Astrid always asked “why” about everything. I wanted to avoid this rather than get overly emotional on a walk to what amounted to little more than a business meeting. Denying her the truth felt wrong. In Astrid’s shoes, I would want honesty.

“We broke up because I did not want to get married—not for ages, anyhow,” I said. “I don’t see myself wedding anyone before thirty. I think that would be a good age for me. She wanted to marry and have babies. So, we broke up—no harm, no foul. When Dad died, she was the first there to comfort me. I finally realised she wanted the same things as before—more desperately with a newly-minted duke. So, weonce more broke up. It was about my change in status, not her feelings for me.”

“I’m sorry, Parker. I can sort of understand that.”

She did more than most people. Briggs was right to put us together.

“Thanks. I… I didn’t want that, so I poured myself into my academic work. It helped me grieve. Dad wanted me to finish my work even if Mum thought it was idiotic. I gather we are over a similar mind?”

She nodded. “I want to marry and have children, but unlike my dear sister, I have oodles of time and refuse to be rushed. Was she your age?”

“Slightly older,” I answered. “Thirty now. We met when I was abroad for a year in Paris. She was living there. She’s a painter who moved to the UK shortly after I did so we could be together. I went off to grad school. She stuck around for a while, but when I finished my MSc, she wasn’t waiting any longer.”

“Oh. Can I ask an inappropriate question, Parker?”

“Yes, Astrid.”

“Isshethe reason you are so good at… things? You’re notthatold.”

I snickered. “Oh, yes, well, she was good at telling me what to do.”

“So I haveherto thank for your prowess?”

“Someof it, darling,” I said.

She was cheeky and curious. Astrid was never afraid to ask me anything. I loved her wide-eyed enthusiasm and wished I could be as bold. I squeezed her hand tight as we crossed a street and headed towards the hotel.

“Do you ever worry… as in if we were to stay together… if you may… tire of me?” Astrid’s voice was hesitant now.

I stopped, pulling her to a halt as well. Taking her face in my hands, I brushed a stray hair out of her face. “I don’t think you could ever bore me—or anyone, for that matter. Astrid, you’re so entertaining. And that’s not how it works.”

“I am a baseline of nought.”

I whispered, “Who gives head like she’s been doing it for decades and taking names.”

Astrid blushed. “Stop!”

“It’s true. Honestly, that’s not how it works. Sex is exciting with someone new. Astrid, we’re still in that honeymoon phase, but it’s much better when you know someone. And if you do it right, you shouldn’t tire of anyone,” I said. “Unless you think you’ll outgrow me soon. I couldn’t fault you.”

She shook her head. “Not likely. I enjoy your grumpy ass too much.”

I leaned in and kissed her. “Stick to the strategy, and we’ll be golden. Don’t worry about me getting bored. I am all too excited for you to be mine. And I want to soak in that.”

---