Page 106 of Royally Rivalled

“I cannot risk her wrath, my love. I haven’t the mental energy.”

I kissed her goodbye, delaying my happiness.

“Parker, you cannot be?—”

“Trust me. I will get mine later,” I said. “That was good enough for now. Are you happy, Astrid?”

She rolled on her side, still beautifully naked. “Yes. We can rendezvous again after I meet Briggs to sign my letter.”

“Yes. Let’s go out to dinner to celebrate!”

It was an exciting day—one that officially tied Astridto this place. I couldn’t wait to tell her I planned to look at houses soon. I knew she could stay at Nepobaby Station but wanted her to move in with me. I hadn’t broached the subject, but maybe I would this evening. Shalestone wasn’t a happening place, but I couldn’t bear to part with Astrid. I’d be close enough to conduct my business in London for the estate. We’d figure it out together.

“You’re wonderful. I love you, Parker.”

I smiled. “I love you more, Astrid.”

I left, ducking out the front on a swift walk of shame to the restaurant where I met Mother. She refused to stop by mine—claiming it was a sad bachelor pad unworthy of her aristocratic arse. Perhaps it was true? I was interested in moving out and having space to grow—hopefully with Astrid by my side.

“Oh, there you are,” Mum sighed. “Parker, you’re exhausting. Always late!”

“I had things to do,” I said. “You insist on meeting me here in the middle of a busy day. I’m revising my thesis.”

“Why? I thought it was done.”

It was never done.

“My committee gave me comments. I need to incorporate suggested changes, mother.”

“Fine. Fine. So, what do you want to do? Are you even coming down? I’ve invited everyone, Parker.”

We invited the whole of London society to the party at our estate. Mother was undoubtedly putting up dozens, and others would come down the night before.

“I will come home, Mum—along with Astrid.”

She pulled a face. “I was hoping to introduce you to women… suitable ones.”

“Astrid is a princess, Mother! What more could I do for you? Need I remind you how happy she makes me?”

“She is argumentative, impulsive, and in no position to give you children unless she quits her academic pursuits!”

“We aren’t having children right now, no. She is in no rush tomarry. Newsflash—I’m not, either! But she loves me, and I love her. She’s amazing, Mum. I am sorry you don’t see it.”

“You’re willing to wait all that time when there are suitable girls?”

“Mum, I can wait as long as it takes for the right person.”

“And she is?”

“I hope she is,” I admitted.

No one else had ever appreciated me the way Astrid did. Nobody was so wonderful and caring or had ever given me so much. She wasn’t the one I thought I wanted initially, but she was the one I needed. Astrid was the only woman willing to argue with me. Her family was wonderful. I loved her now—unwilling to give up on my beautiful growing relationship with a wild princess I had no business having.

“When will she graduate?”

“I don’t know mother. Let’s discuss the party.”

She rolled her eyes, “Fine, but don’t forget your father’s plans for you—to be the head of the family. That includes these obligations?—”

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