Page 98 of Royally Rivalled

“So, what did you do before that?”

I swallowed hard, unsure what to say—too embarrassed to admit it hadn’t been much of anything for years. I debated telling him or holding it in. Looking at his sweet eyes, it was hard to deny him the truth.

“She ruined Christmas, too?”

Parker knew. He read it on my face.

I nodded.

Parker brushed my cheek with his thumb and cupped my face.

“You don’t need to feel bad about it. Celeste—the other day—it was horrendous. I am so grateful that you’re rid of her. And proud of you all for making your way in the world. You’re a unit.”

“An annoying one, no doubt,” I chuckled.

He shook his head. “No. Your sisters are a lot, but they are so lovely, too. I never had that. Carolyn and I are worlds apart. Ashleigh acts like a baby. You and Alexandra raised them.”

“So much is different for them—versus us. Odie and Ingy don’t remember the before times. They cannot recall Mamma and our life then. They’ll never know how much Mamma loved Papa or how much she did for us. She made everything normal even when Papa struggled.”

“He struggled?”

“He had a debilitating mental illness. And, as I understand now, Celeste contributed to it. Living here was hell for him. Royal life was difficult, and… sometimes I worry about my demons taking me there. It sounds mad, I know.”

Parker slowly kissed my forehead—lovingly, tenderly brushing me with his lips. He understood something that I hadn’t spelt out. My previous life—the life I never talked about or gave any credence to when speaking to outsiders—was miserable. And yet, here I didn’t have to say it. Was this what having a soulmate felt like?

“Given how awful she is, I can understand why he’d feel like that.”

“You knew?”

“I expected someone like my mother—petty, manipulative, and sometimes mean-spirited. I assumed she might not be overly maternal. And yet, she was so much worse than I ever imagined. She was cruel. Watching her openly dress your sister down about Linnea told me everything. Anyone who would say such a thing about a baby is a monster.”

“She tortured us. We sheltered the Odie and Ingy—tried to do our best.”

“You were the maternal figures,” Parker said. “You spoiled them in all the right ways. They want to be like you, Astrid. They look up to you and need you—probably always will. But it’s beautiful in a way. No one comes to me for anything but money.”

“Well, Alexandra?—”

Parker cut me off. “It’s different. Yes, we have that in common. But what I wouldn’t give to be called for something like a fashion emergency or just… someone missing me.”

“I never thought about that,” I admitted. “They only talk to you about money. You know my family a lot more than I know yours.”

“I prefer it.”

“Maybe it’s good. Wearechaotic and needy. And Rick can be an overprotective asshole.”

“No, Astrid. It’s sweet—a gift, as I said. And… it’s good Rick wants you all to have happy lives.”

“His family is wonderful,” I said. “You can tell. It’s a miracle any of us are okay. I mean—not extremely fucked up.”

He chuckled. “We’re both a little fucked up. Anyone willing to live in the academy is a bit off.”

I smiled. “Am I in then?”

“You are in if I have any say. I don’t, but people like Briggs do. And he’s right. You deserve to be in the club.”

Parker kissed me slowly. He held me so close. I was thrilled to be lying here and kissing him, our bodies pressed so close and at peace. I was safe here.

“I don’t want to be unhappy,” Parker said. “I want better for myself—for my family. When Dad died, it all fell apart. Mum hasn’t been the same. Christmas never amounts to much—no holiday does. Ashleigh stays with her mates in London because it’s less depressing. Carolyn beats her feelings down. Thankfully, she has Fred’s parents, too.”

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