Page 115 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“Why?” Elena asked.

“Because you are hurting. Elena, despite what you may think, I wish things would work out. I want to see you happy.”

She offered him a fake smile, but it was all she could muster. “Thank you, Father. I appreciate the sentiment.”

He nodded at her before he squeezed her shoulder, a rare display of affection between them.

As he strode away, Caroline leaned closer. “You did not tell him about your arrangement with Eric.”

“He will know soon enough,” Elena answered.

“Perhaps he no longer agrees it is wise.”

Elena sucked in a steadying breath. “Eric understands our way of life. He is a wise choice. Father knew that before, and he will understand once we make our announcement. Now, I think I would like to lie down before we dress for dinner. It has been a most stressful day.”

“And will likely prove to be a stressful evening,” Caroline said.

The words cut Elena, and she tugged her lips into a frown, realizing the truth they held. She had no desire to marry Eric, but had a strong one to protect her heart.

At least he couldn’t hurt her. He hadn’t the means because she didn’t love him. Their marriage would be what it had always been intended to be: convenience. An arrangement between two royal families to pair two people at similar stations.

As she snaked through the halls to her room, her mind conjured the image of a romantic movie she’d once watched with an arranged marriage between two country’s royals. The bride had wept at the altar for half the ceremony beforesomeone finally put a stop to it. She’d happily ran into the arms of the man she loved.

But that wouldn’t happen for Elena. Instead, she would marry the man she didn’t love to protect herself and fulfill her duty to her country.

She reached her room and closed herself inside, hoping to find solace there. As she lay on the bed, though, all she found was pain.

The roses from Eric had already started to wilt, a few of their petals finding their way to the top of the dresser. It mirrored her own wilted hopes and shattered dreams. The absence of the carousel, once a cherished token of affection, now served as a stark reminder of her fractured heart and uncertain future instead of the lovely first date it had symbolized before.

She’d asked Caroline to give it away, no longer wishing to see the bitter reminder of her failed relationship, but now she questioned the move.

At least she could have held on to one piece of it and used it to remind herself of better times. But it would likely only bring her heartache. Even the memory of it caused tears to well. She twisted away from where it had sat, searching for another focal point.

Memories of her time with Nate bombarded her. She clamped a pillow over her head to shut out the light and noise of the room, hoping to make it stop.

With each passing second, she wondered if she’d made a terrible mistake not allowing Caroline to call the airport.

She tossed the pillow aside and sat up, staring at the clock. With a shake of her head, she flopped back on the bed. It had been too long. The Kingsleys’ private plane would already be in the air.

There was no stopping it now. She couldn’t have the plane turned around and broughtback to Eldoria.

She would have to accept her fate. She, herself, had done it. She could blame no one else.

As the sun drooped in the sky, Caroline pushed into her room.

“Is it already time?” Elena asked.

“Yes,” Caroline said. “It is time to dress for dinner. There is still time to put a stop to what is supposed to happen afterwards.”

“There is not. I have entered into the agreement.”

“And you may back out. Tell him you were upset, or tired. You have had second thoughts. Please, Your Highness, do not be so short-sighted.”

“Oh, Caroline, I do appreciate your candor,” Elena said as she plopped onto the stool to have her hair done, “but this really is for the best.”

Caroline heaved a sigh as she picked up the hairbrush.

“Nathan must be well on his way, by now,” Elena said, her eyes staring ahead but not seeing anything.

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