Page 116 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“I could check–“

“No,” Elena answered, focusing her gaze on her ladies’ maid. “Although, I will likely ask you to ensure they arrived safety in Sterling City. I want to know that much.”

“I will be certain to keep tabs on it and report to you the moment they have landed.”

“I imagine that will be sometime during dinner. At least I will know they are safely home before Eric and I make our announcement.”

Caroline did not answer, her focus solely on Elena’s hairstyle.

“I know you do not agree, Caroline, but really, it is for the best.”

“I did not say anything this time.”

“You did not have to. Your silence signals your disapproval loudly and clearly.”

“It is not disapproval, Your Highness, merely…sadness. You seemed so in love.”

“I was,” Elena answered wistfully. “And I never wish to be again. I never want to feel this hurt again. Which is why I must guard my heart and marry Eric.”

“You must do what you feel is right, Your Highness. Have you selected the dress?”

“Whichever,” Elena answered.

“Whichever? It is a night you will remember for quite some time. Red or blue?”

“I care not,” Elena said with a shake of her head. “Red, blue, brown, black. Oh, perhaps black.”

Caroline clicked her tongue. “Oh, Your Highness. I will make the choice for you. Red.”

“Fine.” Elena nodded in her approval, though she didn’t care which she wore.

They finished the process, and Elena left her room behind for dinner. A smaller, more private affair, she managed to make it through, though her stomach refused to cooperate, and she left most of her food on her plate.

Her mother wrapped an arm around her as they went to the sitting room for a nightcap. “Darling, are you feeling unwell?”

“I’m all right. Just…not hungry.”

Queen Sophia smiled at her before Queen Elisabeth caught her arm to ask a question. Elena lumbered to the room, each step feeling like she was walking to the gallows.

She hadn’t heard from Caroline yet. Had the Kingsleys not landed?

It didn’t matter, she supposed as she stepped into the sitting room, received her sherry, and eased onto the couch.

“Darling,” Eric whispered as he eased onto the cushion next to her, “perhaps we should make our announcement now so there is time forcelebrations.”

Celebration was not a word she would use, but she nodded and slipped her hand into his.

He led her to the piano where he set his drink down and cleared his throat. “Excuse me, everyone. There is an announcement I would like to make.”

Elena’s heart thudded hard against her ribs as the room quieted. Second thoughts crowded into her mind, and her throat parched.

“Elena and I–“

Eric’s voice faltered as the doors swung open with a dramatic creak. All eyes turned toward the unexpected intruder. Her heart stopped as she stared at the figure hovering in the doorway.

Nate, wide-eyed and gasping for breath, focused on her. “Ellie, stop, you can’t do this.”

CHAPTER 26

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