Page 120 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

Elena eyed him, her features still a mask of stoicism. He searched her face for any sign of forgiveness.

“Ellie?” he prodded, feeling like he was quickly losing control of the situation. He shifted the two gifts in his hands before he thrust them forward. “I…Caroline gave me this, and I…I want to give it back to you along with this new horse. Please don’t get rid of it. Please don’t get rid of us.”

She sucked in a deep breath, not taking the items. “Nathan…”

“Please, Ellie.”

“You’ve had your time to speak, now, pleaselet me have mine.”

His gaze sank to the floor as he realized he was about to get the boot.

“I appreciate your apology, and the declaration. And I do know that my father approves of our relationship, so our first argument is a moot point now.”

He swallowed hard, waiting for the “but.”

“I desperately want to put this behind us. But I…worry.”

“About?” he asked.

“What hurdle will we face next that will leave you reeling and questioning?”

He shook his head, closing the gap between them. “Nothing, Ellie.”

“How can you be so certain?”

“Because I learn from my mistakes. I may be an idiot, but at least I learn. And like I said…we can face anything together.”

“But we didn’t face this. At the first sign of trouble, Nathan, you ran. I can’t have that in a husband.”

He swallowed hard, trying to find a way to convince her. “Ellie…please, give me just one more shot at this. I…will admit I was really stressed. Especially with that drug floating around in my system, but I won’t do that again. I’m with you, Ellie. We’ll face everything together.”

She glanced down at the carousel in his hands. “We had so many good times.”

“And we can have so many more.” He dug in his pocket, pulling out the ring he’d been carrying since he arrived in Eldoria. “Please say you’ll marry me.”

She stared at the emerald sparkling in the soft light before she raised her tear-filled eyes to his.

He held his breath, waiting to find out his fate.

Her forehead crinkled before her head gave a slight bob. “Yes, I will.”

His heart could have burst from the joy of the answer.She took the carousel and single horse from his hands, cradling them in one arm as he placed the ring on her finger for a second time, this time for good.

“I love you, Nathan Kingsley.”

He pulled her closer, letting his lips brush hers. “And I love you, Ellie…”

His voice trailed off as he offered her a wide-eyed look. “Oh, your name is so long, I’ve forgotten the entire thing.”

She giggled at him. “Ellie is fine,” she said before she leaned in for another kiss.

“Right. I promise I’ll learn your full name.”

As he held her close, a soft knock interrupted their conversation. The door opened slightly, and Queen Sophia poked her head inside. “I am sorry to interrupt, but we are all dying to know if there is reason to open champagne.”

Elena grinned at her mother, flashing the emerald engagement ring. “There is every reason. And the Kingsleys will need their rooms back, I’m afraid.”

“Caroline has already handled that,” Queen Sophia said. “Please join us in the sitting room, after you have finished your own celebration.”

Elena’s smile faltered, concern flicking in her eyes. “Oh, but what of the–“

“The royal family is packing,” Queen Sophia answered. “And after what Prince Eric did, they ought to be leaving in shame. Welcome to the family, Nathan.”

Nate grinned at her and offered a soft, “Thank you,” before the door closed behind her and he refocused his attention on Elena.

Their future would have bright moments and difficult ones, but they would survive them all together.

To be continued…

---