Page 13 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

Despite the man’s invitation to learn more about him, he wondered if it was all a smokescreen to convince Elena he wasn’t the man for her.

He flicked his gaze across the plane’s cabin, his eyes landing on another source of stress. Chloe stared down ather manicured nails, admiring them along with the wedding ring on her finger.

The light glinted off the gold band, and the flashy diamond she wore. His mind regressed to the moment his brother had stunned him with the news. Stephen had married his former fiancée.

It bothered him, but he didn’t know why. He wanted no parts of Chloe after what she’d done. Finding her in his brother’s bed had been a blow that had led him down a dark path.

He shifted in his seat, pulling his gaze away from the woman who had nearly ruined his life. However, he had to be happy that they’d not tied the knot. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have met Elena.

But that may not pan out, either. The plane continued its descent, the landing gear banging down below them.

Maddie slid into the seat next to him with a grin and buckled in. “Are you excited?”

“Yeah,” he said, trying to steady his shaky voice.

“You don’t sound excited.”

He waved his fists in the air with a smile. “Yaaaay.”

“You’re mocking me,” she said with a sigh.

“I’m not. I just…yes, I’m excited, but I’m nervous, too.”

“Why? We can wear any color we want, so everything is fine.”

He chuckled at her concern. “I just want to make a good impression. And there are so many rules and protocols. I’m afraid I’m going to bow at the wrong time, or sit down when I’m supposed to stand, or call someone by the wrong title.”

“Aw, Nate,” Maddie said as she rubbed his arm, “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Ellie will help you. I’ve been texting her since we found out, and she’s been so nice.”

“I’m glad you’re so thrilled about her being a princess.”

“I am. And you should be, too.” Sheslid a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear. “I’m going to be the sister of a prince!”

“Maybe,” he said with a wag of his finger. “Remember, our engagement is not official until I pass the test.”

“You’ll pass with flying colors, big brother.”

He stared into mid-space, his heart a mix of hope and dread. Would he be able to pass their royal test or would this visit be the end of the relationship with his beloved Elena?

The wheels smacked against the runway, jarring him as much as his thoughts.

A lump formed in his throat as the pilots announced their arrival to the cabin. “Welcome to Eldoria, we are taxi-ing to the de-planing area.”

His fingers tightened around the arms of his seat as he realized he’d soon be at the palace. Soon, his test would begin.

He chewed his lower lip as the plane slowed to a stop and the engines wound down. Everyone else unbuckled their belts and rose, stretching after the ride.

Nate stayed in his seat, his mind whirling.

“Nate?” His mother’s voice called to him, tugging him out of his rumination.

He sucked in a sharp breath. “Yeah?”

“You ready?”

He slowly unbuckled his seat belt as he nodded. “Yeah, guess so.”

She slid an arm around him as he rose. “You nervous?”

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