Page 16 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“Howwas your flight?”

“Oh, very good,” Victoria answered as she settled her teacup in her saucer. “Your country is very beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Sophia answered. “I understand from Elena that Sterling City is quite lovely, as well. I have never been.”

“Oh, you’ll have to visit us sometime,” Victoria said, offering a tentative smile.

Queen Sophia matched her expression. “What a lovely invitation.”

“Well, we certainly appreciate your invitation to your lovely home. So, we’d love to return the favor.”

Nate heard the nerves in his mother’s voice, and it made him even more nervous than he was before. Even his mother, usually the belle of the ball, felt overwhelmed.

The sound of laughter echoed outside of the room. It lifted his heart. He recognized it immediately. Elena.

It gave him hope that she would be able to ease them all into a more relaxed state.

The double doors burst open, and a tall man hovered in the doorway before he twisted sideways to wave someone inside. His lips curled into a smile as Elena strode inside in a traditional riding outfit.

“Hello, Mother, sorry to be late,” she said, letting her eyes slide over the others. “No need to stand on formality, please remain seated.”

“I quite agree,” the man said as he collected a teacup from Queen Sophia as he kissed her on the cheek. “Lovely to see you, Aunt Sophia.”

“It is lovely to see you again, Alexander.” Queen Sophia twisted to face the others. “May I present my nephew, Elena’s cousin, Prince Alexander.”

She introduced each of the others around the room.

“Hello, everyone,” he said before he snatched a finger sandwich from the tray and eased onto the couch next to Maddie.

She stared at him like he was a god among men, her eyes alight with awe.

Elena collected her teacup and eased onto the seat next to Nate, her back as rail straight as her mother’s. She shot him a warm smile, whispering, “Hello, darling.”

“I must apologize for our lateness rather than Elena. It was my fault,” Alexander said.

“Yes, it is,” Elena said with a giggle. “Alexander is still quite slow at racing to the steeple.”

He grinned at her, amusement smiling in his eyes. “I let you win.”

“You claimed you did not,” she answered before she faced his family. “Do you all ride?”

“No,” Nate answered her, finally finding his voice. “None of us.”

“Oh. We will have to arrange a lesson if you’re keen,” Queen Sophia said. “The property is lovely viewed on horseback.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’d be happy to try my hand at it,” Victoria answered.

“Oh, wonderful,” Elena answered.

“I think you’ll find it quite an experience,” Prince Alexander added before he glanced at Maddie. “And will you try, Maddie?”

She giggled, her cheeks burning red. “Yes.”

“I’m so pleased,” Elena said. “We will have a lovely time, Maddie.”

Their conversation turned to the events they had coming up. Queen Sophia’s assistant read off an impressive list of things coming up, ranging from a trip to their country estate for a more private and relaxed experience together. Upon their return, there would be a parade and a royal ball as the family welcomed the royal family of Corinthia.

Nate swallowed hard, remembering thatthe intention had been for Elena to wed Prince Eric of Corinthia. Was that still the plan?

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