Page 21 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

He tugged his lips back in a wince. “I know, sorry. I…your statement just made me think of…”

She flicked her eyebrows up, silently prodding him.

He grabbed her hand and led her to the armchairs near the French doors leading to the balcony. Her stomach clenched as he stared at her, his features pinching.

With his elbows resting on his thighs, he leaned toward her. “There is something I wanted to discuss.”

“Of course.”

“Your father mentioned that you were supposed to be engaged to someone else since your birth.”

She nodded. “Prince Eric.”

“And he’s the one coming to visit.”

“Yes,” Elena answered with another bob of her head.

Nate shifted in his seat. “Are you still expected to…”

When he didn’t continue, she answered. “No. The engagement will not be announced. Unless…”

He raised his eyebrows. “Unless?”

“Unless we decide not to move forward with our relationship.”

“Decide?” he asked, his voice sharper than he expected. “Or are allowed to.”

She pressed her lips together, understanding his frustration. She shared it, too. “I understand this may seem daunting.” She reached for his hand, squeezing it. “But we will face it together. You are perfectly capable of being a support spouse and navigating royal duties.”

He flicked his gaze to the floor, his lips in a tight line.

“Nathan, you are. I know it feels overwhelming at the start. Everything is rigid, strict, new. But you’ll see that life here is quite normal. It’s a bit like yours, actually. The galas, the meetings for investors, those sorts of things. Just with more bowing and formality.”

He laughed as he nodded. “Okay. I think I’m just…nervous. Especially after what your cousin said.”

Elena stiffened, her eyes going wide as her stomach fluttered. “What did she say?”

“Something about Eldoria having a way of bringing out unexpected truths. I just…it made me nervous.”

“Don’t listen to a thing she says. She is jealous.”

“Of me?”

“Of me,” Elena corrected. “And anything I have. Stay away from Isabelle and Julian. Both of them are trouble.”

“But not Alexander,” Nate said.

“Right. Alexander can be trusted. And he will be keeping an eye out for you. I spoke with him about it earlier.”

Nate nodded, his eyes studying the area rug under his feet.

“Feeling better?”

“A little,” he answered, reaching for her hand to squeeze it. “I’m sure as I settle in, it’ll get easier.”

“It will,” she answered, allowing him a moment.

Nate sucked in a deep breath, raising his gaze to her face. “There is one other thing. And it’s really important.”

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