Page 25 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

Victoria’s features twisted with amusement.

“Don’t laugh, Mom. This is serious business.”

“I know, but Nate, you were not raised by wolves in a cave. We have formal dinners and you use all the right forks. You don’t spill your soup or say anything wrong.”

He sucked in a breath as he nodded. “Yeah, but this seems so much more…structured.”

He stalked away from the mirror, pacing the floor. “I mean…we don’t frown on public displays of affection. We don’t…bow and curtsy. It’s not insulting to shake someone’s hand. I half expect them to come to dinner with their crowns and those robes.”

“So you spotted that portrait of Elena in the sitting room, huh?” Victoria said with a chuckle.

“I did. With the crown, and the robe, and the…little orb-y thing and that scepter.”

Victoria crossed to him, taking his hands in hers. “She’s still the woman you fell in love with.”

“Yeah. Just…really poised and perfect and…”

“She was always poised,” Victoria said. “Think of how she handled Stephen during his outburst at dinner. The only time she wasn’t, it was because she was hiding her identity.”

Nate chuckled, some of the tension in his body easing. “You mean the time she ripped Dad’s paper from his hands and burned it?”

Victoria joined in his laugh. “Yes. I have never seen her so beside herself. Now, we know.”

“Yes, we do.” His gaze went to mid-space as his mind reeled again.

“Honey, don’t get inside your head again. You’re not helping yourself.”

“I can’t help it.”

“Things are overwhelming, but they will calm down. You’ll find a routine. Things will become normal.”

“Gosh, I hope so. Because I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the rules and protocols. And the weird cousins.”

“Oh, yes. Isabelle seems…very jealous of Ellie.”

He nodded. “Ellie said she is. She told me not to follow any directions from her or Julian. But that we could trust Alexander.”

His nod changed to a head shake. “Which sounds…very cloak-and-dagger, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t think it’s quite as…mysterious as it came across. I just think she means they may steer you wrong on the protocols.”

“Yeah,” Nate said. “I know…I know this is just me panicking over nothing. I’m sure a good night’s sleep and a few days of life around here and this will all seem normal.”

“It sounds like once we go to the country estate, things may be more relaxed. And I’m certain spending some time with Ellie will help smooth things over.”

“Yes. Yeah, just…seeing her so formal at the tea was…not being able to reach over and squeeze her hand…”

“Jarring. I know, but you’ll get used to it. Right now, you’re seeking comfort from her and you feel you can’t get it. But soon, you’ll know her well enough to realize she’s giving you support even when she’s not giving youa kiss or a hug.”

“Yeah?” he asked.

“Yes. Believe me. Your father and I can communicate with just a glance. You’ll learn to do that with Ellie, too.”

He bobbed his head, hoping it was true. Right now, without being able to have physical contact, she felt a world away from him.

Another knock sounded, interrupting his thoughts again. He crossed to the door and pulled it open, finding Caroline with her portfolio pressed to her chest.

“Hello, Mr. Kingsley.” She lifted her chin, spotting Victoria. “Mrs. Kingsley. Her Highness asked me to stop by and just go over last-minute details before the dinner to help set you at ease.”

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