Page 78 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“No. It was a private discussion between the two of you. Have you come to any…decisions?”

She clenched her teeth as she realized she’d have to rehash some of it. “I told him in no uncertain terms that my choice was Nathan. I love him, Father, and I cannot set aside my feelings.”

He pressed his lips into a thin line as he offered a nod.

“You do not agree.”

“I…wish you would at least consider Eric. Heis very keen on you, and hopes to have the chance to show you what sort of husband he may be.”

“Yes, he told me that. He said you had discussed it.”

“We have. And I must say, I am most impressed by him.”

Elena rubbed her forehead, exhausted by the morning. “I am not.”

“Are you not impressed by him or are you not even considering that you could be?”

She snapped her gaze to him, searching his eyes. “Have you two discussed this? Have you agreed what to say?”

“No, Elena, we have not. We have only discussed that he very much would like my approval.”

“Which he already has.” Elena slouched in the chair, crossing her arms. “And Nathan?”

“I am reserving my judgment. As I wish you would.”

“It’s rather unfair, though, isn’t it? Reserving judgment on Nathan, but freely giving it to Eric. Father, he has proven himself aggressive, overbearing, and generally a nuisance. He makes no attempt to take my emotions into account.”

“I am sorry you feel that way.”

Elena waved a hand in the air. “And you wish I would reconsider. I know. Well, I wish you would reconsider on Nathan, too, but here we are.”

“I have not…” King Frederick heaved a sigh. “Nathan Kingsley seems to be a fine young man. Eager to please, making every attempt to ensure that he presents himself well to us. And I think that is very promising.”

“But?” Elena asked.

The king sucked in a deep breath before he raised his eyes to her. “But that does not mean I think he is the best man to see you through the hardest times that you will endure. Royal life can be demanding. And as nice a young man as Nathan Kingsley is, I remain concerned that he will not take to the lifestyle.”

“It is not so different from his.”

“But it is. He may be used to frequent social engagements and the like, but as far as the duty of them, it is quite a different thing.” Frederick took her hand in his. “Elena, I do not say this to hurt you. I say it because I wish the best for you.”

Elena frowned though the words rang true. “I understand. Let us see what you think after tonight’s engagement, shall we?”

King Frederick bobbed his head and smiled at her. “Yes. I will not be too quick to judge, I promise.”

“Thank you, Father. And now I must go prepare for the parade.”

“I am looking forward to it. See you there.” He rose, grinning at her.

She forced a smile on her face before she left his office behind, the grin quickly fading away. Every step through the halls to her bedroom felt like another step toward an impossible decision. Her father’s reluctance gave her enough pause to question her own decision. And as she pushed into her room to dress for the parade, she wondered if Nate Kingsley was truly the best man for her.

CHAPTER 18

NATE

Nate’s fingers slipped around the silk tie again and it unraveled. He yanked it from around his neck and crossed to his bed, sinking onto it. He sighed as he sank his head into his hands.

Memories of the conversation he’d had earlier with his brother snaked through his mind. Their relationship had never been easy, but now it may not survive.

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