Page 90 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“Just a moment, Elena, I believe we need to speak about Mr. Kingsley.”

Elena’s stomach twisted into a knot. She squared her shoulders, lifting her chin. “All right.”

Before they could leave the ballroom behind for his private study, Eric stepped in front of them. “Excuse me, Your Majesty, I hoped to ask Elena to take a moonlit walk…with your permission, of course.”

Elena’s lips tugged into a frown. “I am about to have a conversation with my father. Another time perhaps.”

King Frederick arched an eyebrow as he glanced at his daughter. “Yes, Elena and I have an important discussion.”

Eric forced a smile onto his lips that didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, Your Majesty. Before you go, please allow me to tell you once again how lovely you looked this evening. I look so forward to that walk at your next convenience. Good night, dear Elena.”

With a bow to the king, he departed.

Elena heaved a sigh as she faced her father. “Thank you. I could not stomach a walk with him tonight.”

He nodded before he led her to his private study. After he shut himself inside, he twisted to face her, disappointment on his features. “Elena…”

“Father, please, I know what you are about to say, but you are wrong.”

He crossed the room to his desk. “Am I? Elena, I know what I saw tonight. Mr. Kingsley drunk at the ball. Unable to handle the pressure.” He shook his head. “I am sorry, darling. But he is hardly suitable for you. I must put my foot down.”

“You are wrong!” she said, heat entering her voice.

“Elena, I am not. He couldn’t handle one party. He resorted to making a spectacle of himself. As such, I have no choice but to put a stop to this relationship.”

“He was not drunk.”

“Elena…” King Frederick said, his voice a warning.

“Father, he was not! This was a setup.”

He scoffed and shook his head. “Setup? Elena, really.”

“It is. Father, Eric did this. Eric drugged him for this very reason. He wants my hand. But I have told him in no uncertain terms that I did not want him. He did this.”

King Frederick raised his eyebrows. “That’s quite an accusation, Elena. Have you any proof?”

“Well…” She began, wringing her hands.

“So, you haven’t.”

“But, Father?—”

“No, Elena. I have given into this whim long enough. He is not suitable. I am putting an end to this now. You will not marry Nathan Kingsley.”

She collapsed into a chair at the words, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Elena, I am sorry. I had high hopes for him, but…he is not the man for you. I am terribly sorry, but you cannot blame this on everyone else. Not me, not Eric, only Mr. Kingsley.”

She chewed her lower lip as she held back her tears. “Father, please…”

“Elena, I have been patient enough. This is over. We will announce your engagement to Prince Eric as planned tomorrow evening.”

Her stomach twisted into a knot as a tear rolled down her cheek. “No. I won’t marry him.”

“I will not have this conversation again. You were given your chance. It did not work out. I am sorry. Good night, Elena.”

She leapt from her seat as he strode past her, her fingers curling into fists. “No, Father! It is I who is sorry. I will not marry him. I will not.”

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