Page 31 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“I understand your anger. But reacting in anger gives Isabelle the upper hand.”

Her shoulders slumped as she realized he was correct.

“I will deal with this situation. I will speak with Alexander and then Isabelle. You will not deal with it outside of whatever conversation you see fit to have with Mr. Kingsley.”

“It is hardly his fault,” she protested.

“You may be correct, Elena. And I hope it is not. However, it is important to realize that even if he has been duped by your cousin…” The king paused, firming is lower lip as he flicked his gaze to Elena. “That he must learn from the situation.”

“He has been,” she insisted. “He has experienced the pain of a cheating partner. He would not do it to me.”

“A fact I am very pleased over if it remains truthful. But, Elena, he must learn from this. As should you. Do you understand?”

She shifted her gaze to the scenery outside. “What if this had been Prince Eric? Would you lecture him on the value of learning his lesson?”

King Frederick heaved a sigh. “I expect him to be much savvier in this matter.”

“And if he is not? If he is caught kissing Isabelle? What then? Hmm? Will you lecture me on his ability to learn to navigate treacherous waters or will all be forgiven because he is a royal?”

“I am losing my patience, Elena.”

“As am I. I demand to know the score.”

“You are in no position to demand anything. To be frank, Elena, I do not care for your behavior whatsoever. Since you have returned from your trip abroad, I do not see the daughter I raised but a petulant child.”

She tried to keep her temper in check, but her flaring nostrils betrayed her as she gripped the chair arms until her knuckles turned white. “That is ridiculous.”

“Is it?” He leapt from his chair. “I have never heard so much impudence from you as I have of late. You are demanding, rude–"

“Rude? I am not. But I…” Her features pinched as she fought the urge to cry, pour her heart out, or both.

Her father’s chest heaved as he clasped his hands behind his back. “Elena, I understand. More than you imagine I do. But please…do not be so desperate for this relationship to work that you do not consider the larger picture is all I ask.”

She flicked her gaze sideways, her lips still forming a deep frown as upset and worry churned inside of her.

“I realize you have…fallen for him. But that does not mean he will make a perfect match. Please, darling, I do not wish to sound…cruel or uncaring.”

“But I don’t understand,” she said, her voice trembling with the emotions she held inside. “You wish me to accept Prince Eric, but we have no idea if he is a good match. For all we know, he could prefer to meet Isabelle every night in the garden, and I would be expected to marryhim regardless.”

“I have the same expectations for him as I would have for Mr. Kingsley. If Prince Eric preferred your cousin as unabashedly as what I’ve seen in these photos, I would suggest he marry her.”

“Truly?” Elena asked.

“Yes, Elena. I do not wish for you an unhappy life. Quite the opposite. I wish a very happy one for you, surrounded by those who love and support you.”

The tension between her shoulder blades eased somewhat. She wanted to shout that if that were true, he would have already approved her relationship with Nate, but she knew it would be a mistake. They’d made some progress. She would allow it to sit for now.

“Thank you, Father. May I go?”

“No, not just yet.”

She snapped her gaze to him. What else did he want to discuss?

“I will speak with Isabelle. Leave the matter in my hands. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “Yes, Father, I do.”

“You will be Queen one day, Elena. She will not.”

---