Page 42 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“All right. I think your father and I have had enough horses for the day. I’m heading in for a little R&R before dinner.”

“Please let the staff know if you’d like anything. Tea, maybe,” Elena said.

“I will. Enjoy the carousel.”

They parted ways, and Elena led them to the rear of the house. The carousel gleamed in the late afternoon sun, its colorful exterior casting a mesmerizing glow.

“Elena and her carousel. When she was six, she insisted on having one. And do you know why she got it?” Alexander asked as he strode along with them.

“Because she’s a princess?” Maddie asked, blushing at him.

“You would think so, but royals aren’t so readily spoiled as some may think. No, Elena got one because she constantly sneaked away to ride the one in Cresthaven. They caught her there so many times, Uncle Frederick had to promise her a carousel to stop her.”

Elena grinned at her cousin, poking him in the chest. “You love telling that story, don’t you?”

“I find it almost as humorous as the one where you slapped Prince Eric after learning you were meant to marry him.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“Very funny,” Elena said before she stole a glance at Nate. He kept his eyes trained on the carousel after the last comment. She wondered if it bothered him. He seemed wound tightly even at the country estate, worried about disappointing her in some way. Though, he couldn’t. She’d have to tell him that.

They climbed onto the carousel, and she disappeared into the central column to start the calliope and begin the platform spinning.

When she emerged, she joined the others, climbing onto a slowly moving horse with a laugh. The carousel picked up speed and soon they were flying around in circles as the horses bobbed up and down.

Elena glanced at Nate, who finally cracked a smile that reached his eyes as she stretched her fingers out in search of his hand.

He grabbed hold of hers, squeezing it. Her mind regressed to their first date where they’d done the same. Things had been less complicated then, but she’d only grown to love him more with every passing moment.

A surge of warmth rushed through her. Despite the challenges they faced, their love remained strong.

It didn’t matter what it took, she’d fight for their relationship. And she’d help him along the way with whatever he needed to fit in.

They rode the carousel until they couldn’t see straight, leaving it behind in a cloud of laughs as they stumbled back toward the house.

“I dare say, we should have stopped sooner,” Alexander said with a chuckle. “I’ll barely be able to dress for dinner.”

“I never can tie the bowtie,” Nate said, “so, no loss for me.”

“Oh, I’ll help you, darling,” Elena answered, “though there is no tie required tonight. A much more casual dining affair.”

“Good,” Nate said with a nod. “Hopefully, no one will say anything wrong like my mom about arranged marriages. I hope she didn’t insult your parents.”

“Quite all right. Customs are different everywhere. I’m sure they weren’t offended. See you in an hour?” Elena asked.

He nodded as they stood at the intersection of two halls. The others went toward their rooms, but she kept a firm hold of his hand until they were alone. With a sly grin, she planted a kiss on his lips. “I love you. Remember that.”

He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “I love you, too. So much. And I’m going to figure things out. I promise.”

“I know you will. See you soon.”

After another brush of his lips, she pulled away from him, floating through the halls on a cloud toward her room.

As she rounded the corner, her lightheartedness plummeted. Standing in front of her door was her cousin Isabelle with the usual smirk on her lips.

Elena strode toward the door. “Are you pleased with yourself? You could have killed Nathan.”

Isabelle scoffed. “By kissing him?”

“By frightening his horse into a panic.”

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