Page 43 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“I have no idea what you are referring to,” Isabelle said with a shrug.

“I don’t believe you. And if you’re not here to gloat, what are you doing here? I thought you were ordered to stay away from everyone?” Elena asked, setting a hand on her hip.

“I’m here to do as I was told. Issue you an apology.”

Elena rolled her eyes. “Save it, Isabelle. I don’t want to hear it.”

“Oh, but I’m afraid you must. You see, I must make a private apology and a public one. Here is the first of those.” She sauntered closer to her cousin, lifting her chin. “Elena, I am sorry. Sorry that the man you have chosen is as dull as dishwater. Sorry that you have so stupidly fallen for a man like this that I can easily manipulate the both of you. Oh, but I will have fun doing it. Bet on that.”

Elena’s jaw tightened at her cousin’s words, and before she could step away, she clamped a hand on her wrist. “You may find this amusing, Isabelle, but I do not. I warn you, cousin, do not push me too far, or else–“

“Or else what? You’ll cry to Daddy? Uncle Frederick will never do anything too harsh to me. And you…well, your hands will always be tied by the crown that sits upon your head. Enjoy your moments with Nathan Kingsley while they last. They are not long for this world.”

Isabelle yanked her arm free of Elena’s grasp, leaving the threat hanging between them as she sauntered down the hall.

Elena’s heart pinched, knowing her cousin would not let up. She’d had an uphill battle all along, but with this opposition, she may lose everything she’d ever wanted.

CHAPTER 10

NATE

Nate stared down at the carousel visible from his balcony as the warm afternoon sun lowered in the sky. His mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming royal ball, his preparations, and the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders.

Yesterday at this time, he’d been riding that carousel, smiling and happy, holding hands with Elena.

Today, his afternoon was packed with more lessons than he could count to prepare all of the Kingsleys for the state visit and royal ball.

When he’d first heard they’d learn to waltz, he’d laughed, assuming it was a joke. He’d quickly sobered when he realized it was not.

Apparently, it was all the rage with the royals, still. Elena, Alexander, and all of her cousins were well-versed in it, as they were in all things royal.

Alexander’s easy way had almost set him at ease, assuringhim at the dinner that he’d pick it up in no time. But he wondered about that.

He was beginning to wonder about it all. No matter how hard he tried, he fell into some pitfall.

A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts. He crossed the room and pulled it open, a smile spreading across his features when he spotted Elena.

“Hey, Ellie,” he answered as she slipped into his room.

“Are you all ready to learn to waltz?”

“I am…as ready as I’m going to be,” he answered.

“You’ll do fine,” she answered. “You are worrying far too much.”

“I don’t think you’re worrying enough,” he said with a coy grin. “Your toes may disagree vehemently after these lessons and our first official dance.”

She cocked her head, offering him a shrug. “We did just fine at your parents’ gala.”

“That was about as far from a waltz as we could get. Swaying back and forth isn’t anything like this.”

She giggled at his complaints. “You can master it. I have every faith in you.”

“That makes one of us.” He swallowed hard as he focused on her. “Ellie, can we talk?”

“Of course.”

He sucked in a deep breath, his features pinching.

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