Page 45 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

He bobbed his head. “I think so. It’s kind of obvious that she likes him.”

“He is very easy to like. He hasmany friends.”

“It’ll crush her when she has to meet his girlfriend.”

“He hasn’t got one of those,” Elena answered.

“Really? So, he didn’t have one picked out from birth?”

“He did not. However, his parents are quite keen on him dating a particular woman, Lady Margaret.”

Nate arched an eyebrow. “He doesn’t like her?”

“No, she’s quite dull.”

His features pinched as he considered the words.

“I’m not being rude. She is rather dull.”

“No, it’s not that. I was just…concerned that he may return Maddie’s interest.”

“She’s a little young for him, dear. You needn’t worry about him stealing her away just yet. Although…”

“What? Is the legal age for marriage here young?”

“No,” she said with a chuckle, “I was going to say he is the best of the bunch. You would not want her marrying Julian. He is as awful as his sister.”

“I’m sticking with her being too young to date him. He’s on his own. Or with Margaret.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that. He may no longer be so kind to you. And now, we’d better head downstairs before we are late for your lessons.”

“Right,” he said with a nod as he let go of her waist.

He hated to leave the quiet sanctuary of his room behind. There, things returned to some semblance of normal. He and Elena could relax, be themselves without the protocols and customs.

But he needed to learn more about what would be expected of him if they were to wed. And he needed to prove he could live up to the role. He needed the king’s approval so he could see that engagement ring on her finger again.

He reminded himself that he had friends in his corner here, people looking out for him and determined to see him succeed.

Elena led him downstairs to a ballroom, smaller, though just as grand as what they’d seen in the palace. The other members of his family already waited there, including Maddie who wore a grin from ear to ear.

“Hello, everyone,” Elena said as they strode inside. “Thank you all for joining us. Chloe, I’m glad to see you are feeling better.”

The blonde shrugged a shoulder as she shifted her gaze to one of the sets of doors. “Must have been something I ate.”

“Well, I am pleased you could join us. Caroline will be going over several details with you regarding the protocols during the royal reception, and then you’ll learn to waltz.”

“You aren’t staying to help us?” Victoria asked.

“I will be back, yes. Though I have another appointment with my father now. When I return, I expect to see progress.” She gave them a cheeky grin before she whispered a good luck to Nate and strolled from the room.

“It’s so exciting,” Maddie said. “I feel like a princess. Maybe one day, I will be, just like you’re going to be a prince!”

“I’m not going to be a prince yet,” Nate answered. “First, I have to learn to waltz.”

The click of Caroline’s sensible heels echoed off the room’s walls as she strode toward them. “Yes, you do. And you must learn what is expected during the royal receptions that you will take part in. These will be critical. Your behavior there will be under some scrutiny, Mr. Kingsley. And we would like you to pass with flying colors so you receive the nod from King Frederick to marry Her Highness.”

Nate swallowed hard, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “I’m going to try.”

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