Page 54 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

The man had loomed on the horizon since he’d learned of Elena’s true identity. And now they were on the eve of meeting him. His stomach clenched at the thought, jealousy already roiling inside him.

“Nate? You okay?” Maddie asked.

He forced a smile onto his face and nodded. “Yeah. All good.”

“Ellie’s back. You can practice more with her now.” She pointed across the room.

His fake smile turned real at the sight of her. “Everything okay?” he asked when she reached him.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, like she had been crying. He wondered if she’d had a massive fight with her father.

“More than okay,” she answered, her smile seeming genuine. “Father has relented, and while we will still not share the first dance together, I will not be paired with Prince Eric, either.”

Nate’s eyebrows raised. Had she really argued her way out of a dance with the visiting prince? “Who is your new partner? Oh, please not Stephen.”

She chuckled and shook her head. “No. My father.”

“Oh. Well, I guess that’s better than the other guy vying for your hand.”

“Much. Father is quite an accomplished waltzer. At my first royal ball, he was my partner.” She beamed at the recollection.

“At least this way I won’t step on your toes in front of everyone.”

“Have you been practicing? Let me see.” She held out her arms, waiting for him to match her stance.

“I have.” He wrapped an arm around her and took her hand before he started his steps.

“You are much better already.”

“Thank you. I still feel bad for whoever I am paired with.”

“Don’t. Supposedly, it is Isabelle, though I will speak with Father about that. It is highly inappropriate given what she’s done.”

He tugged his lips back in a wince. After the kiss she’d set up, he wanted nothing to do with her. Thelast thing he needed was another bad mark on his record thanks to her. He’d have to learn how to get along with her, but that would be far easier once he’d been accepted.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d appreciate that. I’d rather avoid her.”

“I would rather you avoid her, too. She is quite acrimonious. I just saw her in the hall, and she spewed more of her venom.” Elena rolled her eyes, color rising into her cheeks.

“It would be a major faux pas if I refuse to dance with her, right?”

“Yes, that would make matters worse. If you must, you must, but I will do my best to see to it that you won’t.” They finished their dance, and Elena applauded him. “Excellent job.”

“Thank you,” he answered with a bow as Caroline approached.

“Excuse me, Your Highness, Mr. Kingsley, but I overheard your conversation and am pleased to say that I have just received the final pairings after the change your father made to your partnership.”

“Yes, I am now dancing with him first.”

“Correct,” Caroline said with a nod. “And Mr. Kingsley's partner will be Queen Sophia.”

Nate gulped down a swallow as his eyes went wide. He tried to smile, but it faltered.

“Oh, lovely,” Elena said with a grin as she clapped her hands together. “I am so very pleased with that pairing.”

He muttered a laugh, his eyes still wide. “I hope she can handle my awful dancing.”

“She can, I assure you,” Caroline answered with a grin. “And I can assist with some appropriate subjects of conversation if you’d like.”

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