Page 53 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“It will do little good, Elena. His mind is made up.”

“Is it?” Elena asked, lifting her chin. “The pairings must change as Father has decided that he and I will share the first dance together. Therefore, someone will need to be paired with Prince Eric.”

The confusion that showed on Isabelle’s features for even a second made Elena smile. She pushed past her cousin as she stepped toward the ballroom, pleased with herself.

“Oh, Elena?”

Elena twisted to eye her cousin, her hand hovering on the doorknob.

“Don’t get too comfortable. Mr. Kingsley’s ring is not on your finger yet.”

The word stung, reminding her of the precarious nature of their relationship, and how love may not conquer all.

CHAPTER 12

NATE

Nate’s chest tightened as Elena stormed away from him. While he’d been disappointed to know her first dance at the ball would be given away to another man, he understood…somewhat.

Plus, then he wouldn’t be the center of attention. His dancing skills weren’t that good yet, though at least he felt a little confidence in himself.

Elena, however, had been exceptionally upset about the news. He only hoped the exception she took didn’t make her father even more critical of him.

While he was working hard to understand and live up to their expectations, to prove that he was an excellent candidate to be her husband, he worried her father wouldn’t agree. Especially because of Elena’s candid defenses of him.

She meant well, but what if her belief in him was misplaced?

“Hey, you want to practice again?” Maddie asked.

“Sure,” he said with a nod. “I wonder who we’re paired with.”

“Yeah, tough break,” she answered as he grabbed her hand and led her through the first steps. “That stinks.”

“Yeah. Although at least everyone won’t be watching me step all over her toes.”

Maddie giggled. “You won’t. You’re getting better already.”

“Ellie gave me some tips, but she also held my posture up. You’re not doing such a good job at that.”

“Hold your own posture up. Do you think there’s a chance I could be paired with Alexander?”

Nate rolled his eyes. “He’s way too old for you, Maddie.”

“Says who? I could be a princess.”

“Says everyone. He’s like ten years older than you.”

“But he’s so handsome. He’s way cuter than any of the guys at school.” She wrinkled her nose. “Watch me get stuck with Julian.”

“Maybe you’ll get stuck with me.”

“Please,” Maddie said with a shake of her head. “It’s bad enough you were my practice buddy.”

“Come on, I’m notthatbad.”

“You’re no Prince Alexander.”

He laughed at the statement as they finished their dance, though the words hit him harder than he expected. He wasn’t royalty. He wasn’t the good-natured yet perfectly mannered royal cousin. Another thought nagged at his mind as he wondered if he could measure up to Prince Eric.

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