Page 19 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

Alexander sucked in a breath.

“Now who is emotionally involved?” Elena asked with an arch of an eyebrow.

“Very funny, cousin. Shall we go to bed? I believe this day as been long enough.”

“Quite,” she answered. “Good night, everyone. I will see you in the morning.”

“Try to get some sleep, darling. We’ll tackle it in the morning.” Queen Sophia kissed her on the cheek before she strode from the room.

With a heavy sigh, she pushed into her bedroom.

Caroline pulled back the covers on her bed, flicking a gaze her way. “A late one, Your Highness. What did prince Julian have to say?”

“You are not going to believe this.”

Elena recounted the wild tale about her inability to ascend to the throne if she married Nate Kingsley as Caroline helped her out of her dress and into her pajamas.

“You’re joking. I cannot believe this. Surely, the King will not stand for it.”

“He is attempting to change it, but we have no guarantees.”

“If anyone can do it, I’m certain His Majesty can. Try not to worry, Your Highness.”

“I am trying, though it really seems that we have an uphill battle. And after just winning the last one.”

“You will conquer this one, too,” Caroline answered as she finished brushing her hair.

“Thank you for the confidence, Caroline. Have a pleasant night.”

They said their goodnights, and Caroline left her to sleep. As she lay in bed, her mind spun in search of a solution. Her heart plummeted as she found none and considered the prospect of telling Nate the bad news.

She was certain he wouldn’t care if he never became King of Eldoria, but she worried it would cause a rift between them. With a heavy sigh, she finally let her eyes slide closed before a knock startled her awake.

“Your Highness!” Caroline’s voice called to her. “Are you awake?”

“I am,” she answered. “Come in.”

The door opened and her ladies’ maid slipped inside, her eyes wide.

“What is it, Caroline?” Elena asked, squinting as she turned on the light.

“I have a bit of a…surprise. You may not believe this.”

Elena’s heart pounded against her ribs at the words. After the evening’s surprises, she wasn’t certain she could handle any additional surprises.

Caroline hesitated, her hands wringing. “Someone has arrived to see you.”

Elena’s brow furrowed. “At this hour? Who would–”

Before she could finish, a familiar figure stepped into the dim light of her chamber. Her heart stopped for a moment before a new wave of anxiety coursed through her as she stared at her surprise visitor.

CHAPTER 6

NATE

Nate crinkled his nose, his heart thudding against his chest as he stared at his mother’s pinched features. “What problem? Did something happen to Dad?”

“No, he’s fine…so far.”

---