Page 33 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“I am sorry, but I am. Difficult discussions are the duty of a monarch. And I realize this is not something you wish to entertain, but, Elena, this could change an entire country.”

“Father, you know how I feel about Nathan.”

He twisted to face her, licking his lips. “Yes, and I also know you nearly announced your engagement to Eric when things went awry. Love is fickle. How certain are you about this?”

“Very!” she insisted. “I…had a momentarily lapse in judgment. But much of that was due to the uncertainty surrounding your approval.”

“I see,” the king said. “So, this is to be blamed on me who merely hoped to vet Mr. Kingsley properly as he is about to become a prince and eventually a king consort. He very well could ruin this country, too.”

Elena clicked her tongue as annoyance built within her. “Nathan will not do that.”

“And I wished to ensure that. I will not apologize for doing my duty to protect this country. And I continue to do that even now. Even when it draws your ire. Marrying Mr. Kingsley puts this country at the risk of being governed by Julian. Despite being my nephew, the man is a menace.”

Elena softened her gaze, the worries of the crown resting heavy on her head. “Yes, Father, I do understand. And I am sorry to place more problems on your shoulders, but the solution is not for me to break my engagement with Nathan. And it should not be.”

“I understand what it should and should not be, Elena, but that does not mean that is the reality. The reality of this situation very well may be your marriage could stop you from ascending to the throne.”

“Which is a concern, I understand–”

“This is far beyond a concern, Elena. This could be a disaster. This could mean the fall of Eldoria.”

Elena crossed her arms, biting into her lower lip. “I don’t think it’s that dire.”

“It could be.” He stalked back to the window.

“Father, have you spoken to the legislators about how this may affect the line of succession? Surely, they understand the dangers of Julian governing.”

“I have not. And I will not. I did not want them to doubt your ascension to the throne. I merely approached them with updating the decree to modern times.”

“Perhaps it is best to let them know.”

“No,” he shot back. “No, in the event that you–”

“I willnotchange my mind. Father, this could cause them to rethink their stance. If they realize how far down the line we must look for a monarch, they may see things your way.”

“I will take it under consideration.”

Elena noticed her father’s tense shoulders, his stress obvious. “Father…”

Her softer tone caused him to turn to face her.

“I will not let Eldoria be ruined.”

“Then you will consider–”

She shook her head. “No. But…we will find a solution. And…if I must postpone my wedding for it, then…I will do that.”

He pressed his lips together, his gaze consoling. “Oh, Elena. I am sorry. You should not have to.”

“Such is the life of a monarch,” she answered as she took his hand in hers. “Also, there have been some…developments that may require it.”

His eyebrows shot up.

“Nothing I cannot handle, and I will not burden you with the details.”

“It is no burden to know the problems my daughter faces. What has happened?”

Elena heaved a sigh, clicking her tongue. “You may wish to sit down.”

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