Page 63 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“But at least you’re here helping Ellie out with her problem, right?”

Nate pressed his lips together, sucking in a sharp breath. “I guess. I should get going. Isabelle is waiting for me.”

“Mind if I tag along?” Stephen asked. “Otherwise, I’m just going to sit here with the curtains drawn all day.”

“No, it may even be better. Get dressed.”

Stephen hurried from his seat, tearing through his suitcase to dig out a set of clothes. Within a few minutes, he was changed. They made their way through the halls toward the main stairs.

As they rounded a corner, they ran into Alexander.

The man offered them a surprised grin. “Nathan, Stephen. What are you doing here?”

“Well, I was trying to surprise Ellie, but she had the same thoughts and flew to–“

“Sterling City, yes,” Alexander said with a nod. “It seems this has gone like just about everything else in your relationship.”

Nate offered a chuckle. “Yeah. Well, while we’re here…your sister asked us to help her.”

“Isabelle?” Alexander crinkled his brow.

“Yes. She said she was working with Ellie on this whole royal decree issue.”

Alexander rubbed his chin. “Hmm, I haven’t heard what she’s doing, but I’m game to help. Or at least monitor. One never knows with Isabelle.”

“So, Ellie didn’t say anything to you?” Nate asked as they proceeded down the hall toward the stairs.

“No, but we barely tackled the issue before Elena decided to jet off to Sterling City. I was just about to check in with my uncle on it, but my time may be put to far better use in ensuring Isabelle causes no trouble for you.”

“I appreciate the backup, thanks,” Nate said with a nod as they descended the stairs.

They pushed into the sitting room, finding Isabelle pacing the floor. “There you…Stephen…and Alexander. Are you joining our little searching party, too?”

“I’m interested to know what we are searching for,” Alexander answered.

“Anything that can ensure Elena does not give up her crown when she marries Mr. Kingsley.”

Alexander arched an eyebrow. “And you are determined to do this? You?”

Isabelle clicked her tongue at him. “I have already explained this multiple times. I am the one who told Elena about Prince Eric’s soon-to-be common status.”

“Eric is losing his title? Whatever for?”

Isabelle nodded. “Corinthia is no longer interested in having a royal family.”

Alexander sucked in a deep breath. “Incredible. I assume he’s been put in his place now, though the trouble Julian has created is still lingering.”

“Yes. And I intend to stop it,” Isabelle answered. “He’s gone too far this time.”

“How?” Alexander questioned.

“I’m going to begin with an exhaustive search of royal archives for anything that post-dates the decree Julian found or any precedents that have been set by marriages prior to this.”

“Hmmm, smart,” Alexander said. “Well, shall we, then?”

Isabelle bobbed her head. “I have a car waiting. Let’s go.”

They left the palace behind, sliding into the waiting car and being whisked away to the capitol building. People bowed and curtsied as they paraded through the building, heading to a set of tall double doors marked ‘Archives’.

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