Page 1 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

CHAPTER 1

ELENA

Elena’s brows pinched, a frown forming on her lips as she stared down at the list of events for the day. The sudden, unexplained meeting at day's end sent a shiver down her spine. What could it possibly be about?

Caroline bustled in with a garment bag, hanging it and unzipping it slightly. “Oh, Your Highness, this dress is perfect for your engagement announcement.”

Elena’s eyes never left the page she studied, offering a distracted nod. “Hmmm?”

“This dress…the green is a perfect match to your eyes.”

Elena wiggled the ring on her finger. “And my ring.”

“Yes.” Caroline grabbed her hand to admire the ring with a deep sigh. “Ah, yes. It is so lovely. Mr. Kingsley selected it so well. Are you pleased to have it back on your hand?”

“Very,” she said, finally pulling her eyes away from her schedule. “Father has finally given his approval, and now allthat remains is the announcement, the wedding plans, and the wedding.”

“Oh, is that all?” Caroline chuckled as she zipped the garment bag again.

Elena sucked in a deep breath. “Have you seen the private office yet?”

Her ladies’ maid twisted, one eyebrow arched. “Should I have?”

“The number of wedding planners who have sent gift baskets to express their interest in planning is…overwhelming.”

“Have you selected anyone?”

“I was waiting for Nathan,” she answered.

“I dare say Mr. Kingsley will not have an opinion on it,” Caroline answered.

Elena puffed out her cheeks as she collapsed on her bed. “You are likely correct. I should make a selection. We haven’t much time.”

“Not if you want a Christmas wedding.”

Elena adjusted the strap of her shoe before she rose. “It’s not only me. It is tradition. My parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so onallwed on Christmas Eve.”

“Yes, they did. And I’m certain you can pull it off, Your Highness.”

“I hope so. I should look through those baskets and find someone. I am quite distracted, though.”

“By?” Caroline asked.

Elena tapped her finger against the meeting blocking out her evening. “This. It simply says ‘meeting’. What is it about?”

Caroline squinted at the paper, a frown forming on her lips. “When did that get put there?”

She hastened to the dresser and retrieved her portfolio, zipping it open and scanning the page inside. “This is not on my diary for your day.”

“I didn’t think so,” Elena answered, “because you hadn’t mentioned it at all. How did it get placed here?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea. I will track it down though.” Caroline zipped the portfolio closed as she raised a finger in the air. “Leave it with me, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Caroline. Well, I have nothing on my afternoon, so I should sort through those wedding planners.”

“Good luck, Your Highness. I will report to you there as soon as I’ve found the source of this.”

Elena nodded as she reached for the door. “Thank you, Caroline.”

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