Page 4 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“Yes, apparently several wedding planners have taken it upon themselves to offer their services.”

“I see. And have you selected someone?”

“I have one I quite like but I feel it’s my duty to go through all of these.”

King Frederick flicked his gaze to Alexander who continued to munch on the pretzels. “And…you are assisting?”

“Of course,” he said with a mouthful of pretzels.

“Are you merely eating the treats sent or actually helping?”

“He is pouting,” Elena answered. “You know, Father, I may be marrying a commoner after a…difficult period, but at least I didn’t do that.” She waved her hand at a crumb-laden Alexander.

“Pouting? What’s this? This is no way for a royal to behave.”

“I am feeling as trapped as Elena when she absconded to Sterling City.”

King Frederick eased onto the couch next to Alexander, clearing his throat as he stared at the pretzel bits on his trousers. “Trapped?”

“My parents hope I will show an interest in Lady Margaret.”

“Oh, I see,” King Frederick said as Elena studied another gift. “Well, she is a lovely woman. Very…well…bred.”

“There you have it. You cannot even come up with a compliment for her. She’s quite unremarkable. And is it so terrible if I prefer to wait until I’ve found someone I consider suitable?”

“These are…delicate matters. Perhaps it’s best if–”

“Please, Uncle, can’t you say something on my behalf? Look at how things have turned out for Elena.”

King Frederick shifted his gaze to Elena who flashed him a color swatch. “Do you think this white is too white?”

The king lifted his eyebrows before returning his gaze to his lap. “I will consider it. I should go…consider it.”

“But you haven’t answered my question, Father,” Elena answered.

“It’s a question better posed to your mother, dear. If you’ll excuse me…”

“Oh, Father,” Elena said, “do you know the origin of the meeting that has appeared on both mine and Alexander’s schedules this evening?”

“I can answer that for you,” Julian said as he slithered into the room. “I put it there. And it is exceptionally important.”

“What does it concern?” King Frederick asked.

“Elena’s future in this kingdom. Or lack thereof.”

Elena’s eyebrows pinched as she stared at him. No doubt, he was up to something nefarious…but how detrimental would it be?

CHAPTER 2

NATE

Nate narrowed his eyes at the scathing company-wide email his brother had sent, his mind flashing back to his past mistakes and the guilt he still carried from them.

It took all in him not to roll his eyes at the implications that Stephen made regarding his commitment to the business.

Rumors had already begun to swirl within the GenoTech offices that Nate would no longer be serving as a vice-president after his trip to Eldoria.

The engagement hadn’t been formally announced yet, but everyone whispered behind closed doors about it.

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