Page 41 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“For her lovely and long-lasting rose bloom, this year’s Best Bloom award goes to Madeleine Chase.”

Applause rang out as a giddy woman leapt from her seat and climbed the steps to the dais, grinning from ear to ear.

Elena smiled at her, shaking her hand before she passed the trophy toward her. “Congratulations. It was a lovely flower.”

Cameras clicked as they paused with the trophy between them for photos. After a few more exchanged pleasantries, the award ceremony broke up for refreshments.

Elena sipped the tangy, sweet punch, the citrus flavors mingling with the buttery taste of the shortbread cookie she nibbled on. Around her, the garden buzzed with the soft chatter of the guild members, the air fragrant with the scent of freshly cut grass and fall flowers.

As they slid into the backseat of the waiting car, Elena heaved a sigh. “What’s next?”

“Reading at the library.”

“Oh, that sounds all right. Quiet.”

“Are you certain you are all right?”

“I am…distracted,” Elena admitted as she stared at the passing scenery.

“Well, we have some time before we reach the library. It is in the next town over.”

Elena let her head fall against the headrest. “Wonderful.”

Caroline adjusted a lock of Elena’s hair, a consoling smile on her features. “How bad are things with Mr. Kingsley? Would you like to talk about it?”

Elena’s shoulders slumped. “Mrs. Kingsley, Nathan’s mother, visited Chloe just before her death.”

“Oh, heavens,” Caroline said. “You don’t think…”

“Of course not,” Elena said with a shake of her head, “but…it could cause quite a bit of trouble for them.”

“Yes, of course.” Caroline sighed. “And what about Prince Julian? You mentioned he said something to you earlier.”

Elena sifted her gaze out the window again, the bitter conversation passing through her mind. “He did. He accosted me just as I left my bedroom this morning to tell me news that he thought I should be the first to hear.”

“Oh, dear. What was it?”

“He claims he has managed to secure a number of legislators that will vote against a new decree rescinding the marriage requirement,” Elena relayed, her voice a mixture of anger and disbelief. She clenched her fists on her lap, feeling a cold dread settle in her stomach as the potential consequences of Julian’s manipulation began to dawn on her.

Caroline frowned as she shifted her portfolio on her lap. “He could have been lying. I would not put it past him.”

Elena licked her lips. “Perhaps. Though he also hinted that he’d…exposed my relationship in Sterling City. I suppose the legislators on his side found it…unbecoming of a future monarch.”

Caroline rubbed Elena’s shoulder. “Oh, Your Highness, I am so sorry about this.”

“I am not,” Elena said, fighting the tears welling in her eyes. “I love Nathan, and I will be pleased to marry him, though I do wish it was not at the expense of Eldoria.”

“And I am certain it will not be. The legislators will see this. They will see that the monarchy under Julian’s lead will be a disaster.”

“There is Alexander,” Elena answered.

“Who I am certain has already been defamed by his loving brother.”

Elena huffed out a chuckle. “You are likely correct.”

“Someone will see through him, Your Highness. He is a snake. And his actions will be shown for exactly what they are.”

“We can only hope, though, it may still mean the decree stands. I am not certain the legislators know what this will lead to.”

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