Page 42 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“Perhaps they ought to be told.”

“I suggested this, though with the murder charge hanging over the Kingsleys, I am not certain it is a wise idea to open that can of worms.”

“Will you not announce your engagement until this is over?”

Elena let her gaze fall to her lap. “I don’t know, Caroline. I told Father I would consider it, but…I desperately do not wish to do that.”

They arrived at the library, concluding their conversation. Elena was ushered into a small room with children lined on a rug and handed a book.

She spent thirty minutes reading them a classic fairytale before posing for a few pictures with several of them before she climbed back into the car.

“That’s all for today,” Caroline reported as the vehicle slid away from the library.

“No, it’s not,” Elena said with a shake of her head. “I have one more thing I must do.”

Caroline opened the portfolio and shuffled through papers. “I haven’t anything on the list, Your Highness. Have I forgotten something?”

“It is not on the schedule,” Elena said, patting Caroline’s hand. “You have missed nothing.”

Caroline arched an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“I must pack.”

“Pack?”

Elena offered her a curt nod. “Yes. I decided whilst reading that little fairy tale that I must go to Sterling City.”

“Go to Sterling City!” Caroline exclaimed. “Now?”

“Yes. Right away. Will you please make the arrangements and help me with my packing?”

“Well…” Caroline shifted in her seat, her features twisting with uncertainty. “I will help you with anything Your Highness, though…is now the appropriate time to go to Sterling City.”

“Nathan needs my support. If this is not the appropriate time to go, there is none.”

“But…you are dealing with so much here. And you need his support, too.”

“It’s not the same. This is much larger than the loss of the crown. I know my father would disagree, but this is their lives, Caroline. Nathan is deeply worried about what this investigation could mean for his family, and I need to be there to support him through this challenging time. Now, will you help me?”

“Of course. I shall make the arrangements the moment we arrive at the palace. Will you run it past your father first?”

Elena tugged a corner of her lips back into a slight frown. “I will…inform him when I am on the plane.”

“Oh, Your Highness,” Caroline said with a click of her tongue. “His Majesty will be furious if you…skip town.”

“I’m not skipping town, Caroline. But…he will tell me not to go, convince me I am needed here.”

“Perhaps you are. He is fighting to ensure you maintain your path to the throne. I’m certain he sees you as a vital part of that.”

“And I see myself as a vital part of Nathan’s support structure.”

“Disappearing now may put the final nail in your coffin, Your Highness. The legislators may believe this is exactly theproblem. You are leaving Eldoria to tend to the needs of your future husband.”

“That could happen with a royal as well. Perhaps Prince Eric demands I support him whilst they battle the removal of the royal family in Corinthia. Would it be all right for me to pander to another royal?”

“I suppose you have a point. I do not mean to argue, Your Highness. I only want the best for you.”

Elena patted her ladies’ maid hand. “I know, Caroline, and I adore you all the more for challenging me. But if they feel I am leaving Eldoria behind to care for my spouse’s needs, well then, they ought to write the law that I should remain unmarried.”

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