Page 51 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“I feel the same way about him,” Elena answered.

“I’ll have those rooms made up.” Victoria disappeared from the room as Maddie grabbed Elena by the hand.

“Come up to my room while you wait. We can talk.”

“All right,” Elena said with a nod, motioning for Carolineto follow, “though I should try to call Nathan. I’m certain he’s quite stunned if he’s arrived in Eldoria already.”

“I’ll bet,” Maddie said with a nod. “He should be there by now. Poor Nate. He’s going to be so disappointed.”

“I wonder who will greet him when he arrives, Mother or Father.” Elena tugged her lips back as she shot a glance at Caroline. “It could be a disaster.”

Caroline covered a giggle. “Let’s hope Her Majesty. Poor Mr. Kingsley would be quite overwhelmed to see His Majesty instead of you.”

“You can call him as soon as we get to my room,” Maddie promised as she led them through the hall to her door.

They pushed into the room, and Maddie threw herself across the bed. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

Caroline settled into one of the barrel chairs along with Elena, who tugged her phone from her pocket to dial Nate.

The call when to his voicemail. She waited through the greeting and the beep before leaving a brief message. “Well, it seems you are on your way to Eldoria, and will be in for quite a surprise when you arrive. Sorry, darling. I hope to connect with you, soon.”

“No answer?” Maddie asked.

“None. I cannot wait to hear his reaction when he finds me gone from the palace.”

The ladies giggled as they imagined the comical scene.

“Well, thank you for inviting us to your room, Maddie,” Elena said. “There is something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Maddie sat straighter as she waited for Elena to continue.

“I was hoping you would consider joining my wedding party. I–“

“Yes!” Maddie squealed before she could finish.

“Oh, wonderful. I imagine you’ll be paired with Alexander, my cousin, who will be a part of it.”

The grin on Maddie’s features said she approved without the words needed. “Have you picked dresses for us yet?”

“Not yet. I thought we could discuss it with the wedding planner once we are back in Eldoria.”

Maddie bobbed her head. “Oh, cool. I can’t wait to see what you pick.”

“Well, you should be a part of the decision, too. We’ll select together.”

Maddie’s smile broadened. “Okay. That sounds good. Oh, umm, I won’t be able to go with you tomorrow, though. My mom wants me to go, but I can’t leave her. I’m just…really scared something will happen.”

“I understand, Maddie. I hope the situation resolves quite soon. This is taxing on everyone.”

Maddie bobbed her head. “I know. I actually asked Nate if we could do some investigating before he left. I just…I want to help.”

“Investigating?” Elena asked.

A knock sounded at the door before it popped open. “I’ve had bedrooms made up for you both. Maddie, they are in the suites at the end of this hall. Make sure they find their rooms when they’re ready, will you?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“I’ve had your luggage brought up,” Victoria said. “Is there anything else I can get you? Something to eat or drink maybe?”

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