Page 72 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

The king leaned toward the microphone to comment. “The decree was found only today. It was brought forth immediately.”

“Where? By whom?” the man demanded. Rumblings of agreement echoed in the chamber.

Nate’s stomach twisted into a knot.

“The decree was found by Mr. Nathan Kingsley in the royal archive,” King Frederick explained.

“Then we must hear from Mr. Kingsley.”

All eyes turned to Nate, and heat washed over him as his muscles tensed. The man at the podium waved him over. “Mr. Kinglsey, if you will step forward and be sworn in to these proceedings.”

Alexander offered him a nod. “Answer their questions, no more.”

Nate bobbed his head as he rose on shaky knees. Hestepped forward toward the podium, hoping he could hear what was being asked over the pounding of his heart.

After being sworn-in, he approached the podium.

“Mr. Kingsley,” the head legislator asked, “please describe what happened that led to the finding of this decree.”

“Uh, I went to the royal archives with Prince Alexander and Princess Isabelle–“

“For what reason?” someone asked.

He glanced with wide eyes at Alexander, who gave him a reassuring nod.

“We wanted to see if anything post-dated the decree that requires royals to marry royals.”

“Because you hope to overturn it?” someone shouted. “Why would an American care?”

His head swam. What was he supposed to answer? Should he tell the truth? He licked his lips and leaned forward toward the microphone. “I want to marry Elena.”

Gasps rang out in the room again. He shot a frightened glance toward the king who remained expressionless. Had he screwed up?

“What do you mean? Explain!” someone yelled.

“Elena and I met in Sterling City, and we… fell in love. I love her, and I want to marry her, but…I don’t want her to have to give up the life she’s been raised for. It’s not fair.”

“You mean you wish to be king,” someone asked.

Nate shook his head. “No. No, that’s not it at all.”

“Isn’t it? A commoner looking for a title is what it seems.”

“Yes, an American hoping to level up.”

The accusations came swiftly from all corners of the room. He was actively making the situation worse by simply telling the truth. “No, no,” he tried again.

A gavel banged, silencing the murmuring throughout the room. “Order. Mr. Kingsley is providing testimony. Proceed, Mr. Kingsley.”

“I…No, I don’t want a title. I don’t want to marry Elena for any reason other than I love her. And I just think that she shouldn’t be punished for falling in love with me. She’s spent her entire life learning how to care for and cultivate this country. She’s loyal, and she’s brave, and she’s…well, you’d be foolish tonotlet her be Queen just because she didn’t marry a royal.”

Gasps rang out again, and the gavel smashed down several times to silence them. Why had he called them stupid? He finished his tale of finding the decree and fielded a few more questions relating to it before they excused him back to his seat.

He wiped at the sweat beading on his brow as he slid into it, sick over how easily he’d collapsed to the pressure.

Alexander patted his arm with a nod.

“The time has come for a vote.”

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