Page 81 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“But…that would have always been between us. I would have always felt like she’d been forced to leave her life behind.”

“Well, she is very fortunate to have you at her side,” King Frederick said. “Now, let’s return to the palace for a celebration. It will also give us the opportunity to discuss the upcoming engagement announcement.”

Nate bobbed his head as the king motioned for him to precede him from the room. A lump formed in his throat as he considered the engagement announcement. He couldn’t wait to let the world know they planned to marry but he also realized it would likely be without his own family at his side.

His mind returned to Sterling City, wondering if there was any update on his mother’s case. He’d call as soon as he had the chance, but for now, he’d celebrate the win with his in-laws.

They climbed into the chauffeured cars, returning to the palace.

“Please make yourselves comfortable in the sitting room. I’ll retrieve Sophia,” King Frederick said as he mounted the stairs.

Alexander pushed the doors open, a grin finally on his features in the privacy of the palace. It quickly slid away as they spotted Prince Julian in the room.

“Julian,” he said, his nose wrinkling, “to what do we owe the displeasure?”

“Merely enjoying an afternoon of reflection. Soon, this palace will be mine, and I imagine I may spend many an afternoon here.”

“The duties of a king are such that you would not find yourself with many quiet moments of reflection,” Alexander shot back, “but you will not have to worry about that, brother.”

“Oh? I think I may. It seems dear Elena is rather set on marrying the American which will preclude her from accepting the crown.”

“Not anymore,” Alexander answered. “Mr. Kingsley? A brandy?”

“That’s great, thanks,” Nate said as the brothers continued to battle.

“What are you prattling about, Alexander? Once the measure is brought a vote, it will fail. Elena will not be allowed to take the throne.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he eyed his brother. “And neither will you if you continued to dodge Lady Margaret’s attentions.”

“Save it, Julian, you’ve lost.”

The man grinned at his brother. “No, brother, I don’t think so, I have the votes.”

“Except you don’t,” Alexander answered as he handed the brandy to Nate and clinked his glass. “To you, Nathan, for finding the royal decree suggesting royals be permitted to have free marriages and bringing it to a vote in the legislature today.”

The grin slid from Prince Julian’s features as he flicked his gaze back and forth between them. “What sort of mistruths are you telling, brother?”

“No mistruths. We visited the archive this morning. Mr. Kingsley found a royal decree from our grandfather that was never opened. Uncle Frederick took it to the legislature, and the vote as been concluded.”

“What was the split?”

“One thirty-seven to sixty-three. Sorry, brother. You have lost.”

“It can’t be,” he whispered as he stared into his drink. “No, I…I had more than that assured.”

“Well, you may have, but Nathan made quite an impassioned plea and several of them changed their mind.”

“What?” Prince Julian’s features twisted as he slammed his drink down. “You won’t get away with this.”

“It is done, brother. You will return to your original place in the line. Sorry to burst your bubble.”

Julian sneered at them as he stormed to the door. “You will pay for this. Mark my words. As I live and breathe, you will pay for this.”

The man stormed from the room, slamming the door shut behind him. Nate stared after him, wondering what other trouble he may bring.

“Don’t listen to him,” Alexander said with a clap on Nate’s shoulder. “He will soon realize he’s lost.”

“I don’t put it past him not to make more trouble for us. Ijust…don’t want Elena to face anything else because of me. We’ve been through enough.”

“Love is often not the easy route, my friend.”

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