Page 80 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“The decree…has been approved by a vote of one-hundred-and-thirty-seven to sixty-three.”

Nate’s eyes went wide as a smile turned the corners of his lips. He glanced at Alexander who still sat stoically next to him. Why weren’t they celebrating? Had he missed something?

The moderator at the podium continued to speak for a few moments before he dismissed them. He twisted toward the king with a pleasant smile and a nod.

“Thank you, Mr. Tillman,” King Frederick said with a bow of his head. “I am glad the matter has been put to rest, and I know Elena will be, too.”

Alexander rose from his seat as the legislators filed from the room. Several approached him with a bow and a greeting.

Nate stood next to him, waiting for a moment to speak. “This is good, right?”

“Excellent. Elena will be thrilled. And it looks like you, my friend, are about to become a prince in a few short weeks.”

“I didn’t–“

“Prince Alexander,” Mr. vanWhyte said with a bow as he approached, “I assume you supported this measure?”

“Whole-heartedly, yes,” Alexander said. “Princess Elena should not be denied the throne simply due to marriage. She has Eldoria’s best interests always in her mind even as she selected a husband.”

The man slid his gaze to Nate. “And you are the selection, I gather?”

“Oh, uh…” Nate began, swallowing hard.

“Yes, this is Nathan Kingsley,” Alexander said as Nate extended his hand to the man.

“Don’t get too used to that, Mr. Kingsley,” Mr. vanWhyte said with a chuckle. “You’ll soon be a royal, and handshaking is not welcome.”

“Oh, sorry. It’s the American in me, but I’m committed to learning all the right protocols and so on.”

“I’m sure you are. If Princess Elena has deemed you fit, you must be one heck of a man. She is a bright, beautiful woman with a good head on her shoulders.”

“Indeed,” Alexander said with a nod.”

“And I must congratulate you, not only on your upcoming engagement announcement, which I expect will be forthcoming soon, but on your impassioned speech. I was against this measure until you spoke up.”

Nate’s jaw dropped open before he plastered a smile onto his features. “Well, I’m glad I had a positive impact.”

“Yes, I’d say on several members. At last count, I believe the straw poll showed the measure would fail by at least a dozen votes. So, you’ve done quite well for yourself, Mr. Kingsley.”

Nate beamed at him, proud to have made a difference in the future of the small country and silently promising to make certain he always kept the country’s interests at heart.

Alexander and the man chatted for another moment before he shuffled off to leave the space behind.

Alexander clapped Nate on the back. “Well, Nathan, youdone both Eldoria and Elena proud. She will be quite pleased when she returns.”

King Frederick approached them, a slight smile on his features. “Well, we have done it.”

“Yes, we have, Uncle,” Alexander said with a nod. “And from what I understand, some of that is due to Mr. Kingsley.”

“Yes,” King Frederick said with a nod. “Several of the legislators mentioned changing their vote after his speech. Julian had painted a rather grim picture of the situation that could occur, but Mr. Kingsley managed to restore their faith in Elena and himself. Well done, Mr. Kingsley.”

Nate couldn’t stop his smile from spreading wider across his features. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m so happy I could help.”

“I imagine Elena will be thrilled.” The king grinned at him. “I shall let you be the one to inform her, as it is your doing.”

Nate bobbed his head. “Well, I don’t care who tells her, to be honest. I’m just thrilled she doesn’t have to choose between her crown and me.”

Alexander offered him a coy glance. “I believe she would have selected you, Nathan.”

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