Page 88 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“What are you going to do when I marry Prince Alexander?” Maddie asked.

“Don’t even speak about that yet, Maddie. I’m still getting used to your senior prom.”

Maddie rolled her eyes as another knock sounded at the door. All eyes turned to Elena, in an elegant emerald silk dress.

The smile on her features faded as she spotted Victoria clutching a tissue. “Is something wrong?”

“Mom’s upset because Nate’s grown up.”

“Oh,” Elena said with a pout, “of course, she is. My father has just had his own moment of sorts.”

Elena crossed to Victoria, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I promise you’ll still see him.”

“I know,” Victoria answered, rubbing Elena’s back. “I just…you know, it’s not going to be the same in the house without him. You’ll see when you have your own.”

“I’m certain I will. And on that note, there is something we must discuss before this engagement can be announced.”

Nate’s heart plummeted as his eyes went wide. What had happened now? “What is it?”

“Well, first, I feel I must let you know that there is a private in-law residence on the premises that will be open to you at any time. I certainly hope you will use it quite frequently to visit with us, particularly when the children come.”

“Ohhh,” Victoria moaned, “that’s so sweet.” She shot Nate a glance. “Someone’s planning ahead, at least.”

He pressed his lips together into a thin line, shooting her a glance filled with mock annoyance.

“I would very much like both sets of grandparents to be involved.”

“Won’t you have a fleet of nannies?” Maddie asked.

“Of course, there will be nannies. Nannies are lovely, but are no substitute for parents and grandparents,” Elena said. “So, I very much hope we can count on your help.”

“Of course, I will be here…and with my other kids in Sterling City. I’ll tear myself in half. Whatever it takes.”

Elena giggled. “Mrs. Kingsley, we are not chained to Eldoria. We can visit Sterling City, too. And all of the family is welcome to use the in-law residence. So, it needn’t be one or the other.”

“That is a lovely offer, Ellie. I know how busy you’ll be, though.”

“Well, until I am Queen, I will be busy but not so busy that I cannot visit with you in Sterling City. Nathan will, I’m certain, be spending time there with GenoTech. We’ll manage. And I promise to let you tie his ties on occasion.”

Tears shone in Victoria’s eyes as she pulled Elena into another hug.

As Victoria pulled away, Elena rubbed a tear from her future mother-in-law’s cheek. “Now, shall we go downstairs? I’m sure everyone is waiting.”

“I saw a bunch of news vans outside,” Maddie said.

“Yes, it is a major event. It will be reported throughout Europe and beyond. Father said several American news outlets are covering the story, also.”

“You don’t think we have anything to worry about from your cousin, do you?” Nate asked as they shuffled from the room into the hall.

“Father has banned him from participating,” Elena answered. “He is not permitted at the announcement. He will only be allowed to appear for the family photo session afterward.”

“Family photo session? I thought there was just the public one?”

“No, certainly not,” Elena said with a shake of her head. “This is a major event and will be documented as such with pictures of both families together, the entire set of royals, the entire set of Kingsleys, and so on. Those will then be released officially by the palace. Though, you can be sure there will be dozens of photos taken during the announcement.”

“At least Prince Julian won’t interrupt that,” Nate said as they descended the stairs. “With the way our relationship has gone, I worry he’d make some sort of scene.”

“Father has already ensured he will not. Now,” she said, pausing outside of the palace’s press room, “are you ready, darling?”

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