Page 10 of The Billionaire's Royal Crown

“With that nasally voice,” Alexander said with a shiver.

“You know you could tell them you’re waiting for Maddie Kingsley to grow up. She’s quite fond of you.”

Alexander smiled down at Elena. “She is a very sweet girl, and I could do much worse, though I don’t believe we are very well-suited.”

“Don’t let her hear you say that,” Elena answered with a chuckle. “I’m certain she’s already named your children.”

“What is it with women these days?”

They descended the stairs, snaking their way to the sitting room. “Oh, stop. You’re a handsome prince. There are probably millions of women with names picked out just in case.”

“Hardly,” he answered. “I only want to be in a stable, loving relationship like you’ve found.”

“Perhaps you should step down from the line of succession, then,” Julian said as they entered the room. “I know I’d be pleased.”

Alexander heaved a sigh as he crossed the room to retrieve a cocktail. “Oh, please, Julian. Your obsession with the line to the throne is…well, disturbing. I’m beginning to worry you’ll poison my food or hire an assassin.”

Julian sipped his sherry. “I wouldn’t dirty my hands.”

“But I might,” another voice said from the doorway.

Elena twisted to find the broad shoulders of Prince Eric filling the opening. “What are you doing back here?”

“I’m surprised at your behavior, Elena. We were nearly engaged. Had it not been for the poor timing of that peasant, we would be celebrating our engagement announcement in the coming days.”

“Thankfully, Nathan arrived when he did to put an end to that farce of an engagement,” Alexander answered.

“Speak for yourself, Alexander. I would have preferred that engagement. Elena and I are well-suited. Well, I thought we were.”

Elena crossed her arms. “You haven’t answered my question. What are you doing here? We have state visits planned.”

“I am here at Julian’s request. He and I have been working on a…project.”

Elena heaved a sigh at the words. “You’re joking.”

Eric spun as he took a sip of his whiskey. “I am not. Julianand I have found…something rather interesting, I think. I can’t wait to share it with you all this evening.”

Elena glared at him as her parents shuffled into the room. Her father’s forehead pinched as he stared at Eric. “Eric, to what do we owe the visit? I hadn’t recalled seeing you on my schedule.”

“Apparently, Eric and Julian have been scheming together,” Elena answered. “Whatever this secret project Julian has that concerns my future also involves Eric.”

“Well,” King Frederick answered as he retrieved a drink from the butler, “may we do away with the intrigue and lay our cards on the table, Julian?”

“I would be happy to, Uncle.”

“If he is capable,” Alexander added as he settled into an armchair. “Julian isn’t very good at being honest.”

Queen Sophia clicked her tongue, offering him an amused head shake.

“Well, fortunately, I have far more than just my own word. I have proof.”

“Proof of what, Julian?” Alexander demanded. “Please stop with the coyness and simply tell us what nonsense you’re babbling about.”

“I have been making a careful study of the royal history,” Julian answered.

Alexander rolled his eyes at the words. “Undoubtedly not for you to learn more about your history.”

Julian narrowed his eyes at his brother. “Well, I did find a very interesting bit of information in what appears to be a long-forgotten royal decree.”

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