Page 51 of Royally F*cked

Chapter 17

Jude

I used to hate birthdays, especially after my parents died. And if I’m being completely honest, I still do. The only reason I ‘celebrate’ with the obligatory dinner at the palace is because of Willow. But, having Charlie by my side this year gives me a brand-new reason to enjoy it, even if neither one of us is looking forward to dinner with the king tonight.

“Wait until you see what Willow picked out,” Charlie says as she puts on a pair of my mother’s earrings that match the necklace I asked her to wear just a few nights ago.

Things have changed so much since the night I claimed her virginity. For the better, of course. This is all still very new to both of us but little by little she is starting to find herself within her new role.

“I’m looking forward to it. She said that the two of you had a great time at the spa too.”

“We did. You certainly did not have to book the entire place for us. Not that I’m complaining because that massage was to die for.”

I watch her in the mirror while I knot a tie around my neck. Tonight I’m wearing the tie Willow bought me for my birthday last year. “I think you’ve earned it after all you’ve dealt with over the last few days.”

When Willow spins around at my selection, she busts out in laughter. “Are those little sharks wearing ties, on your tie?” She takes a closer look. “And they’re carrying briefcases.”

I grin. “Yep. This one is one of my favorites,” I tell her before pressing a kiss to her lips.

She once again looks breathtakingly stunning in the black and silver lace cocktail dress she picked up during her shopping trip with Willow. As much as I enjoy the dressed down version of Charlie, I don’t think I’ll ever tire of seeing her all dressed up like this. Especially when I know she’s doing it for me.

“I cannot wait until we return home tonight and I get to slip you out of that dress,” I growl.

What I wouldn’t give to slip that dress up around her hips and bend her over the side of the bed to fuck her before we go.

“Whatever you’re thinking right now, save it. I spent too much time on my hair for you to go and mess it up before dinner,” Charlie warns, clearly reading my mind.

“Oh, I’m saving it for later. Don’t you worry. Birthday cake won’t be the only dessert I’m having tonight,” I tell her with a wink.

“You don’t play fair,” she gives me a pout that I reward with a smack on her ass. “Let’s go before we both change our minds. Willow is waiting.”

It takes all the strength I have to walk out of our flat tonight and head for the palace. Things with my grandfather have not improved which means we are essentially walking into enemy territory.

The palace is eerily quiet when we arrive.

Ozzy hangs close to us as we head to the formal dining room, hoping for the best.

The dining room is empty, but the table is set for twelve which means there are some unexpected guests. I look to Ozzy to see if he knows anything but the confused look on his face tells me he’s as out of the loop as I am.

“Something doesn’t feel right,” Charlie whispers to me.

“No it doesn’t.”

“Where is everyone?” she asks.

“I have no idea,” I reply before asking Ozzy to find out.

“Your Highness, I am not comfortable leaving your presence. I’ve paged Lord Chamberlain for information.”

It’s a damn shame that we all feel uneasy here.

“You know what? Forget it. I’ll have to make it up to Willow another time, but I think it may be best if we leave,” I decide.

“You will do no such thing,” my grandfather’s voice booms through the room as he enters behind me. “We have some very special guests with us tonight. I expect you will be on your best behavior.”

Ambushed. That’s what this is, I’m being fucking ambushed and if there was any ounce of doubt about that, it all goes out the window when Mistress Henrietta enters the room with her father, Anderson, followed by the rest of my family.

“Prince Julius, always a pleasure to see you, son,” Anderson grins and extends his hand.

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