Page 46 of A Royal Arrangement
“Just don’t give up on him, okay?”
“I don’t give up onanyone.”
Wes gave her a small smile and placed his hand on her arm. “And that’s why you’re exactly the person he needs.”
Her heart swelled. That was her greatest desire—to be needed and loved for who she was. She wanted to be the person Colin turned to when he needed to talk to somebody. She wanted to be the person he bounced ideas off of. She wanted to behis person.
“I really hope you’re right.”
How awkward was it to stand beside your husband when you hadn’t talked to him for a few days? The answer wasextremelyawkward. Rosalie waited downstairs beside Colin, shifting on her feet.
When Colin turned toward her and opened his mouth to speak, she was saved by Hector as he entered through the main door.
“Your Majesties, may I present their Royal Majesties of Glencrest, King Maxwell and Queen Lilith, along with His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew of Glencrest.”
The trio walked in, shaking hands with Colin and Rosalie.
“May I also present their Royal Majesties of Westridge, King Edward and Queen Caroline, along with Her Royal Highness, Princess Brielle of Westridge.”
After they shook hands with Colin and Rosalie, Colin led the other kings and queens to their meeting room, leaving Rosalie with Bri and Drew.
“Rosalie!” Bri pulled her into a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Don’t forget about me.” Drew walked forward and engulfed them both in a bear hug in his arms, lifting them slightly off the ground.
“You would never dare let anyone forget you.” Bri’s voice was muffled from how tightly Drew hugged them both.
Drew chuckled as he set them back on their feet.
“Do you all want to go out on one of our balconies? We could have a snack and catch up—with an ocean view.”
“Snacksanda water view?” Drew’s eyes went wide, and Rosalie and Bri gave each other a knowing look. Drew was never one to pass up an offer of food, and he had always enjoyed being out by the water as much as Rosalie did.
“Lead the way.” Bri reached over and squeezed Rosalie’s hand.
She messaged Hector, asking for a tray of snacks and drinks to be delivered up to the palace’s highest floor, which had the largest balcony.
As soon as they stepped outside, Drew ran to the banister, leaning over and holding his arms open wide. “I can’t believe you get to live here. I would never get tired of this view and the salty ocean breeze.”
“Imagine getting to drink your coffee with this as your backdrop every morning.”
“You’re so lucky.” Drew sighed.
Bri nudged him with her elbow. “Yeah, but we didn’t come here to talk about the views.”
“Right…” Drew cleared his throat. “We wanted to check on you.”
Rosalie held her hand to her chest. “You both traveled all the way here to see how I was doing?” They both nodded. “That’s really sweet. It’s such a far trip. You could’ve just texted or called.”
“You’re worth more than a call or text, Rosalie.” Bri wrapped an arm around her waist, and they walked over and sat down on the outdoor chairs with Drew trailing behind them.
Before they could dive into the conversation, a palace server arrived bearing a large platter with a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and breads along with some sweet tea and lemonade.
“So, how are you and Colin getting along? I couldn’t get much out of you at the ball,” Bri said and then took a giant bite of bread dipped in cheese fondue.
“We’re very different. You know how I am, so just think of the exact opposite, and that’s Colin.”
“Maybe it will be like that opposites-attract trope.” Drew casually crossed his knee and leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.
