Page 35 of A Royal Obligation

Barrett

Barrett’sheartbeatspedupwith each step he took toward his father’s office.Have there been more developments about Father’s health?

Barrett pushed his doubts aside, took a deep breath, and walked in. “Wadsworth said you wanted to speak with me?”

“Before Charlotte left, I didn’t see you with her aside from meals and meetings about your school project. With her returning today, are you planning to take her on any actual dates?”

“You know this is all new for me.” Barrett shifted his feet, as his eyes darted around the room.

“Need I remind you …”

“I don’t need any more reminding, Father.”

“It appears you do. What is the purpose in her being here if you do nothing?”

“She’s been a great help with the school renovations. And, for your information, I have already asked her to speak with me this afternoon. I have some outings planned that I was going to tell her about.”

He used to enjoy the time he spent with his father, learning more about the country he would one day lead and what it takes to be king. But nowadays it seemed like every time he spoke to his father, he left feeling more pressure on his shoulders.

“Good. I’m glad you’re finally starting to take things more seriously.” The king stood from his chair and paced the room.

“Yes, sir,” Barrett mumbled before walking out of the study without being dismissed.

He heard his father sigh behind him as he closed the door. Barrett could imagine him leaning over the desk rubbing his temples like he always did when he was stressed. A strange mix of emotions flooded Barrett. He was frustrated at the pressure to get married, yet he was more worried about adding more stress to his father and worsening his health.

Later that afternoon, Barrett ambled to Charlotte’s room. His heart raced faster with each step he took. He took a deep breath and wiped his palms along his pants before he knocked on the door. Maya, Charlotte’s lady’s maid, answered the door and immediately fell into a deep curtsy.

“Your Highness, how can I help you?” she asked.

“Hello, Maya. Has Lady Charlotte returned yet?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“May I please speak to her for a moment?”

“Of course. Let me get her for you.”

Charlotte appeared at the door in record time. She looked refreshed from her time back home. Any man with eyes could see that she was beautiful.Why can’t I just flip some internal switch and be attracted to her in that way?

“Prince Barrett, what a lovely surprise!” she exclaimed with a slight curtsy.

“Lady Charlotte.” Barrett nodded at her. “I hope you had a pleasant journey back. I was wondering if you would like to … err … that is to say, would you like to ride my horse with me next week?”

Charlotte’s eyes widened in shock. “Your Highness, I’m not entirely sure what you mean?”

He pressed his lips together.Pull it together, Barrett. Why do I have to be such an idiot whenever I talk to a lady? Just use your words.

“What I meant to ask is, would you care to go riding with me next week?” He thought about his question for a moment and then added, “On separate horses.”

Her face turned red as she let out a laugh. “Oh yes, of course. That would be very enjoyable.”

“Our entourage will head out at one next Friday. I will meet you at the stables then. I have also planned some smaller group outings to an apple orchard and the Brookside Winter Market before then. Do those sound like activities you would be interested in?”

“Those sound fantastic. I would love to see more of Brookside and the apple orchard would be charming.” Charlotte nodded enthusiastically. “Is the apple orchard still open this late in the year?”

“Great. The orchard is not open to the public at this point, but since it has been unusually warm, they still have some good apples ready to be picked.”

“Wonderful. I can’t wait.”

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