Page 64 of A Royal Obligation

“I was a bit surprised watching the two of you together at first. But the more time we’ve spent here, I can see why you two would be a good fit for each other. I saw the way you looked at her, and you never looked at me that way. If I’m being fully transparent, it hurt a little bit, but I don’t think I could ever truly be mad at you.” She gave him a small smile. “I’ve actually had my eyes on someone for a while now. I don’t know if he even notices me in that way, though.”

“He would be a fool not to.” Barrett shot her a genuine smile. “Whoever you end up with will be so lucky. How do you think your parents are going to react to us not getting married?”

“My inheritance weighs on me getting married before I turn thirty this summer, but I don’t think they would actually take it away from me. I’m more worried about what other people may say. And the tabloids.” She groaned.

Barrett winced. “I don’t want them to attack you for my decision. I may not even be able to marry Jules. I need to speak with the King’s Council. But, if they are not willing to amend the law, I will have to marry someone of royal standing.”

“What will you do then?”

“Would a marriage of convenience be so bad? We get along well, and I’m sure we would grow to care for one another in that way over time.”

“If it comes to that, I will marry you. But I won’t be with someone who is still pining over someone else. Or seeing the person they truly love on the side.”

“I would never do that to you. If we get married, you will be the only woman in my life. No question.” He glanced down at his watch and sighed. “I have somewhere else I am supposed to be right about now, unfortunately. Are we okay? I can reschedule if you need to talk more.”

“No, we’re good. Thank you for being honest, Barrett. Sorry for bombarding you with all of this, but I’m glad we talked.” She smiled at him and excused herself from the room, shutting the door behind her.

Easy to converse with. Check.

He let out a slow breath. As he walked down the halls leading to his father’s office, he couldn’t help but think how Charlotte was his whole list. She embodied every quality on it. Yet he wanted more.

Charlotte was a wonderful person, and he truly cared for her. But Jules had his heart. She was the sun peeking through the clouds on a dreary day. The rainbow after the rain. She brought light into his life, and a reason for him to live it to the fullest. He didn’t want to have to face the possibility of a life without her in it.

“Hello, Your Majesty.” Barrett gave a brief bow before sitting opposite his father.

“Your Majesty, huh? This must mean you have a business matter you wanted to discuss today.”

“I do. I would appreciate it if you would let me get all of this out before you say anything.”

With the king’s nod, he continued.

“I’m in love with Jules. I never meant for this to happen, but it just did. I wanted you to know that I plan to petition the King’s Council to amend the law or abolish the marriage law altogether. I know this sounds rash. Believe me, I ran through every possibility in my head a hundred times. I tried so hard to avoid her and not gain feelings, but my feelings only grew stronger whether we were together or apart.”

Barrett took a deep breath in, bracing himself for whatever his response would be.Is he disappointed in me? Is he going to yell in outrage? Is he going to disown me?

“Son, I’ve known you had feelings for her since you gave her your mother’s dress to wear to the ball. I know how much you care about this country and your duties as a prince, so I figured you would talk to me about this at some point.” The king got up and ambled around his office, the path on the rug already worn from years of pacing. “I’m happy that you’ve found someone you care for, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up. The Council is set in their old ways, even more than I am. And your duty is to your country. Sometimes that means setting aside ourselves for the greater good of our people.”

Barrett sank further into the chair and placed his elbows on his knees, letting his face fall into his hands.

“I always knew I would have to make sacrifices for the kingdom as a member of the royal family. But I never thought I might have to sacrifice a future with the woman I love for it.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Barrett

“Theresultsarein,”Barrett whispered, reading the text from Liam aloud. He never would have thought that four simple words could hold so much weight. They could be breathed out in a single breath, yet they could impact the trajectory of his entire future.

He knew he should want to hear the results as soon as possible, like ripping off a bandage. Yet, he wanted to stay in ignorant bliss a little bit longer. Barrett took a deep breath, attempting to settle his racing heart. Knowing he couldn’t hide from the truth forever, he trudged up the stairs and down the hall to his father’s office.

He shook out his hands before he walked into the office, trying to rid the nerves from his body. His father averted Barrett’s gaze as he came into the room. The king’s eyes had heavy bags beneath them, and his skin was paler than normal. It looked like he had aged half a decade over the last few months. Worry settled deep within Barrett as he sat down next to his brother.

“Fancy seeing you here again,” Liam quipped.

Barrett shot him a look telling him this wasn’t the time or place for his witty comments, but Liam simply rolled back his shoulders.

Doctor West walked into the room, softly closing the door behind him.

“I don’t think there is any need for niceties right now. So, shall we get straight to it?” he asked. King Henry gave a curt nod, and Doctor West turned to face Liam.

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