Page 66 of A Royal Obligation

He left and Barrett read over his list again, taking in Wadsworth’s words. Charlotte had every quality on it and shewouldmake a great queen.

But is that what I really want?

No.

The word pounded against his heart, making him jump at the realization.

How had it taken him this long to realize that his list made a perfect queen, but not the perfect wife for him?

While he still admired many of the qualities on the list, there were more important things that made up his ideal wife. Someone who saw him for who he really was behind the crown. Someone who made his heart skip by the simple thought or sight of her. Someone who made him truly laugh and who pulled out his most genuine smile. Someone who balanced his weaknesses with her strengths.

Jules may only be some of the things on his original list, but she was so much more. She was what he didn’t know he needed. More than he could’ve ever dreamed up on a silly list. She was his list. Jules was his everything.

Remembering that he held another letter from his mother in his hands, he quickly but carefully opened the envelope and began soaking in her words.

My Dearest Firstborn,

My heart is overflowing with joy as I write this letter. Simply the thought of you being in love brings the biggest smile to my face and warms my soul. You are so kind and tenderhearted. So gentle yet strong and wise beyond your years. I am so glad that you have found someone who sees all of those qualities in you. I am excited that you have opened your heart and your life to someone because you love so deeply and that is something that is meant to be shared with the world. Whoever you have chosen truly doesn’t know how lucky she is to have you by her side.

I already know how special she must be to have caught your attention. You are my son that has always been more focused on laws and following the rules rather than pursuing girls and enjoying the perks of growing up in a royal family. I know that this girl must be the most beautiful, kind, gracious person to catch your eye and pull you away from your duties even the slightest bit. I cannot wait to see you experience all of the fun that comes with falling in love. I have eagerly awaited the day that you get to experience the love your father and I have for each other with the person you love.

I cannot wait to welcome her into the family with open arms, whoever she is. And I am so proud of you for opening your heart and letting someone in. While being a prince is an important job, it is only a part of who you are. Finding someone who knows every bit of your soul and loves you unconditionally—now that is the most important thing because they will become the best part of you. You only get one life, and I know you will make the best decision when you choose who to spend that with. Once you find that kind of love, follow your heart and never look back.

I love you so much and I love my future daughter-in-law already, too.

With All My Love,

Mom

Barrett let the tears stream down his cheeks. “I wish you were still here to meet her, Mom.” After all of his tears had run out, he finally felt like he could take a full breath again.

He had more clarity than he had in a long time after reading her words. He sat and continued to mull over his thoughts as he finished the tea. Once he set down the empty to-go cup, his mind was set and he knew what he had to do. He set off purposefully to find Liam and Charlotte. He needed to have a conversation with each of them. No matter how much it scared him.

Chapter Thirty

Jules

Juleshadbecomeapro at finding places to walk around the palace where she knew Barrett wouldn’t be. She couldn’t very well stay holed up in her room for the rest of her time there. Yet, she couldn’t exactly walk around her preferred places anymore because all her favorite areas were Barrett’s as well. She was fine sticking to walking down random hallways and corridors if it meant protecting her heart.

Today, she walked around the basement, also known as the servant’s quarters. She passed the kitchen, waving hello to the chefs and bakers as she continued walking. She proceeded past the hallways that housed their living quarters and made her way upstairs.I have to be careful on the first floor if I don’t want to run into Barrett.

Jules passed by the women’s sitting room when she heard Charlotte’s voice through the door that had been left slightly ajar. She was about to knock and ask if she could join her when a male voice echoed from within the room. She jumped back at the sound, instantly knowing it was Barrett who was speaking.

I would know his voice anywhere.

Jules knew she shouldn’t eavesdrop, but her curiosity got the better of her. She peeked around the side of the door, careful to not touch it in case it was creaky. She didn’t know what she expected them to be doing, but the last thing she would have ever anticipated seeing was them looking cozy on the couch together. They were sitting close to each other and holding hands. Barrett and Charlotte spoke in hushed tones, so she wasn’t able to pick up what they were saying—no matter how hard she strained her ears attempting to hear them.

She had to hold in the gasp that almost escaped from her lips as she saw Charlotte lean in towards Barrett. Jules stood upright so quickly her lower back ached as she speed-walked away. She wanted to be anywhere but right there at that moment.

She didn’t think she could handle seeing the two of them kiss.What other reason would they have been holding hands and leaning in toward each other for?She knew she shouldn’t be jealous. After all, she had been the one to teach Barrett all of Charlotte’s favorite things and how to show a woman you were interested in her. So, she had no reason to be upset at the thought of him utilizing those tactics to pursue the woman he had set out to marry from the beginning. Yet, she still felt a dull pain in her chest at the thought of them being together when all she wanted—more than anything in the world—was to be the one he was marrying.

Once she got back to her room, she collapsed on the couch, out of breath from how quickly she had fled the scene she was currently trying to erase from her mind.

“Jules, are you okay?”

Jules let out a small squeal. She had been so out of it that she hadn’t even noticed Rory cleaning her room.

“I didn’t see you there.” She placed her hand over her racing heart, trying to stop the pounding.

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