His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I

by Mulliner, Brittney

  I nudged her arm. “There are some beautiful lakes and cliffs like this.” She chuckled. “What about you? What’s your favorite place you’ve been?”

  She pursed her lips. “Here.”

  I looked around and nodded. “Excellent decision.”

  “That must sound so pathetic to you. You’ve seen more than half the world, and this is the best thing I’ve seen.”

  I stared down at her. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.”

  She leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling.

  “It’s quickly becoming my favorite too.”

  She laughed and shook her head like she didn’t believe me.

  “It might have something to do with the present company.”

  She bit her lip, failing at hiding her smile and pushed away from the wall. We walked down the stairs to the left side of the cliffs while she continued to pause to take pictures. “I heard there are puffins here.”

  I nodded. “I've never actually been able to see one but I know that they nest in this area.”

  She looked slightly disappointed and I felt bad for dimming her smile.

  “That's okay I'll take pictures of the birds and tell my dad that they’re puffins. He'll never know the difference.”

  I smiled at her scheming. “Do you want to keep going further down the path? It isn't paved and there’s no wall, so we have to be really careful. And you might get muddy.”

  She looked at George who was hanging back, looking tired. He waved us forward. “Go on. I’ll wait here.”

  She glanced back at the slippery path. “No, I think I’ve seen enough.”

  I knew she was watching out for him and she wanted to make sure he felt included. This was something no one else I knew would do. It didn’t matter that she didn’t know my true title or that George was meant to blend into the background. She treated the people she met with respect and actually considered their feelings. She’d been sure to thank the barkeep last night and leave a tip even though it wasn’t necessary, and this morning she’d complimented the attendant at her hotel on her service. It was the most refreshing thing I’d experienced in…months, probably longer.

  She took what could have been a million pictures smiling and shaking her head in wonder until gray clouds formed above us.

  She looked up and frowned. “Go away!”

  I laughed. “I'm not sure that's how it works.”

  She furrowed her brows in defiance. “Do you think it’ll get bad?”

  I looked up at the sky but before I could answer her a raindrop hit me in the forehead. “Unfortunately, yes. I think it will we should hurry back before we’re soaked through.”

  3

  Charlie

  By the time we made it back to the car, all three of us were drenched. George was laughing, especially when he noticed Aiden’s disgruntled expression.

  “What’s wrong, pr- Aiden?”

  Aiden shot him a glare before shaking his head. “You know how I feel about wet clothes.”

  George winked at me and took my wet jacket before opening my door. I slid in and brushed my hair away from my face. So much for the curls I’d added this morning. I should have known better than trying to defy the Irish weather.

  Aiden got in beside me, shaking off the raindrops that had formed at the tips of his hair. I laughed and he froze. “Sorry,” he said, “I should have done that outside.”

  I lifted my fingers into my hair and mirrored his movement. “There. We’re even.”

  George got in the car and turned up the heater. “We’ll have you dry in no time.”

  Aiden reached forward and tapped a button on the console between us. I looked down and smiled as the seat warmed up. I resisted the urge to rub my hands along the plush leather or geek out at the option that reclines but didn’t want to show how out of my element I was. This was by far the nicest car I’d ever been in. I knew the name Bentley meant luxury, but I didn’t allow myself to overthink things. Obviously, Aiden was wealthy or worked for someone who was wealthy, but it wasn’t my business to press for more information.

  “We should be to Galway in about an hour and a half,” George announced.

  “Would you like to watch a movie?” Aiden asked as he pressed another button and TV screens rose out of the back of the driver and passenger seats.

  My initial instinct was to say yes, first because he offered and second because it was the easy option. It would allow me to zone out or overthink the fact that I’m in a car with strangers traveling through a foreign country.

  Oh, no. I was living the movies I was terrified of. How had I let this happen?

  “No!” I shouted the word and cringed. “I … umm I’d rather take in the scenery.”

  He gave me a questioning look but nodded. He made the TVs disappear then pointed at the window. “Look, there’s a castle.”

  I leaned over to look out his side and giggled at the crumbling stones of a small building a tower. “A partial castle.”

  He shrugged. “Americans, you just can’t impress them.”

  George laughed as he drove effortlessly through the winding road. I sucked in a breath with each car that passed. There were inches between us, the wall on the side of the road, and the other car. Compared to the freeways back home, this was a sidewalk.

  “Are ye hungry?” George asked from the front.

  I shrugged. “I can wait.”

  “One of my favorite fish and chips is in Doolin is up the road.”

  Aiden looked to me and I nodded. I guess you couldn’t get enough fresh fish and chips in Ireland. He didn’t need to know what I ordered the night before.

  “Right.” Minutes later George parked along the road across from a line of colorful buildings.

  George opened my door and Aiden got out and waved his arms. “Welcome to Doolin.”

  I looked at the storybook road and smiled. We were only a few miles away from the Cliffs but it was sunny and warm. It was just raining, but now the sun was out. Such finicky weather. I was wanting to shed my jacket as quickly as I had to put it on

  Aiden led us to a pub and claimed a table before heading to the bar. George sat facing me, with his ever-present smile. “How are you likin’ Ireland, miss?”

  I sighed, utterly content. “I love it here. Everyone is so friendly and kind. I love that each town has a sense of community. I’ve lived in the same city my whole life but we don’t have that. I actually really like the weather, and being able to see the open land without traffic and high rises and distractions. I feel like life really happens here.” I paused. “Plus, all the baby cows and sheep are cute.”

  George chuckled, looking pleased by my answer. “What else do you plan to do while yer here?

  Aiden dropped into a chair next to me, “Food should be up soon.”

  I reached for my purse. “Thanks. I’ll pay for mine.”

  He waved me off. “It’s my pleasure.”

  My eyes darted to George who nodded slightly and winked as if to say just let it go.

  “Well, thank you.”

  “Miss Charlie was about to tell me the rest of her plans.”

  Aiden sat up. “Well then, let’s hear it.”

  “My plan was to spend some time here. I want to find out more about my mother’s family. Then I was thinking of London then Paris. Maybe Spain or Italy after.”

  George was nodding encouragingly while Aiden’s eyes narrowed. “Why isn’t that still the plan?”

  I looked down at the tabletop. “It’s harder than I expected.”

  “In what way?” His imploring eyes trapped me, pulling answers from my lips.

  “It’s scary on my own. I thought I would be okay, but I don’t think I’m brave enough.” Neither of them said anything so I continued, filling the silence. “It’s also more expensive than I was expecting.”

  I didn’t want to admit that what I’d budgeted for would only get me through Ireland. I’d been a bit optimistic about how far my money would go. I might be able to
afford London if I was really strict with my budget here.

  George gave me a warm smile. “I’m sure it will work out how it should.”

  I wish I had his confidence, but I wasn’t feeling it. Today had been easier, being with people that knew the area and allowing them to make the plan. After twenty years of planning it was a wonderful change to let someone else take over.

  “I think so too. If all I’m meant to see is the Cliffs and Galway, I won’t leave disappointed.”

  “I think we can do better than that,” Aiden said. I looked to him, hoping he’d clarify but he just jumped up and hurried to the bar. I looked at George but he simply smiled.

  When we got back in the car and headed to Galway Aiden began peppering me with questions.

  “Your favorite food?”

  “Anything Mexican.”

  He nodded slowly. “I do love tacos.”

  “What about you?” I figured he’d say some fancy French dish or something I’d never even heard of.

  “Sunday Roast.”

  I chuckled. “Really? Something so simple?”

  “Miss Mariam’s cooking can’t be beaten.” George commented.

  “Who’s that?” I asked looking between them.

  “She’s the family chef.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Cause everyone has one of those.”

  He looked uncomfortable for a moment before asking another question. “Favorite holiday?”

  “Fourth of July.” I didn’t even need to think about that, but he looked surprised.

  “Really? Not Christmas or Halloween? Not even Valentine’s Day?”

  I shook my head. “Nope. I love the fourth because it’s during the summer, and we always spent the day at the lake then barbeque and watch fireworks. It’s the best day of the year.”

  “You’re such an American.”

  I nodded, proudly. “That’s right.”

  “Why not Christmas?”

  “Is that your favorite?”

  He nodded. “Of course.”

  I shrugged. “It’s so cold and snowy. Plus, there are so many expectations and it’s stressful and family drama. I feel like people are usually let down by the time it’s over. The fourth has very little expectations. You just need to relax and eat food.”

  He chuckled. “I admit that does sound nice, but I still don’t think it can top Christmas.”

  “What does Lochland do for its Independence Day?”

  “Most cities have a parade, and it’s a day you usually spend with your family, but since it’s in November there’s no hanging out by the lake.”

  “So it’s like Thanksgiving?”

  He seemed to think about it. “We do have a large dinner and pies, traditionally, so I guess so.”

  “Huh.”

  “What do you do in your free time?”

  I almost laughed. How long were the questions going to last? Every time I thought he’d run out he snuck another one in.

  “I haven’t had a ton of free time while in school, but generally I like to read.”

  He made a face.

  “What? You’re not a reader?”

  He shook his head. “Not even when it was required in school.”

  George laughed. “That boy did everything in his power to get out of reading assignments. He even tried to pay me to read the books and summarize them for him.”

  I gaped. “Really? Did you do it?”

  “Oh no. I only read the paper. Anything else is too much for me.”

  “You two are missing out!”

  Aiden grimaced. “Reading is so boring. I’d rather be out fishing or riding my horse or even watching a movie.”

  I cringed and scrunched my nose. “I think it’s best you drop me off here.”

  He laughed. “No, I’m willing to accept your flaws if you can accept mine.”

  I faked like I had to consider it. “That’s fine. We don’t have to agree on everything.”

  He looked surprised. “That’s right. We don’t.” He paused, studying me. “In fact, I like that we don’t.”

  “Yeah, it’s okay that you’re wrong sometimes,” I said it with a straight face so it took him a second to realize I was insulting him. His face morphed from placid to mock anger.

  “I can’t believe…” He shook his head and looked to George. “Did you hear that?”

  George’s shoulders were shaking and I leaned forward. “You can’t say you don’t agree with me.”

  He met my eyes in the mirror and winked, but didn’t say anything.

  “Unbelievable ” Aiden said it with a playful gleam in his eyes. “I’m not sure what to make of you Miss Charlie.”

  I smiled and looked out the window. I liked this lighthearted side of him.

  * * *

  I saw the sign welcoming us to Galway and sat up straighter. This was it. I was going to see where my mother’s family was from. Dad told me she’d come to visit this very city when she was about my age before they got married. I’d be walking in her footsteps.

  Dad told me Mom was Irish before I took the DNA test, but I had no idea that her whole family was from here, Lochland, and Scotland. I doubted he knew either. These were the things I’d wished I’d asked her. Well, that plus so much more. Like how to handle my first crush, first breakup, what kind of prom dress I should wear, what I should do with my life. I sighed. There was so much I’d never get answers to.

  Dad and my step-mom, Liza, had given me more than I could ask for, and I was beyond thrilled for my dad that he found another woman to love. But it didn’t help with the burning questions I had about my mother.

  I didn’t think this trip would answer them either. But I hoped I’d feel a bit closer to her.

  “Welcome to Galway, Miss Charlie.” George smiled at me through the mirror and I glanced over at Aiden. He was busy looking down at his phone.

  “When’s your meeting?” I asked.

  I wasn’t eager to separate from him, but I didn’t want to be responsible for him missing something important either.

  He smiled at me. “I moved everything around, so I’m free for the day.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden. I’m perfectly fine finding my way around.”

  He shook his head. “Honestly, it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be decided over email. I took care of things and if they want to meet in person next time, I’m sure we can. I have more important things to do today.”

  I blushed at his words. He was so sincere, not like he was trying to flirt. Was everyone in Lochland this nice?

  “Look, there’s Galway Bay.” He pointed out my window so I turned and gasped. I was really here. The place I’d read about and researched for the past several months.

  I’m here Mom.

  I had to believe she was watching over me, just as excited as I was to actually be here.

  We turned the corner and my eyes ate it up. The throngs of people moving in every direction, but no one seemed rushed or stressed. Banners hung back and forth across the street and music filled the air.

  “Oh wow.”

  George pulled to the curb and Aiden jumped out. “Come on, it’s best to walk.”

  I looked at George who nodded and smiled. “I’ll come to find you both later.”

  “Thank you.” I stepped out of the car and met Aiden on the sidewalk. Even though we were surrounded by people, it felt strange being alone with him. George had been the ice breaker, but now Aiden’s attention would be focused on me.

  I turned and took in the mismatched buildings, street performers, and flags swaying gently overhead. Music floated through the air and I turned to see a man playing a guitar and singing an Irish folk song. The smell of fried foods wafted toward us from the pub on the other side of the street and blended with the smell of freshly baked pizzas from the restaurant next to us.

  “I’ve been to Quay Street dozens of times but it still feels like sensory overload,” Aiden said while looking around.

  I laughed and nodded
. “It’s a lot to take in.”

  He smiled down at me. “I like that I get to experience it for the first time again.”

  I took two steps before stopping and looking around again. I read the signs written in Gaelic trying to understand them. A man playing the harmonica winked as I passed him. “There’s too much to see.”

  He stopped next to me. “Take your time. We’re in no rush.”

  I hoped he didn’t feel awkward now that it was just me and him. I didn’t want him to feel obligated to entertain me, but he’d already canceled his meetings so I didn’t want to waste his time.

  We strolled along and I paused in front of a gelato shop with a storefront that resembled a castle.

  “Would you like some?” Aiden asked.

  I shook my head. “No, I’m just taking it in.” I pulled out my phone and took a few pictures before continuing on. I only took a few steps before stopping again. This place needed to come with blinders so I could only take in bits and pieces at a time. I felt like if I blinked I’d miss something incredible. A man wearing a kilt and playing the bagpipes strolled passed us as if it was completely normal.

  We came to a spot where another street intersected, creating a large open area. I paused just as a dancer queued her music. She smiled at the crowd that had stopped and as the beat changed her legs kicked and shuffled to the music.

  “Irish stepdance.” Aiden leaned down and whispered. A shiver ran down my back when his breath touched my neck.

  My mouth dropped as the dancer spun and floated across the sidewalk. Her feet moved so fast it hard to keep track. I’d never seen anything like it and the dancer kept a relaxed smile on her face the entire time. Like it was effortless. As easy as breathing for her.

  “Stunning,” I said.

  The song ended and Aiden held out his hand with gold and silver coins. “You can put this in her hat.”

  There was a black felt hat next to her speakers where people were dropping coins and bills as they walked by. I rushed over to take my turn. I felt like a child getting ready to throw a coin into a fountain to make a wish, but mine had already come true. Getting a private tour of the city I’d dreamt of seeing with a handsome man was more than I could have asked for.