“That’s okay. I like this one.”
“Well, you and Mum can spend time together here. This is her favorite drawing room, too.”
I turned to him. “Really?”
He nodded.
I pulled my shoulders back. “Then it seems I have fine taste.”
He laughed at me again then froze when the sound of a slammed door interrupted. I looked around and noticed a door that led to the next room instead of the hallway. It was cracked open and soon voices began arguing.
“She shouldn’t be here. We know nothing about her.”
It was Cian, and I was certain he was talking about me. I’d barely interacted with him, but he seemed to have a lot of anger and distrust around me.
Aiden tensed, and I stood to place my hand in his. “We should go,” I whispered in case he didn’t want whoever was in the next room to know we were there.
He shook his head, looking at the door.
“How else do you get to know someone other than spending time with them?” I recognized his mother’s voice and smiled. I knew I liked her.
“Is this why you invited the Marshall girl?” The king asked and I recoiled a bit. He sounded more than a little angry.
“Shauna is a great option for Aiden. He needed to be reminded of who he is and what’s expected of him.”
“And what is that, son?” The king’s voice boomed.
“He’s a prince of Lochland. He’s looked up to. He should set an example for his people.”
“Oh, Cian, who your brother dates or marries has nothing to do with that. It’s his character, how he treats others, and how he runs his company that people care about.”
I wanted to cheer for the queen. She was dead on.
“But to bring her to the palace to attend a family wedding? It’s inappropriate.”
Aiden shook his head and started for the door. I pulled on his hand and whispered. “Aiden, let it go. It’s okay.”
“No, Charlie it’s not.”
He stormed out the door and I hurried to follow him into the next room. It looked like another formal sitting area, but there was probably a better name for it. It was rounded with windows on almost all sides. Cian stood across the room from his parents. They all turned and froze when they saw us.
The queen covered her mouth with a delicate hand, looking worried. The king actually looked a bit ashamed, but Cian looked as proud as ever.
“You have no right to interfere in my life, Cian,” Aiden said.
“I’m just doing what’s best. What you’re obviously too blind to see.”
Aiden shook his head. “You have no right--”
“I’m sorry, Cian.” I interrupted Aiden, gaining the attention of everyone in the room.
“What are you talking about?” Aiden asked with confusion.
I stepped forward standing by his side but looking at his brother. “I know my attendance was unexpected, and I’m sure staying here is a bit unorthodox. I’m truly sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”
Cian looked at me like he didn’t understand what I was saying, so I continued.
“I’m sure our relationship was a shock to everyone. I certainly wasn’t planning on ending my week staying at the palace and preparing to attend Nicole’s wedding, but here we are.” I paused and looked up at Aiden. “We met and I could feel something deep inside me telling me that Aiden was different. That I had to know him. That I had to take a chance, risk everything, and go far outside my comfort zone to spend time with him.”
“You didn’t recognize him?” His dad asked sounding surprised.
I shook my head. “I had no idea who he was.”
Cian’s look soured. “How can we possibly believe that? You’re just another American chasing some fantasy.”
“You can believe that because she just told you,” Aiden spoke up for me. “She has no reason to lie to you or any of us. Why must you assume the worst in everyone?”
“Our family doesn’t have the luxury of blindly trusting people. We must protect ourselves.”
“I can only imagine what a burden that would be,” I said. I really could. I could see how scared and jaded Cian was. His brother might not be as understanding but I could see Cian’s perspective. “If you’d like, I’ll leave now.”
Aiden turned to me with fire in his eyes. “You will not.”
I transferred my gaze from him to Cian. Cian’s face had softened and his attention was on his parents.
The queen smiled. “I don’t think that will be necessary, Charlie.”
I tried to remain calm and not freak out that the queen just said my name. Right now, she was just Aiden’s mom.
Cian sighed and finally nodded. “You may stay.”
I stepped toward him to thank him but he spun on his heel and stalked out of the room.
“Don’t worry about him,” the king said with a sad tone. “He isn’t a fan of change.”
“He doesn’t like when things don’t go his way,” Aiden said bitterly.
I took his hand and waited until his eyes met mine. “It’s not like he had any warning you were bringing someone home with you. That’s a lot to take in.”
“There’s almost a hundred rooms. It’s not like he was inconvenienced in the slightest.”
“It wasn’t very nice that he invited your ex, but if he really thought he was doing what was best for you, you can’t hold that against him. He thought he was looking out for you.”
Aiden’s eyes softened. “You’re too kind.”
The queen stepped toward us, catching my attention. Her blue eyes were identical to Aiden’s but her hair was a few shades darker. She was stunning. Undeniably beautiful. “No, I believe she is the exact amount of kind you need.” She paused and looked to me. “Thank you for being the bigger person. Both of my sons will benefit from having someone like you around.”
She smiled and walked out of the room, followed by the king.
Aiden turned to me. “Mum’s right. You did what I should have done. You kept Cian and me from escalating and you empathized with him. Something not many choose to do.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, but he kept going.
“You’re so much more than what I was ready for, but I can’t imagine what it would be like if we hadn’t met.”
I swallowed. This felt bigger than any conversation we’d had before. I’d look back and remember this moment as the time everything changed.
“Aiden?”
His eyes bore into mine. “Yes?”
“Is it crazy for me to have feelings for you?”
The corner of his lips tugged up. “It depends on what kind of feelings.”
I grinned. “Really good ones.”
He shook his head. “Then it’s not so crazy.”
“But they’re really strong. Too strong for having known you a few days.”
His eyes dropped from mine to my lips then back. “Crazier things have happened.”
He bent down and captured my lips before I could think. This kiss told me more than his words could. I wasn’t crazy. And I wasn’t alone.
14
Aiden
The garden party was the first event for all the wedding guests to attend. It wasn’t as grand as the annual garden party Mum hosted for the country. That was open to everyone and housed on the grounds at the palace in Tarramore. That was my favorite event of the year. I loved getting to see our people.
This was just another party on top of everything else that comes with a wedding of this magnitude. I groaned just thinking about what we’d have to endure when one of my siblings get married. That would be a spectacle.
My eyes drifted toward the stairs for the thirtieth time in five minutes. Isla and Charlie were running late. I knew my sister liked to make an entrance, but I doubted Charlie would enjoy that amount of attention.
Finally, I heard the telltale sounds of clicking heels on the marble floors. Charlie and Isla were smiling at each other and chatting as they descended the stairs.
At least one of my siblings liked Charlie almost as much as I did.
“There you are. It’s about time.” I called.
Isla waved me off. “Perfection takes time.”
I shook my head and stared at Charlie. She radiated happiness, her pale pink lace dress complimenting her skin color and hugging her curves. Her modest fascinator was pinned at a slant, covering part of her face. She looked elegant, mysterious, and a bit too attractive to have to share her with the world.
“You look exquisite,” I said, making her blush.
Isla bumped into my shoulder. “Thanks. It took a bit of work, but I think I did well.” She smiled at Charlie with a wink. “Do you guys want to sneak out?”
Charlie looked confused, so I explained, “Isla enjoys making an entrance at these events. She has the guards announce her. It’s a whole thing.”
Charlie looked panicked. “No, thank you.”
I laughed and took her hand in mine. “We can sneak out and miss that.”
I led her back to Dad’s office and out the back door. We merged with the crowd, attracting little notice. A second later a trumpet sounded and Isla was announced. Everyone in the vicinity turned and smiled or clapped as she slowly made her way down the steps, waving like the princess she was.
“I’m so glad we didn’t do that.” Charlie was watching and shaking her head.
“Me too. I much prefer to act like I’ve been here the whole time.”
Waiters walked through the crowd offering drinks and hor d’oeuvres but Charlie declined each one.
“Are you okay?” I asked her.
She had a tight smile and kept looking around. “I feel like everyone is watching us.”
I glanced around and noticed eyes dropping as soon as mine met theirs. “They are.”
She groaned. “Shouldn’t they be looking at the bride and groom?”
I laughed and put my arm around her waist, tucking her against my side. “By now, Nicole and William are old news. They’re much more curious about the prince and the mystery woman.”
She glanced around, smiling, but it was forced. “Maybe Cian was right. I shouldn’t be here.”
“Don’t listen to anything Cian says. I want you here and that’s what matters.”
“This just doesn’t feel like the time or place, Aiden. Everyone should be focused on the couple getting married. I don’t want to take that away from your cousin.”
My heart swelled a bit more at how thoughtful she was. She seemed to take into consideration everyone else’s needs before her own. It was as strange as it was refreshing.
“Come on. I’ll introduce you and you’ll see that it doesn’t matter.”
We crossed the garden, with only a few people stopping to talk to us. I excused us each time, saying my cousin needed us. We finally made it to where Nicole and William stood, greeting guests.
Nicole caught sight of us and broke protocol to hurry over. “Aiden, there you are! I’ve been hearing a buzz about your lady friend and I’ve been simply dying to meet her.”
Charlie looked nervous but smiled. “Hello, Nicole. I’m so happy to meet you, and I apologize if my being here is--”
“Stop being silly. I couldn’t be happier you’re here. Not only is my favorite cousin looking happier than I’ve seen him in years, but you’re taking some of the attention off me. I could kiss you right now.”
Charlie laughed and seemed to relax. Nicole had that effect on people. Her larger than life personality put people at ease.
“Well, thank you. You look absolutely beautiful.” Charlie was beaming now and Nicole swayed her hips, making her skirt flare out.
“Thank you! My mother said navy was inappropriate for a bride, but look what happens when I spin.” She did in fact spin in front of us and the skirt puffed up like a cupcake.
“Oh, that’s so fun. You definitely made the right choice.”
Nicole smiled and winked at me. “I like this one. Can we keep her?”
I chuckled. “I’m trying, but that won’t happen if you scare her off.”
Charlie giggled and looked around. “Where’s your fiancé? I’d love to meet him.”
Nicole turned and shouted. “William!”
It wasn’t polite but Nicole had stopped caring what people thought a decade ago. Once she realized she got most of the perks of being royalty without the scrutiny and standards she let loose. I was happy she found a man that loved her as she was and didn’t try to suppress her spirit.
William, a slender man only a few inches taller than Nicole, came out of the crowd and stood at his fiancé’s side. His rust-colored hair was short and parted on the side and his pale skin was speckled with freckles. He had a kind smile and seemed genuinely excited to see us. “Well hello, Aiden. Good to see you.”
I shook his hand. “You too. It’s been too long. You owe me another round of golf.”
William scoffed. “I do believe the winner pays, but you name the time and place and I’ll be there.”
I agreed then introduced him to Charlie. He smiled and took her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Charlie. I’ve heard a bit about you floating through the crowd. Everyone was wondering who the woman with the prince was. I feel a bit privileged to be in the know.”
He winked and she laughed. “I’m sorry that people seem to care so much about me. This is your celebration.”
He shook his head. “We’ve been under their microscope for two years. I’m relieved they’ve found someone else to occupy their time.”
I held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t scare her away!”
William held up his hands and grinned. “Well, as long as you guys aren’t as scandalous as us, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
Charlie flinched and I rubbed my hand over her back.
“Have you told her the story, Aiden?” Nicole asked with a wicked smile.
I shook my head. “No, I was sure you’d want to tell the story to someone that hasn’t heard anything.”
Her eyes lit up. “Of course! So, I was attending University in Scotland under a different name because I just wanted to be normal for once.”
Charlie looked up at me and smiled before turning back to my cousin.
“William’s father is an English baron, but he chose not to take on that title while he was in school because he too wanted to be treated as an average student. So, he went by his mother’s maiden name. Well, we became study partners and began to fall in love. I asked my dad’s team to do a bit of research because you can never be too safe, right? Well, they couldn’t find him and turns out his family couldn’t find me. I confronted him about this while we were in the Gambia, but he didn’t want to crack and I wasn’t going to admit who I was to someone who was obviously lying so I broke up with him and went on a bit of a rampage.” She giggled and I fought back laughter.
I knew all about their story. She’d been so upset when she thought William had been lying to her. I guess he was, but not for the reasons she thought. She’d called me while I was in England at school asking me to send the Royal Navy after him. It wasn’t something I had authority to do, not that I would ever try to take out a man, but I’d ended up flying to Africa to see her and to try to cheer her up.
“Sweet Aiden finally calmed me down then left to talk to William,” Nicole said.
William stepped up to tell his part of the story. “The prince of Lochland was knocking at my door demanding to know who I was. Well, I had no choice but to tell him the truth. I thought he’d have me locked up if I didn’t.”
I laughed. It wasn’t like we had a Tower to keep prisoners like some of our relatives.
“Once he realized that we’d both done the same thing to try to protect ourselves he got us together in the same room and explained everything.” William finished.
“But that was after I already leaked a few stories to the media about him.” Nicole giggled while William shook his head.
“What did you say?” Charlie asked, leaning forward.
“
That William and his family were plotting to take the crown, that he’s a member of the Illuminati, and that he stole his family dog from a neighbor.”
William rolled his eyes, but Charlie looked affronted when she turned to him. “What happened? Were you arrested?”
Nicole laughed. “Hardly, only one tabloid in Scotland picked the stories up and it was one of the most notorious. It just made his family mad at him.”
William sighed. “It was then that I realized she was crazy, but I loved her and she obviously loved me if she was willing to do something that extreme.”
Charlie blew out a sigh. “Well, I’m glad it worked out for you!”
I smirked at her confusion. “It got back to our family that Nicole had unleashed her crazy and William still stuck by her. Everyone loved him instantly.”
“But the paparazzi do like to follow us to see if we’ll do anything crazy again,” Nicole said with a smirk.
“So, as you can see,” William said, arching an eyebrow, “we welcome any new distractions.”
“So that’s what I am? Huh?” Charlie giggled. “I’m not sure how I should take that, but if it’s what the bride wants, I guess I can’t argue.”
Nicole let out a bark of a laugh and pulled Charlie in for a hug. “I love you.”
They pulled apart and Charlie returned to my side. I put my arm around her shoulders, enjoying how natural it felt to have her near me, in my world and with my family.
“You guys.” Isla came rushing toward us a bit out of breath. “You will not believe what I just heard.”
We all turned to Nicole who held up her hands. “I did nothing.”
Isla waved her off. “It’s about you guys.” She looked between me and Charlie.
I groaned. “What is it?”
“Someone set off a rumor that you two are in a fake relationship and it’s spread like wildfire. Mum came and found me to ask about it.” Her eyes drilled into me trying to communicate what was at stake.
This might have started out as a farce, but things had changed. What I felt for Charlie was real. From what she’d said she felt it too.
Charlie twisted and looked up at me. “Why would they say that?”
His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I Page 11
