Sure, he could act calm and collected. He wasn’t the one about to address the world and make a public proclamation about his love life.
I’d worked tirelessly to avoided this situation. I kept my private life completely out of the public. I also didn’t date much, so it was easy. Now, I had so much at stake. If this scared Charlie away, I’d never be able to let it go.
It would be my fault. My family’s fault. My title’s fault that I lost the only woman I’d ever had feelings for.
Finally, Isla rounded the corner and descended the stairs. My eyes swept the space behind her, confused. “Where is she?”
Isla ignored me until she reached the final step. “She’s making a grand entrance.”
She brushed past me and looped her arm around Michael’s. “Since those two are going to steal the show, mind being my plus one? No one will notice.”
He nodded, looking surprised. “Of course.”
Isla beamed. “Here she is.”
Charlie stood at the top of the staircase looking absolutely beautiful. The blue gown she wore hugged her figure and I couldn’t stop staring. Her long hair was pulled back, accentuating the lace bodice. She looked like a goddess. And she was mine.
She smiled shyly as she took careful steps until she had descended the steps in front of me.
“You’re breathtaking.”
She lowered her eyes demurely. “Isla put in a lot of hard work.”
I tipped her chin up so her eyes met mine. “You could be wearing a sack with no makeup and I would say the same thing.”
She started to turn. “In that case…”
I laughed and pulled her closer to me. “Not a chance. I want the world to see how beautiful you are.”
“Let’s get going,” Ronan called out as he joined us. He paused when he saw Charlie and grinned. “Well, look at you. You clean up nice.”
She blushed and I shoved him out of our way. Ronan, Michael, and Isla got in one of the limos waiting for us, and I led Charlie to the one in front.
Once we were settled, I squeezed her hand and smiled. “Are you ready for this?”
She looked at me with worried eyes and nodded. “I think so.”
“You don’t have to hold this press conference. You can change your mind.”
“No. I want to do this. I want…” She looked down at her lap where our intertwined hands rested. “I want us.”
I sucked in a breath and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Okay. We’ll do this together. Just remember what Mr. Anderson said.”
Our PR manager had met with us to cover talking points and how to control the conversation without letting the paparazzi and newsagents take over.
“Yeah, we met while traveling.” She recited the facts we were to focus on. ”You helped me when I was lost and we decided to get to know one another. I didn’t recognize you, and after spending time together you invited me back here.”
I nodded. It was mostly the truth. Specific enough to satisfy their curiosity but broad enough that people couldn’t poke holes in the facts.
Soon we arrived at the Balivaughn Manor. It was an old estate that the family had bought about a century ago and maintained to act as a second home or overflow for guests. Douglas, Evelyn, and Nicole lived here when we were children, though they’ve moved to a manor closer to the capital since. Nicole’s always said her favorite memories took place here. I was happy it was somewhere meaningful to her.
The lawn swarmed with press and cameras. Charlie tensed when it came into view.
“It’s going to be fine,” I said. “Just a couple of crazy minutes then we can go inside and enjoy ourselves.”
My words seemed to relax her.
“Ready?” I squeezed her hand.
She nodded as the car slowed to a stop. An usher opened the back door and I stepped out first before offering my hand to help her out. The cameras flashed the second I stood, but it felt like they tripled when Charlie emerged. My vision was fading with the white circles invading my eyes.
Charlie cringed, then seemed to shake it off and smile.
The crowd shouted our names. I walked us to the center of the front stairs and turned to face them. I smiled and waited for them to quiet.
“I’m aware there are several questions surrounding Charlie and me,” I said. “We’d like to take this opportunity to clear things up.”
You would have thought I just announced I would be giving out free money for the rest of the year by the explosion of sound that assaulted us.
I gestured for them to be silent and the chaos subsided. I squeezed Charlie’s hand signaling her to start. She spoke with elegance about how we met and the group was oohing and aahing as she told them the same thing she ran through with me.
“Are you guys officially a couple?” A voice called out.
I decided to answer, glancing at Charlie with a smile. “We are.”
Charlie beamed and nodded. “I’m very lucky.”
“Thank you for allowing us to share our story,” I said. “Now we have a wedding to celebrate.”
Charlie waved and turned as I followed her into the manor. She visibly relaxed once we were inside.
“You did so great.” I pulled her into my arms.
“I thought I was going to throw up.” She whispered against my chest.
“You didn’t. You handled that so well. I’m so proud of you.” I leaned down and kissed her lips. “I don’t feel bad about ruining your lipstick now.”
She threw her head back and laughed while I watched her. I realized at that moment I was no longer falling. I loved this woman.
* * *
Hours later, I woke to banging on my door. Before I could respond it swung open and Ronan and Isla barreled in each with their arms full. They unceremoniously dumped the piles of newspapers, tabloid magazines, and printed web articles on my bed.
“What’s going on?” I sorted through the pile seeing picture after picture of Charlie and me. Most of them were from last night. She looked exquisite in that gown and part of me was delighted it would be forever documented.
“Prince and future princess?” Isla read out one of the titles. “Is this the one? Has Prince Aiden found love? What do the King and Queen think of the American?”
Ronan interrupted her. “This one’s the best.” He waited until we were both giving him our attention. “Trouble in the palace? Prince Cian Jealous of Prince Aiden.”
He turned the paper to show us the front page where a huge picture of me and Charlie walking up the stairs of the manor with Cian at the top glaring down at us. In the context of the headline it made sense, but really that was just how my brother looked these days. Grumpy and disapproving.
I got out of bed and moved the stack of ridiculous papers. “I’ll let the King’s office handle this.”
Isla pouted. “But you don’t get it. They love you guys. You two managed to win the hearts of the press last night. That’s a huge deal. You’ll need them on your side if you want Charlie to survive and actually enjoy being here, being with you.”
I sighed and looked over the headlines. They were all generally positive, besides the made up stories about jealous brothers or ex-girlfriends.
“Has Charlie seen any of these?”
Isla shook her head. “We wanted you to see first.”
“Good. Will you have someone wake her? I want to take her to Monroe.”
Isla and Ronan shared a look. “Are you sure, mate?” He asked.
I nodded. “I want to show her it’s not always like this. That there are places where it can be just us.”
Isla seemed hesitant. “But Aiden, it is always like this for us. We will always have eyes on us. Our every move will be analyzed and criticized.”
“It’s won’t be as bad once Cian takes the crown.”
Ronan barked out a laugh. “Do you think Dad’s going anywhere anytime soon? This is our life for at least thirty more years.”
“But he’s the crown prince. As we move on with our
lives, they will lose interest in us.”
Isla pursed her lips. “Aiden, I think you need to accept things. I know you think you have but you’ve had your feet in two worlds for far too long. It’s time to accept your duties.”
I rubbed my face. Why had they felt the need to bust into my room, wake me up, and now lecture me? What had I done to deserve this?
I said, “I know that—”
She cut me off. “No, Aiden, you don’t. You started and have been running LochEnergy and Mum and Dad have let you chase that dream, but now it’s time to step back from the private sector and commit to your role as Prince.”
I shook my head. Our parents had agreed to let me start LochEnergy just out of university because it was an idea I’d been working on for the past decade. I had the business plan and worked with engineers at school to create working prototypes of the solar windmills that produced our energy. I’d done it all. I’d built a multibillion-dollar industry for our country. I created an export that we so desperately needed. Now I had to give it up?
“Aiden, I’m not saying you can’t go back to work tomorrow, but you need to start thinking of letting your board take over daily operations. It can be something you remain involved in, but it’s not what you’re meant to do.”
I scowled. “I’m meant to attend pointless meetings, parliament councils, and travel the world for photo ops?”
She sighed. “You know it’s more than that. Lochland has worked hard for hundreds of years to remain independent and to be a force other countries recognize. It’s our duty to continue that. International relationships are a critical part of that.”
Ronan spoke up for the first time since Isla killed my dreams. “She’s right, Aiden. Once I graduate, I’m coming right back here to take my place in whatever facility father deems necessary. It’s not just because it’s what’s expected of me. It’s the least I can do after all this country has done for me. We aren’t required to serve in the military because we’re expected to serve in other ways.”
“Being the head of LochEnergy isn’t serving our country?” I paced the floor. “Look at how the economy has boomed. We no longer depend on oil to operate. We don’t rely on other countries or bend to their wishes. We are self-sustaining.” I stopped in my tracks and faced them. “I did that!”
Isla didn’t cower. “No one will ever forget that. What you’ve done in the past few years has changed the course of the country, but think about what you can do as a Prince. You can share that technology with less developed countries. You can build a school to train people to build the windmills and take those skills back to their countries. You can have a global impact.”
It felt like someone was sitting on my airway but I nodded. It’s something that’s been buried in the back of my mind but I didn't want to face it. The second I was born, my future was decided. I chased my dream and succeeded. I should be grateful for that and bow out gracefully, but it wasn’t easy. The company was a part of my heart and soul. Giving up full control would surely kill me.
But it was a truth I had to face.
21
Charlie
Despite the late night before, I woke up early and was in the shower when I heard Isla calling out for me.
“In here.”
“I’m laying clothes out for you. Have a fun day.”
That was all I heard, so I hurried to finish and dry off. When I walked back in the room it was empty but there was a new outfit waiting for me.
Olive green pants, a cream three-quarter sleeve shirt, and a khaki cargo jacket. Casual? What were we doing today?
I dressed quickly and applied a minimal amount of makeup before pulling my damp hair into a ponytail. If it was going to be a low-key day, I was going to take advantage of it.
I checked my phone on the nightstand and was surprised to see a text from my dad. They’d been able to return home. That was good, but I worried that after last night’s comments there might be more attention back on them. Hopefully, the US media realized I wasn’t there so there was no story.
I headed down the stairs and was surprised to see Aiden waiting for me with jeans and a white t-shirt. It was so nice to see him in normal clothes again. I felt like I had my Aiden back. Not that I could really claim him as mine back in Ireland.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Morning, love. I’ve got a bagel and fresh-pressed orange juice for you.” He held up his hands and I took his offerings before sliding my arms around him for a hug.
I breathed him in then pulled back to meet his eyes. “What’s going on?”
He smiled and I nearly swooned. Would I ever get used to his devastating good looks? I hoped not.
“I want to show you something special.”
I narrowed my eyes but nodded, following him outside to where a car was waiting. It wasn’t one of the black sedans I’d grown accustomed to. “What’s this?”
“This is my incognito car.”
I grinned and slid into the passenger seat while he held the door open for me. It was nice, like the other cars, but was light gray instead of black. It had a Mercedes emblem on the steering wheel, but it looked identical to the majority of the cars I’d seen on the roads here. Perfect for going unnoticed.
“No George today?”
He started the car and turned to smile at me. “Just us.”
I thoroughly loved the sound of that. We hadn’t had a moment of that except for a few stolen moments in the various gardens. It made me miss Galway.
“You’re not going to tell me where we’re going or what we’re doing?” I asked.
He took a sip from his travel mug and shook his head. “We’re going off the radar, just taking an us day.”
I couldn’t contain my smile. “That sounds perfect.”
“Good. Eat your breakfast and enjoy the drive.” I followed his instructions as we drove on winding roads leaving Balivaughn far behind. We drove for almost an hour when he slowed down and took a turn off an unmarked road.
I glanced at him but he seemed lost in his own thoughts. It had been a quiet drive, but I got the sense he needed time and space to be on his own. It wasn’t like I didn’t have things to think about. I’d seen the newspapers this morning that had been left on my vanity. Pictures of us were on the cover of every single one. It seemed that the taste we gave them only made them more ravenous, but at least they were complimentary.
He took a sudden turn down another unpaved road and slowed as he navigated the narrow way covered by trees that met overhead to create a sort of tunnel. After a full minute, the trees gave way to an open lawn. I gasped when I saw the gray, stone castle in front of us. It was a Victorian gothic style that I’d seen quite a bit in Ireland.
“What is this?”
“It’s my home.”
My mouth was on the floor when I looked at him. “What? What about the palace?”
“That’s property of the crown, technically it belongs to the people of Lochland. This is all mine. My mother’s father passed it down to me.”
“What about Cian?”
He smirked. “He felt eventually getting the throne was enough for him. He gave this manor to me, a place on the coast to Isla and Ronan has a property in Scotland.”
I had a feeling that hadn’t gone over well with Cian but didn’t want to bring it up.
“So, this is your house?”
“Welcome to Falcon Manor.”
He got out and hurried to my side to open the door. I was frozen, staring up at the magnificent building.
He dipped his head in. “Are you going to come see it or just stare?”
I took his hand, letting him help me out. I gazed at the lawn, grounds, and forest. “How much of this is yours?”
He smiled and slipped his fingers through mine. “About a hundred acres.”
I gasped. “Wow.”
“There’s a lake, Granddad’s barn where he used to keep his falcons, and a boathouse. He kept this as his personal getaway so he didn’t bu
ild other homes on the land. This is where he went when he needed alone time.”
I laughed and pointed at the manor. “That’s what he needed to be alone?”
Aiden’s smile reached his eyes, making the corners crinkle. “He was an exorbitant man.”
I paused, realizing I didn’t know any of their history. “Was your mom or dad’s parents the king and queen?”
“My dad. My mother’s parents were a duke and duchess, titled from Scotland. The Queen of England sent them here as ambassadors, and that’s how my parents met.”
I shook my head. There was still so much I didn’t know or understand. I did get that it meant the Queen’s family was ridiculously wealthy before she became Queen though.
“Good genes,” I said.
He laughed. “I wish my grandparents were still around. You would have loved my mum’s parents. My dad’s father passed before I was born and his mum was a hard woman to be around.”
“Oh really? Your dad is so kind.”
He nodded. “I think it’s because he didn’t want to be like her. She was Queen by birth and acted as though she needed to be heartless and unsympathetic to be taken seriously. He said it was a very unloving environment, and he was raised by maids and tutors. He didn’t want that for his children.”
I felt horrible for the king. What an awful environment to grow up in, and he could have easily followed her lead. Thank heaven he didn’t. His children wouldn’t be who they were without their kindness and love.
“Let’s go in,” he said.
I followed him, excited to see what was inside. He opened the door and I was instantly surprised by how bright, clean, and good it smelled.
“Wow.”
He grinned. “Not what you were expecting?”
I shook my head. “I thought it would be stuffy in here or drafty. It’s so...homey.”
He pulled me into him. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”
He kissed the top of my head and led me further in. The walls were bright white, while the floors and beams on the ceilings were dark, rich wood. Somehow it felt modern despite being hundreds of years old.
His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I Page 16
