His Royal Regret: Royals of Lochland Book 2 Read online

  “We’re here!” Vanessa climbed down next, smiling and perfectly put together. She gave me a hug before extending her hand to Isla. She paused and took a step back. “Am I supposed to curtsy?”

  Isla and I both laughed and Isla waved her off. “No, please don’t. You’re not Lochish, and you’re a friend. No need for formalities.”

  Vanessa smiled. “Then it’s so good to meet you.” She pulled Isla in for a hug, making my sister giggle.

  “It’s good to meet you too.”

  I turned away from their interaction and waited for Serena to come out. It felt like she was torturing me on purpose.

  Wait. She did come? Right?

  I began to panic when I finally saw movement at the door. She stepped out seeming a bit shy.

  I watched her as she descended, looking absolutely beautiful in a dark grey dress that skimmed her knees. Her blonde hair was pulled back away from her face and resting on her shoulders. She was more beautiful than I remembered.

  “Hello.” I stepped toward her the second her feet touched the ground.

  She smiled up at me. “Hi.”

  I stood there just taking her in. She was really here. I leaned in and she matched my movement. Her hands moved to my chest, gripping my shirt.

  I reached up and slid my thumb along her jaw. “I’ve missed you.”

  Her eyes widened a millimeter, but enough for me to see the surprise. “I’ve missed you too.”

  I pulled her into my arms and kissed the top of her head. I never wanted to let go. If I kept her right here, she could never leave and we’d never be apart again.

  “Come on, Cian. We’ve got to hurry.”

  I ignored Isla for a moment then stepped back. “Thank you for coming.”

  Serena's face was pink with a blush, and I realized I was being more forward and familiar than I’d been back in L.A. when I was still figuring things out. Now, I knew exactly what I wanted.

  “Thank you for inviting me.” She glanced over my shoulder. “Well, all of us.”

  I took her hand and squeezed it before leading her back to the waiting car.

  “A limo? Really?” She giggled, looking nervous.

  “It was the best way to fit all of us, plus we’re taking it to the hospital later.”

  She nodded before releasing my hand and sliding in. I missed her touch immediately. The cold replaced where her hand had been. I wanted it back.

  “We’re so excited to have the three of you here. I’m so proud of the work Cian has done.” Isla grinned at me and I felt like she was my mother boasting about me to her friends.

  “It’s been all over the news. You’re really doing a great job.” Vanessa said and I thanked her.

  “It’s taken a team, but I’m very pleased with how quickly we’ve been able to progress.”

  Serena smiled but remained silent. I wished I could read her mind or have a translator for what her expressions meant. Having her near but not knowing was almost worse than her being an ocean and a continent away.

  17

  Serena

  I was desperately trying not to freak out as we drove through one of the most beautiful places I’d ever been. Lochland was green and lush and seemed to go on in every direction with rolling hills. I wanted to tell the driver to slow down so I could take it all in, but I knew we were behind schedule. Hopefully there would be time for sightseeing later.

  I was leaving so soon, though. I doubted there would be much free time. A tiny part of me wanted to see if we could extend our stay, but fear kept me from asking. Fear of being rejected, and fear of what would happen with more time together.

  Cian was already more comfortable around me than he was when he left L.A. I didn’t know what to make of that. Did he feel closer since this was our second time together, or had he been holding back before? He definitely seemed more relaxed, and his attitude was contagious.

  He slid his hand across the seat and rested it on my knee, pulling me closer to him. I wasn’t going to complain. It felt right. Being with him felt much more comfortable than I expected. Whatever had been between us back home was alive and well here. I wasn’t just imagining it.

  I turned my head enough to smile at him, hoping to be discreet. His grin reached his eyes and I nearly swooned. How embarrassing would that have been in front of our siblings?

  “I’m so excited you all were able to make it this weekend,” Isla said. “Cian has spoken so positively of you.” Isla was looking directly at me even though she was addressing all of us.

  “It’s good to see you again. It’s been far too long.” David smiled at her and I was reminded this wasn’t his first time meeting her, or coming to the palace. I should have had him coach me through things on the flight over, but I’d taken a sleeping pill and promptly passed out until just a few minutes before we landed. It was better than stressing for ten hours.

  “It has.” She smiled sweetly at him before turning. “Vanessa, you’re in university, correct?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I’m in my last year.”

  “You must be excited to finish. I know I was. Do you know what you want to do after?”

  I waited for my sister’s response. Her plans had changed so often over the past four years I could hardly keep up. I was interested to know what the latest dream was.

  “I’m going to work with David.”

  That wasn’t what I was expecting. “Really?” I couldn’t contain my surprise.

  Her eyes flickered to me. “Yeah.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  She shrugged. “I was still deciding, but last semester I took a business management course I really enjoyed so I talked to David about it and he’s going to mentor me and I’ll work on the operations team. I might not stay there forever, but it will be a good experience.”

  I was shocked. I’d never heard her talk so reasonably, and responsibly, before. “Wow. Does Dad know?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, he made me interview with the VP of operations and everything.”

  “That’s awesome, Vanessa. I’m proud of you.”

  She smiled and actually seemed uncomfortable about the attention on her. “Thanks.”

  “Serena,” Isla said, “Cian tells me you’re a philanthropist. You build schools and orphanages?”

  I nodded. “I’ve worked with a team and we’ve built four schools and six orphanages so far.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “That’s brilliant. I’ve worked with several different organizations in the past few years because I want to find a focus that really speaks to me, so I’m a bit jealous you already have.”

  “It started when she was in the hospital.” Vanessa blurted then looked at me apologetically.

  Isla seemed surprised. “Oh really?”

  I took a breath and nodded. “I had leukemia as a child and stayed at the children’s hospital for nearly a year. After that, I decided I would do what I could to give back to children in similar positions of need. I volunteer at the same hospital now, and work on planning new projects with my team.”

  Cian responded with a flicker of sympathy while Isla put her hand over her heart. “That’s lovely. I’m really touched that you still want to give back after all these years.”

  “I was lucky to have the resources I needed available to me. That’s why I work in less developed countries. I want to give them resources at school, and a home for those that don’t have one.”

  Isla smiled. “I’ll have to get more information about your team while you’re here. I’d love to work together on a project.”

  My jaw nearly dropped. Having Isla working with us would give us the exposure and resources I could only dream of. “That would be amazing.”

  She nodded and changed the subject while I sat there and fantasized about what we could do. Vanessa caught my eye and raised a single eyebrow. I remembered what she said about me being able to have more of an influence with the help of Cian and his family and I realized how right she was.

  Not that thos
e were the only perks or even the reason why I would consider a future with Cian. I laced my fingers through his and glanced down at our hands. He was what I wanted. I could feel it in my bones. I knew the second our eyes met when I got out of the plane.

  His arm brushed against mine and my skin broke out in goosebumps. I forgot how intoxicating his scent was. I leaned in and placed my chin on his shoulder while I looked out the window at the passing fields. My stomach was still in a tizzy from being this close to him, but now that I knew what it felt like to be apart I wasn’t going to waste a second.

  I fought it. I really did. I didn’t want to have feelings for him, but I was done fighting. There’s no use. I was worse off without him, and I feel infinitely better with him. That’s all I needed to know.

  But what to do now?

  I wished there was an easy answer.

  “We’re here.” He whispered to me and I gazed out the opposite window to see the enormous, pale yellow palace. We were on a white gravel road lined with finely manicured trees and shrubs. My stomach felt like it was in my throat by the time the driver parked in front of the white stairs leading to the entrance. This was real. I was at his palace. It was more overwhelming than I expected. I waited for security to step out and scan us or take our prints, but it was quiet.

  Cian helped me out of the car, followed by the rest of the group.

  Vanessa gasped, immediately pulling out her phone and taking pictures. I almost told her to stop before I realized I wanted to document this as much as she did. I’d have to have her send them to me later.

  “We have an hour before we have to head to the hospital,” Cian said, “so we’ll show you to your rooms and you can freshen up.”

  He took my hand and led us through the front doors and into a gleaming, marble foyer with two grand staircases on either side of the room. He led me up the right side with the group following behind. At the top of the stairs, two people were waiting for us. I recognized Aiden immediately. He looked so similar to his brother. The woman next to him was gorgeous with clear, pale skin and light brown hair curled around her waist. This must be the American girlfriend. She smiled at me and I instantly felt more comfortable. If she could survive here on her own, I could with my siblings here to support me.

  “Welcome friends,” Aiden called with a wide smile. When we got to the top, he shook David’s hand. “It’s been too long.”

  “I agree. The last time I saw you was your freshman year.” They chuckled like they were both thinking about the same thing.

  Aiden introduced himself and his girlfriend, Charlie, to David and Vanessa before turning to me. “And you must be Serena.” His smile put me at ease. He was so much more relaxed and open with his emotions than Cian. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  Instead of a handshake, he stepped forward and pulled me into a tight hug. “Thank you.”

  His whispered appreciation caught me off guard. He pulled back and acted like nothing had happened. I’d have to find a way to ask him what he meant later.

  Charlie pushed him away playfully and gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  I laughed at her enthusiasm and hugged her back. I thought Europeans weren’t the hugging type, but it seemed this family was different.

  “I’ll show you to your room.” She stole me away before anyone could protest and led me down a hall with emerald carpet and walls. About halfway down, she stopped at a closed door. “This one’s yours. I’m just one door down and your sister will be across the hall.”

  I nodded as she opened the door and followed her in. She turned and touched my hand. “Sorry for dragging you away but I wanted a chance to talk to you, without everyone around.”

  “Okay.” I wasn’t sure if I should be scared, worried, or flattered.

  She let go of my hand. “I’ve been in your shoes. I still am.” She let out a sigh. “I know exactly how scary and overwhelming this is. I wanted to run so many times but at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how I feel about Aiden. The rest falls into place.”

  I knew she was trying to be helpful, but I just cocked my head. “That’s sweet.”

  “It’s true. Everything else is either a luxury or bearable. Even when the paparazzi are in your face and you’re tired and just want to be alone, it’s worth it. Aiden is worth it and I know Cian is too. I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but I needed to share that with you.”

  “I really appreciate that.” A small weight felt like it was being lifted off. Knowing Charlie could handle this life gave me hope. “This has all been such a whirlwind, I’ve been so focused on all the things I’d have to sacrifice or the things that could go wrong. I’ve honestly forgotten that at the end of the day I’d be with Ci-Cian.” I cleared my throat, surprised by the sudden burst of emotions.

  “Oh Serena.” She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me in. “It’s going to be hard. I won’t lie to you, but I promise if you choose him it will be so worth it. He will do everything in his power to make you happy, and in case you didn’t know he has a lot of power.”

  I laughed and sat on the corner of the white and gold bed. “Thank you. It really does help to know you’ve survived this so far.”

  “You can too. If that’s what you want, but it’s tough. If you’re not here for the right reasons you will get eaten alive.”

  I shook my head. “No, I would never try to take advantage.”

  She held up her hand. “I know, but I’ve seen some women who do and they don’t last around here for long.”

  I wanted to ask her what she meant if there was a woman Cian had been interested in. At the end of the day, it didn’t matter. He was interested in me now and was obviously working to make that clear to me. I couldn’t hold his past against him.

  “Just know that you have a friend here, an ally.” She patted my arm. “I’ve been through it, and I want to make sure you don’t have to repeat any of my mistakes.”

  I squeezed her hand and let go. “Thank you.”

  “You’ll probably meet his parents too while you’re here.”

  I froze. They weren’t just his parents. They were the king and queen of Lochland.

  “Yeah,” she said, smirking, “I reacted the same way.”

  I peered up at her, feeling the panic rising.

  She sat on the bed facing me. “Calm down. You’ll do just fine. I’ll even help you practice your curtsy.”

  “Isla said we don’t have to curtsy.”

  She pursed her lips. “To the king and queen, you should.”

  I nodded. Of course. That made sense. I should have looked up the local traditions and customs. I was going to end up offending someone, I just knew it. I couldn’t believe I was so unprepared. I always studied a country before I went with the team, but not this time. Not, debatably, the most important time. I’d been so caught up in packing and making sure the shelter and hospital would be covered while I was gone. Any free time I had was spent freaking out.

  “I’m going to need so much help,” I lamented.

  She laughed. “It’s not too complicated. You’ll catch on quickly. Isla and Aiden are really helpful and give me signs when I need to know something. Most of the time I just observe and follow along with what everyone else is doing.”

  I nodded. “I can do that.”

  “Perfect. That’s the best advice I can give you.”

  I blew out a breath and glanced down at my dress. “This is what I was planning on wearing to the hospital, is it okay?”

  The gray sheath dress was simple but flattering. I wore matching gray heels and felt like I looked fine, but I had no idea if I was over or underdressed.

  “You’re gorgeous. You’re so far ahead of where I was when I first arrived. Isla took me shopping the second I got to the palace. Granted, she was trying to distract me from figuring out who Aiden really was, but it was also due to my dire clothing situation. I packed for a trip through Europe, not to attend royal events.”

&nb
sp; I laughed at her perspective on how things happened. Vanessa told me about the American that met the Lochish prince and thought he was a normal guy. He asked her to be his date to a family wedding and didn’t discover until she was already at the palace that he was a prince.

  At least I knew what I was getting into from the beginning.

  She gave me a tight hug. “You’ll do great today. Just enjoy it.”

  I nodded. “I’ll try.”

  “Sometimes, that’s all we can do.” She smiled and left the room. Once the door shut, I fell back onto the bed and stared at the beautiful pink, silk canopy hanging over the white four-post bed. A princess wannabe in my own fairy tale.

  18

  Cian

  Lewis made arrangements for us to arrive at the children's wing through a service entrance so we could avoid the majority of the press. I wanted to shield Serena and her family from as much of the negative aspects of my life as possible. There would be media coverage of the ribbon-cutting, but it was limited to approved journalists. We wouldn’t be screamed at or shoved by cameras.

  “Ready?” I asked once we parked. I received several nods in response.

  I stepped out, buttoning my suit coat and held out my hand for Serena. She smiled and waited next to me as the rest of the group stepped out of the limo.

  The hospital’s public relations manager, Meg, met us. “Thank you all so much for coming. We’re so excited about this. The children have been talking about the renovations nonstop since the announcement.”

  I grinned. “I can’t wait for it to be done so they can enjoy it.”

  We were led to a large elevator and went up directly to the children’s floor. I took Serena’s hand and gave it three squeezes, but dropped it when the doors opened. I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to her.

  I looked over and met her eyes. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Of course.”

  She seemed so much more self-assured since Charlie spoke with her. I didn't know exactly what they’d discussed but I owed Charlie for the peace it seemed to bring her.