His Royal Regret: Royals of Lochland Book 2 Read online

  “You can’t be serious.” Isla gasped and read for herself. “There’s no way they did this that quickly.”

  “They had to have started looking after the appearance at the hospital.” Charlie frowned. “They were probably waiting for the confirmation from Cian before posting.”

  Serena turned to me. “I knew publicity was a part of being with you. I knew what would happen when you told them. I agreed to it.” She sighed. “We’ll get through this together, right?”

  “Of course.” I put my arm around her waist, holding her close. I’ll have my security team get to work tonight to ensure your home is safe and that you all will be able to return tomorrow.”

  Not that I wanted any of them to, but I had to take things at Serena’s speed.

  “I doubt we will be able to return home that fast,” Vanessa said. “We might be stuck here for a little while.” She didn’t sound too upset about that idea.

  David was smiling. “A vacation doesn’t sound horrible.”

  I expected Serena to complain to tell them they had to return home, but she just nodded. “We’ll discuss later tonight what the best option would be.”

  Staying was an option? I would do anything to make sure that she stayed. Well, short of lying to her.

  “I’ll let my team know.” I pulled out my phone and sent them a few instructions.

  I wasn’t going to let them go home unless I knew it was safe and they would be able to get in and out without being mobbed. I didn’t want to break the news to her now, but this was likely the end of her volunteering for the near future. Once the media figured out her schedule and where to find her it would turn into a chase. The hospital and shelter had to consider the safety of everyone involved. It would be too dangerous, especially for the children, for her to go.

  “There’s nothing we can do about it at the moment, so let's enjoy the rest of the night and figure it out later,” Isla said with a decisive nod. She paused. “Serena, there are a few people I want to introduce you to.”

  Without another glance, she looped her arm through Serena’s and led her to another room. Our group began breaking apart as Charlie and Aiden waved and went another direction.

  “I’m starving.” David was already searching for the dining area. “Do you want some food, Vanessa?”

  She cringed. “I’m terrified of spilling something on this dress, it probably cost as much as my car, but I’ll go with you.”

  “Do you want to come?” David asked me.

  I wanted to say yes, but over his shoulder, I caught sight of my parents watching me with matching expressions of disappointment. I didn't need to be summoned to know they wanted a private moment.

  “I’ll find you guys later.” I passed them and followed my parents into an empty room. They turned on their heels and waited for me. “Good evening. Mum, you look lovely.”

  Her smile faltered as she glanced at my father, who was red in the face. Furious.

  “I cannot fathom what was going through your mind,” he said.

  I leaned back against a side table. This was going to be a fun conversation. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  His eyes narrowed. “You publicly announced your relationship with that girl?”

  I gazed at him full-on, in defiance. “Yes, we’re a couple.”

  “Your mother and I have not given our approval.”

  I wanted to shout that he didn’t have control over every aspect of my life, but refrained. That would not get me closer to what I wanted. “I wasn’t aware I needed your approval for a girlfriend.”

  “Cian,” Mum said, “try to understand, we’re just trying to protect you.”

  I appreciated Mum’s attempt at softening the blow, but it wasn’t enough. I was going to have to fight them for what I wanted. It was the first time in my life I’d have to stand up to them. I’d gone along with everything. Every request. Every direction. Every single word. Until now. I wasn't going to roll over and give in about this.

  “I appreciate that, but I’m a grown man that is fully capable of deciding who I spend my time with and when I make that news available to the public. Serena and I decided together that we were comfortable taking this step.”

  “Oh,” Father said in a snide tone, “I’m sure the girl is more than happy to let the world know she’s dating you.”

  “Father, please stop referring to her as the girl. You know her name.”

  His eyes narrowed further. “She’s not worthy of you. She’s not a future queen.”

  “You got that from one conversation with her?”

  “First impressions are everything.”

  I laughed mirthlessly. “I sincerely hope that’s not your real opinion. You can’t possibly know everything you need to after meeting her once. She’s a wonderful, charming, giving woman. What more do you want?”

  “She’s an American.” Dad bit out.

  I blew out a breath. “So is Charlie. Are you going to demand Aiden end their relationship?”

  “No,” He replied. “But he’s not the next king.”

  “We don’t have a law requiring me to marry a Lochish woman or even a titled woman. Why does this suddenly matter to you?”’

  He glared and turned his back to me. Mum stepped forward. “I like her, Cian. I really do. She’s brilliant, and her love for others is something I admire. But she isn’t ready to stand by your side at the throne.”

  “Neither am I.” I pushed back. “So it’s a good thing we both have time.”

  Her smile dimmed. “She has much to prove.”

  I pointed to the door. “Then go watch her. Go talk to her. Send your friends to talk to her, to test her. She’s remarkable. Go see it for yourself.”

  Mum turned to Father but he remained stubbornly in place.

  “I’m going back to my girlfriend.” I sighed and gave my father a stern look. “I pray you both will take a moment to really know her. You won’t regret it.”

  I turned my back to them and walked out. I took a deep breath once I was out of the room and shook my head. I’d never faced off with them like that before. I’d never challenged them, but I wouldn’t tolerate them disregarding Serena before they made an honest effort to know her. She wasn’t some vapid, silly girl only interested in what I could offer her. Why couldn’t they see the woman I did?

  “Hey,” Aiden said, approaching me and putting a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  I shook my head. “Not really.”

  “What happened?” His eyebrows pulled together in concern.

  “Our parents shared their disappointment with my announcement. They don’t think she’s ready or worthy of being with me.”

  His head dropped. “I’m sorry. I feared that when they met Charlie, but of course they went easier on her. Serena has a lot more to prove.”

  I nodded. “I’m well aware.”

  “Is there anything I can do?”

  “I don’t know how to change their minds. I asked them to talk to her again or have their friends talk to her. I want them to know how amazing she is. They think she’s after my title or something.”

  Aiden laughed. “Yeah, she’s only interested in that. So much so that she’s pushed and fought at every turn. Did you tell them how much you had to beg for her to come here? That she’s the one with doubts?”

  “I tried. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions.”

  He sighed with me. “We’ll just have to prove them wrong. Let’s introduce her to as many people as we can. Have them fall in love with her and let the praise come rolling into Mum and Dad.”

  I was going to dismiss the idea before realizing it was the best option we had. If we got the people to love her, then their argument would be for naught.

  “That’s not a horrible idea.”

  He smirked. “I’m aware.”

  “You hunt down the people she should meet, and I’ll find her and prep her.”

  He turned to do as I asked while I hurried through each room to
find her. We only had a few hours to introduce her to as many people as possible.

  23

  Serena

  When Cian pulled me away from Isla to introduce me to a few people, I had no idea he meant every single person at the gala. He told me it was important that I mingle and let people get to know me. I didn’t argue so we moved from room to room never staying in one place for long.

  Lady Flora had been a delight. She was an eccentric woman with fiery red hair and a canary yellow gown, complete with a feather skirt. She and I bonded over our mutual love of animals, but Cian moved us onto a different duke or lord before I had the chance to really get to know her. This continued for what felt like hours. I had no way to know the time but watched as the crowd thinned and people began to slow down.

  At one point I saw Aiden directing people to us and then I noticed the king and queen watching me, and it clicked. This was a test.

  I didn't know if they were waiting to see if I could handle the crowds, or see me fall flat on my face. I kept a smile in place and focused on the person in front of me, but in the back of my mind, I wondered what they were looking for.

  Every princess or queen movie and real-life clips I’d ever watched went through my mind as I reminded myself to pull my shoulders back for better posture. I nodded, smiled, and engaged as much as I could. If they wanted to know if I could talk to people, I checked that box. The only piece I couldn’t control was whether or not the people I spoke to were impressed or not. I had a feeling they’d be checking to see how their friends and fellow nobles felt about me.

  I felt like I was in a nightmare where I arrived at school naked and unprepared for finals. I was on full display and had to hope I was passing.

  Cian led me to another group and I took the opportunity to check the time. “How much longer?” I whispered.

  His smile never faltered. “Twenty minutes. You are doing so well, my love.”

  I tried to stretch my neck and back, but knew it would draw attention. He confirmed my suspicion. I was being scrutinized. Well, as long as they wanted a show I’d perform to my best ability. If at the end of the night they were left wanting then I’d know I wasn’t meant for this life. Better to know now and be able to return to home than drag this out and risk a worse heartbreak.

  I was lying to myself. There would be heartbreak and devastation at any point. I loved Cian and didn't want to leave him. But I really didn’t want to stay if his parents didn’t approve. It was one thing for his parents to not like me, it was entirely different when they were the rulers of the country you were a guest in. They could have me deported and my passport confiscated. They could probably keep me out of the EU forever.

  I swallowed my rising panic and focused on the diplomats in front of me. I knew Cian was talking about foreign policy with a Latin American country, but my knowledge was too limited on the topic to safely join in. I smiled and nodded at appropriate places while praying they didn’t ask me a question.

  “Are you familiar with the United States' stance on the trade in South America?” One of the men asked me.

  What was this? High school?

  Of course, I had no idea, but I couldn’t say that. I wasn’t dumb or uneducated, I just wasn’t interested in this topic so I hadn’t ever researched it. Apparently, these men expected me to have a working knowledge of everything to do with America.

  “I believe it’s fairly open in most industries.” I pulled that answer out of thin air. It felt vague enough to not commit me to anything while also using a buzz word that hopefully made me sound like I sort of knew what I was saying. “I’ve been working closely with the Peruvian government for the past few months and they’ve been very responsive to me importing supplies.”

  Ha. There. I’d just twist my experience to fit this topic.

  That piqued one man’s interest. “Really, what are you importing?”

  I almost mentioned my family’s shipping company but that would be a whole new can of worms I didn’t know about. “Construction tools and building materials. I’m in the planning phase of a new orphanage there.”

  The man’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “That sounds wonderful. Have you met Lady Avalon? She opened a school in Peru a few years ago. I’m sure she has some tips for you.”

  The boulder that had been slowly crushing me through this conversation rolled far away. “I have but I will have to find her again to discuss it. Thank you.”

  He nodded, seeming pleased and we moved on. I let out a sigh while Cian squeezed my hand. “You are brilliant.”

  I chuckled. “I felt like I was drowning.”

  Isla approached us, appearing as tired as I felt. “I’m ready to call it a night. I think you’ve talked to everyone here, even the waiters.”

  Cian smirked. “I’m sorry to drag you around, but I promise it was for a good reason.”

  “You mean to pass your parents’ test?”

  His eyebrows shot up while Isla looked confused.

  “I noticed them watching us all night. I’m not sure what they were waiting for but if you think they’re satisfied I’m ready to go.”

  Cian seemed a bit guilty but glanced over my shoulder to where I’d last seen them. “Give me a minute.”

  I nodded and walked away with Isla. “You really think they were testing you?”

  “Yeah, I don’t think they’re too excited about our announcement tonight.”

  She scrunched her nose. “I knew they were going to be hard on whoever Cian chose, but I thought they would be relieved it was a woman as intelligent and kind as you.”

  I sighed. “It’s quite the role to fill. I understand they’re apprehensive. I just wish I knew what they wanted or needed from me to really get to know me. If they aren’t sure, then just address it.”

  She nodded. “They have more to think about than Cian and how you fit with him. You could be the next queen.”

  “Exactly.”

  She pulled on my hand. “Let’s go wait in the limo.”

  David and Vanessa were waiting at the door, talking with Aiden and Charlie.

  “Are you guys ready?” Aiden asked.

  “Yeah,” I agree. “Cian will be another minute.”

  We walked outside and I was pleasantly surprised to see the cameras and reporters were gone. We were able to get into the car in peace.

  Charlie sat next to me. “Aiden told me what happened. I’m sorry you had such a rough night.”

  “Thanks.” I tried to smile, but exhaustion washed over me the second I sat down.

  The others continued talking around me but I laid my head back and closed my eyes. A few minutes later the door opened again and Cian landed in a heap in the seat. His eyes found me and a warm smile appeared. Everyone was watching him and he finally broke the silence, staring straight at me.

  “They were very impressed tonight by how you handled yourself. Apparently, the guests couldn’t stop raving about you. Social media is going crazy. Somehow the world already knows about your volunteer work. They’re calling you the next Princess Diana.”

  I gasped. Not only was that the highest compliment in my mind, she’d been a fierce champion to those in need. That must mean they didn’t hate me. I hoped. “So?”

  He leaned forward. “They apologized to me about making such a quick judgment, although I should add Mum loved you from the beginning. Dad had more reservations. They both said you presented yourself like a queen.”

  My jaw might as well have been dragging behind us on the street. “Really?”

  Aiden nodded. “Yeah, really? One night and they’re convinced?”

  “I believe Mum might have had more influence over Dad’s change of heart, but the compliments from the guests did help. I think he was just being cautious.”

  I nodded. “Of course. I understand.”

  I still couldn't believe they’d changed their minds so quickly. I thought it would take months of proving myself.

  Charlie winked at me. “Welcome to the crazy.”<
br />
  Isla laughed. “Yeah, it’s too late to run now.”

  I giggled. “After tonight, there’s no way I’m letting all that go to waste.”

  Cian’s eyes shone as he mouthed, “I love you.”

  I mouthed it back then allowed myself to relax.

  It had been a brutal night, but it was so worth it. I still couldn’t believe it had been that simple. There had to be something else we didn’t know about.

  * * *

  “Wake up!”

  I opened my eyes and looked around. Vanessa was standing at the foot of my bed. “What?”

  “The queen asked to meet with you.”

  I nodded and sat up. “When?”

  “Now.”

  I froze. “Are you serious?”

  She was already moving around the bed, pulling me out by my arm. “Come on.”

  I followed her to the bathroom where my makeup and hair supplies were. “Your hair is out of control.”

  I splashed water on my face and ignored her. I showered when we got home last night and hadn’t bothered to brush out my hair before getting in bed.

  “Sit down,” she bossed.

  I obeyed and she took a comb to the tangled mess.

  “Oh good, you’re up.” Isla rushed into the bathroom. “I’ll do her hair, you do the makeup.”

  I wanted to tell them I could do this myself, but they were moving at such a frantic pace I just let it happen.

  “Any idea why she wants to meet with me?” I turned to Isla who shook her head, not stopping her work.

  As I woke up more, the panic came rushing in. Why did the queen want to meet with me? Was it about last night? Had someone said something negative?

  “There.” Vanessa stepped back and I glanced at my reflection. The makeup was subtle but enough to look like I made an effort. She was amazingly fast.

  I smiled at her weakly. “Thank you.”

  “And your hair is…done.” Isla had twisted my hair into a messy braid that somehow appeared chic.