His Royal Regret: Royals of Lochland Book 2 Page 18

  “Thanks. Wow.” I turned my head this way and that. “You guys can do this for me every day.”

  Vanessa pulled me back to the bedroom. “Shush. Hurry and get dressed.” Isla was already at the wardrobe searching through my options.

  “Here.” She handed me the cream midi dress I’d brought as a backup. I didn't think I’d need it, but now I was grateful I had thought to pack extra.

  I changed quickly then followed them downstairs to the same garden I’d originally met the king and queen. “We’ll find you after.” Isla kissed my cheek then hurried off with Vanessa who gave me a discrete thumbs up before rushing off.

  I was still in such a daze, I stood there for several moments before snapping out of it and walking outside. Unlike last time, I was first to arrive.

  I’d just sat when another door opened and Queen Anne stepped out. She was wearing a lovely cream pantsuit that made her look refined and surprisingly trendy.

  I stood but she quickly waved me to sit back down.

  “I appreciate you meeting me so early,” she said. “I apologize for the short notice, but there’s something important I want to discuss.”

  “Of course.” I held my breath as every horrible possibility ran through my mind. They were packing my bags as I was sitting here. My family was never welcome back. I was banned from ever leaving the states again.

  “I’m not sure how much you know about me,” she said, “or what Cian has told you.”

  I was too embarrassed to tell her I’d done approximately zero research on his family. “I’m sorry, he hasn’t said very much.”

  She smiled gently. “Then I will. I was born a countess. I grew up around other nobles and knew Leo when he was young. We fancied each other quite early on. I was raised and groomed for this life. I thought I knew everything I needed to when Leo and I got engaged.” She smiled, as though a memory had appeared. “I was very wrong. I didn't know how to handle myself in large crowds. I didn’t know how to speak to people I didn't know. I didn’t even know what I was interested in. I was taught how to be a meek wife for the future king.”

  I felt her regret. She dedicated her life to her husband, not knowing herself. I wasn’t sure why she was telling me this, though.

  She dropped her gaze down at her lap before speaking. “It took several years for me to discover myself. Leo was the most supportive husband I could have imagined. He allowed me to go out and find my interests and passions. He was the one that encouraged me to participate in various charities and organizations until I found what spoke to me.”

  She paused and watched me. Unsure what to say, I nodded.

  “You’re a million miles ahead of where I was.” She gave a pleased smile. “You’re an accomplished, driven, motivated woman. I’m so impressed by all that you’ve done and that you did it without the influence that comes with your family name.” Her eyes brightened. “It took my husband longer than me to see what I did, but last night you handled yourself with such grace. I wish I could tell you that was what won him over, but it wasn’t just that.”

  “Oh?”

  “It was how you treat those around you. Not just the nobles or diplomats, or those deemed important by our community, but the servers and children and staff. You treated everyone with respect and we weren’t the only ones that noticed. Quite a few people approached us to tell us how wonderful you are and how you acted when you didn’t know people were watching. It confirmed what I already knew about you.”

  I braced myself, waiting for her to tell me.

  “You are a leader. You genuinely care about people, not just those you know either. You care about strangers and people you may never meet. That is a fine quality for a queen.”

  My eyes widened at that word.

  “I know we still have a lot to discuss and there’s much more I want to know about you, but this is a great start.”

  She picked up a box I hadn’t noticed sitting on the table next to her. “I want to officially welcome you to the family.”

  She held out the box, but I hesitated. “Your ma-“

  “Anne.” She winked.

  “Anne, I can’t accept anything. I’m not a part of the family.”

  Her smile widened. “Not yet, my dear.” She glanced down at the box then back to me. I took it from her and carefully opened the lid.

  I gasped and gently touched the stunning emerald and diamond earrings. “Anne, I can’t.”

  “I insist. Leo’s mother, may her soul rest in peace, gave them to me when I was courting Leo, and I want you to have them now.”

  I was speechless. These had to be one of a kind. Priceless. I couldn’t believe she was trusting them with me. “Anne…”

  “My mother-in-law was not an easy woman to love or live with. She was impossible to impress and made it known she never thought I was good enough. I don’t want to be like her. I want us to have a relationship, a friendship even.”

  I blinked away tears. “I’d love nothing more.”

  It was the truth. Not only did her approval mean the world to me, but her love and friendship were more than I could have ever wished for.

  “Thank you for being patient with us. Neither the king nor I have done this before, so we’re all learning together.”

  I smiled. “Thank you. I know there’s a lot I have to learn, but I look forward to it. I’ve loved getting to know your children, and I really love your son.”

  She beamed back at me and wiped her eyes. “I know you do.”

  She stood and I followed her lead. She shocked me when she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me in a hug.

  I couldn’t have dreamed of a better moment.

  “I’ll let you get on with your day.” She paused, gazing at my outfit. “Those would go with your dress perfectly.”

  I studied the earrings and smiled. I slipped them on and put the box in my pocket. “Thank you.”

  She nodded before turning and disappearing through the door she’d entered from. I took a steadying breath before going back to the hall to look for Cian. I had to tell him everything his mom said. It would mean as much to him as it had to me.

  24

  Cian

  “Everything’s ready.” David pulled my attention away from the window. “Are you?”

  I nodded. “Thanks for all of your help with this. I couldn't have done it without you.”

  He grinned. “What are friends for?”

  “You’re positive you’re okay with this?”

  He nodded. “I would have told you if I had any concerns.”

  “Thank you.” He patted my back before we left my room to head downstairs. He turned and disappeared down the hall while I waited for Serena to come down.

  I wiped my hands on my pants and blew out a breath. I’d barely slept the night before. My parents wanted to talk when we got back from the gala then I spent all night making arrangements. I didn't have much time, but things came together in the eleventh hour. I could sleep when this was over.

  “There you are.”

  Serena descended the stairs and gave me a hug. “I haven’t seen you all morning. Where have you been?”

  “I had some work to do.” I brushed her hair behind her ear and paused. “Are those…”

  I couldn’t get the rest of the words out. She was wearing my mother’s, well my grandmother’s, emerald earrings. They’d been passed down to Mum, the only thing my grandmother ever gave her, and she cherished them. If Serena was wearing them that meant Mum had spoken to her.

  “She gave them to me this morning.” She whispered, stunned.

  I had to clear my throat and wait for the tears to clear before responding. “They’re beautiful on you.”

  “Thank you. I’m still in shock. I can’t believe she trusted me with them.”

  My mother’s gesture was truly remarkable. I took this as a sign that my parents were truly on our side. “Are you ready?”

  She beamed. “Yes, I can’t wait to see your favorite place. I’ve been
waiting since we got here.”

  “Let’s not keep you waiting any longer.” I took her hand and led her outside. We passed through the garden and the loch came into view.

  “Oh wow.”

  I smiled, pleased at her reaction. “It’s stunning isn’t it?”

  It was a rare cloudless day and the sun was reflecting off the glassy water. The mountains were like emeralds, reflecting and redirecting the sunlight. There couldn’t be a more perfect day. It was even warm as we walked along the edge of the water.

  “It is.”

  She was distracted by the lake’s beauty, so leading her to my favorite location on the far west beach required me making sure she didn’t trip or fall on any branches or rocks. I inhaled, taking in the scent of dew on the warming grass.

  When we were almost there I paused. “Serena, I want you to know how much you mean to me. I’m so honored that you are willing to give me a chance and share your life with me. I know there will be a lot of compromises involved, but I will do anything to make you happy. I hope you know that.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I do.”

  I studied her face. She looked at peace for the first time since coming to Lochland. Things had worked out better than I expected.

  “Just a bit further,” I said.

  She held onto my arm and walked next to me, taking in the view with a satisfied smile.

  We turned at the bend that kept my spot hidden and she squealed.

  “Mom? Dad?” She ran to her parents, hugging them before turning around. David, Vanessa, Isla, Aiden, Charlie, and my parents glanced around like conspirators. She smiled at them before facing me. “What’s going on?”

  I met her in the middle of the group, knelt on one knee and took her hand in mine.

  “Serena, I love you more than I thought possible. You’ve changed me for the better. You challenge me. You make me think and push me to be better. When I think of the future, I can’t imagine it without you by my side. I know there are things we still need to figure out, but I want to do that together. Will you marry me?”

  I pulled a velvet ring box out of my pocket and opened it to reveal an emerald-cut diamond on a silver band. It was a family heirloom, and according to Vanessa, Serena would love it.

  “Oh my…” Serena’s eyes went wide and I almost laughed. Her sister had been correct. Finally, her eyes broke away from the stone and met mine. “I love you, too. I want nothing more than to be your wife.”

  I stood and pulled her to me, kissing her. She clung to me like she wanted this moment to last as long as I did.

  Unfortunately, our family didn’t have the same ideas and began to cheer and clap, interrupting us.

  We broke apart and I slid the ring on her finger.

  “It’s absolutely beautiful, Cian,” Serena said.

  I kissed her temple. “It’s almost as perfect and beautiful as you.”

  She scrunched her nose and giggled.

  “Let me see!” Her mom, who I’d met this morning when she and Serena’s father arrived, hurried forward for a hug.

  I called her parents after asking David for his approval. I knew how close they were and I didn’t want anything to ruin our friendship. He’d told me it wasn’t necessary I ask him, but it felt right. Her parents had flown out hours after our call and arrived at the palace just in time. I sat down with them and explained our story and my feelings for their daughter. I asked for their permission, but they asked to speak to David and Vanessa first to get their opinions since they’d spent time with us.

  The whole family agreed we’d make a perfect match so I went to my mother’s jewels to pick out a ring. My parents had shocked me last night when they told me they approved of Serena. They were testing me, her, and us as a couple and apparently, we passed. They wanted to make sure she wasn’t a passing fling and thought my actions at the gala revealed how much I cared about her.

  As much as I resented the fact that they felt the need to test us, I understood. All that mattered now was that she said yes.

  With excitement, I looked forward to us making the world a better place…together.

  Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed Cian and Serena’s story!

  Word of mouth is so important for authors to succeed. If you enjoyed His Royal Regret, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon!

  Keep Reading,

  Xoxo B

  Coming in December:

  Drop Pass

  The last thing Elena Curtis expected to do while on assignment covering the year’s largest winter storm was to meet and crush on Nikolay Kozlov. He’s stubborn, abrasive, and used to being in charge. His gruff personality should be enough to keep her away, but there’s something about him that draws her to him like a chaser to a category five hurricane.

  About the Author

  Brittney has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember. Her parents’ form of punishment growing up was taking away her books and making her go outside to play. She loves the beach, exercising, sleeping in, and a good gluten free cookie. She’s an obsessive dog lover and is slowly learning to appreciate the mountains she lives in. Nature can be okay, sometimes.

  Find out more about Brittney and her books at

  www.Brittneymulliner.com