The Billionaire’s Royal Challenge (Devotion and Dynasty Trilogy #2)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

NATE

N ate stared down at the carousel visible from his balcony as the warm afternoon sun lowered in the sky. His mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming royal ball, his preparations, and the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders.

Yesterday at this time, he’d been riding that carousel, smiling and happy, holding hands with Elena.

Today, his afternoon was packed with more lessons than he could count to prepare all of the Kingsleys for the state visit and royal ball.

When he’d first heard they’d learn to waltz, he’d laughed, assuming it was a joke. He’d quickly sobered when he realized it was not.

Apparently, it was all the rage with the royals, still. Elena, Alexander, and all of her cousins were well-versed in it, as they were in all things royal.

Alexander’s easy way had almost set him at ease, assuring him at the dinner that he’d pick it up in no time. But he wondered about that.

He was beginning to wonder about it all. No matter how hard he tried, he fell into some pitfall.

A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts. He crossed the room and pulled it open, a smile spreading across his features when he spotted Elena.

“Hey, Ellie,” he answered as she slipped into his room.

“Are you all ready to learn to waltz?”

“I am…as ready as I’m going to be,” he answered.

“You’ll do fine,” she answered. “You are worrying far too much.”

“I don’t think you’re worrying enough,” he said with a coy grin. “Your toes may disagree vehemently after these lessons and our first official dance.”

She cocked her head, offering him a shrug. “We did just fine at your parents’ gala.”

“That was about as far from a waltz as we could get. Swaying back and forth isn’t anything like this.”

She giggled at his complaints. “You can master it. I have every faith in you.”

“That makes one of us.” He swallowed hard as he focused on her. “Ellie, can we talk?”

“Of course.”

He sucked in a deep breath, his features pinching.

“Uh-oh, this doesn’t look good.”

He pressed his lips together, his heart pounding with a mix of upset and regret. “I…wanted to talk about what happened yesterday.”

“Yesterday? Do you mean with the horse? I have already warned the grooms not to give you Phoenix again, though we likely won’t ride here again before we return home to greet the Corinthian royal family.”

He shook his head, his emotions heightening. “No, it’s…the other thing that happened.”

“Other thing? Did I miss something?” Her features blanched as she stiffened. “Did Isabelle do something else?”

“No, I did,” he answered.

Her eyes widened as she waited for him to speak.

“Ellie…I feel awful about our misunderstanding yesterday. I…didn’t mean to suggest that you should leave your life behind. I just…it was stupid. And it just slipped out.”

She sucked in a breath as she crinkled her forehead. “Thank you for saying that, though…”

“Yes?” he asked.

She flicked her emerald eyes to him, her gaze questioning. “I have a suspicion that you…meant it.”

He shifted his weight. While he’d love to skip all the vetting and protocols and just live a simple life, it wasn’t fair. And she could have demanded the same when he’d told her about his station in life.

When he’d admitted he was the son of Charles Kingsley, it automatically meant their lives would be dictated by social expectations. Galas, benefits, client dinners, all of it came with the territory.

He’d expected her to rise to the occasion, even insisted she attend a gala so he could ask her to marry him there. He hadn’t thought twice about expecting her to participate in his life.

Now that the shoe was on the other foot, he wanted her to bail on every aspect of her life to make his easier.

“I didn’t,” he said with a shake of his head.

Silence stretched between them for a moment before she nodded.

“Really, Ellie. I didn’t mean it. I just…it was stupid to say and unfair. Completely unfair.”

“Darling, I do understand the pressures of royal life. I understand them quite well. I have been living with them for decades. I even went to Sterling City to escape some of them.”

She crossed to him, sliding her arms around his neck. “And there I met the loveliest man.”

Nate rolled his eyes at his own behavior. “And he was a complete idiot who called the king the wrong title, asked the princess to leave her life behind for him, and nearly fell off his horse.”

She laughed before she planted a kiss on him. “And he very sweetly told me how sorry he was.”

“He is very, very sorry,” Nate assured her, pressing his forehead against hers.

“And he is very, very foolish for underestimating himself. He is a smart, capable man who is going to do just fine once he relaxes.”

“Well, he…” Nate’s features cracked into a smile. “I can’t…I can’t keep talking about myself in the third person. It’s getting weird.”

Elena joined in the laughter. “Sorry. I thought it was quite fun. And so will your dance lessons be. Relax, Nathan. You’re not meant to be perfect on the first round. Try to see it as a new experience and have a good time.”

He shifted his weight again, sucking in a breath. “Okay, I’ll try. I just…don’t want to disappoint you.”

“It could never happen,” she said with a grin.

“All right. I’ll try to be as excited about it as Maddie. She hasn’t stopped talking about this waltz since she heard about it.”

Elena offered him a coy smile. “I’m certain she is hoping Alexander will ask her to dance.”

He bobbed his head. “I think so. It’s kind of obvious that she likes him.”

“He is very easy to like. He has many friends.”

“It’ll crush her when she has to meet his girlfriend.”

“He hasn’t got one of those,” Elena answered.

“Really? So, he didn’t have one picked out from birth?”

“He did not. However, his parents are quite keen on him dating a particular woman, Lady Margaret.”

Nate arched an eyebrow. “He doesn’t like her?”

“No, she’s quite dull.”

His features pinched as he considered the words.

“I’m not being rude. She is rather dull.”

“No, it’s not that. I was just…concerned that he may return Maddie’s interest.”

“She’s a little young for him, dear. You needn’t worry about him stealing her away just yet. Although…”

“What? Is the legal age for marriage here young?”

“No,” she said with a chuckle, “I was going to say he is the best of the bunch. You would not want her marrying Julian. He is as awful as his sister.”

“I’m sticking with her being too young to date him. He’s on his own. Or with Margaret.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that. He may no longer be so kind to you. And now, we’d better head downstairs before we are late for your lessons.”

“Right,” he said with a nod as he let go of her waist.

He hated to leave the quiet sanctuary of his room behind. There, things returned to some semblance of normal. He and Elena could relax, be themselves without the protocols and customs.

But he needed to learn more about what would be expected of him if they were to wed. And he needed to prove he could live up to the role. He needed the king’s approval so he could see that engagement ring on her finger again.

He reminded himself that he had friends in his corner here, people looking out for him and determined to see him succeed .

Elena led him downstairs to a ballroom, smaller, though just as grand as what they’d seen in the palace. The other members of his family already waited there, including Maddie who wore a grin from ear to ear.

“Hello, everyone,” Elena said as they strode inside. “Thank you all for joining us. Chloe, I’m glad to see you are feeling better.”

The blonde shrugged a shoulder as she shifted her gaze to one of the sets of doors. “Must have been something I ate.”

“Well, I am pleased you could join us. Caroline will be going over several details with you regarding the protocols during the royal reception, and then you’ll learn to waltz.”

“You aren’t staying to help us?” Victoria asked.

“I will be back, yes. Though I have another appointment with my father now. When I return, I expect to see progress.” She gave them a cheeky grin before she whispered a good luck to Nate and strolled from the room.

“It’s so exciting,” Maddie said. “I feel like a princess. Maybe one day, I will be, just like you’re going to be a prince!”

“I’m not going to be a prince yet,” Nate answered. “First, I have to learn to waltz.”

The click of Caroline’s sensible heels echoed off the room’s walls as she strode toward them. “Yes, you do. And you must learn what is expected during the royal receptions that you will take part in. These will be critical. Your behavior there will be under some scrutiny, Mr. Kingsley. And we would like you to pass with flying colors so you receive the nod from King Frederick to marry Her Highness.”

Nate swallowed hard, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “I’m going to try.”

Victoria slid an arm around his shoulders and squeezed.

“Well, we will all be there to help. We are most invested in ensuring Her Highness’s–and your–happiness.”

He offered her a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“Now,” Caroline said as she flicked open her portfolio, “let’s begin. The royal family will privately receive the Corinthian royal family. You will officially meet them at the state dinner. It will be a large affair. Same rules apply as they have for the first dinner you attended at the palace. Only this time, when you are introduced to the members of the Corinthian royal family, you should bow, gentlemen, and curtsy, ladies.”

“To all of them, correct?” Victoria asked.

“Correct. This is one place where you cannot follow the royals. The king and queen will not be bowing or curtsying, and Her Highness will only curtsy to the Corinthian king and queen out of deference. She will not curtsy to Prince Eric.”

“Wow, okay. This must be way more confusing for them than us. We just…bow to everyone.”

“That is correct, Mr. Kingsley,” Caroline said with a grin as she poked her pen at him. “Although, the rules will change for you when you marry Her Highness.”

Nate’s forehead crinkled. He hadn’t thought of that. How odd would it be to not bow to royalty because he was royalty. “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Well, don’t get too wrapped up in it yet. For now, you bow to everyone. The correct forms of address are Your Majesty for the king and queen, and Your Highness for Prince Eric.”

She checked off something on her page. “Now, the following day is the royal parade. Quite a spectacle. You will join Queen Sophia and Queen Elisabeth on the balcony for the event. They will wave to the crowd. You will not.”

“Got it, no waving,” Nate said. “Ellie won’t be with us? ”

“Her Highness will be riding in the parade with her father, King Henry, and Prince Eric.”

“Right,” Nate said with a nod.

“And then that evening will be the royal ball. Now, this is important.” Carolina flicked her gaze to them, raising her pen in the air. “There will be a formal introduction of the royal family at the ball. They will process into the throne before they officially greet the Corinthian royal family.

“There will be a line formed as they process. You will join the line. You must bow or curtsy as they pass. If they choose to stop to acknowledge you, you should not speak or create a fanfare, simply smile.”

“If they choose?” Charles asked. “Do they often do that?”

Carolina explained, “They do it for those they deem special. It’s an extreme honor. They may not choose to stop and merely process straight to the thrones. Do not be upset if they do not.

“Next, the Corinthian royal family will enter. You must bow and curtsy for them, too.” She flicked her eyes to them. “I doubt they will stop to say hello.”

Nate pressed his lips into a thin line as he nodded, realizing they’d likely know the reason for the Kingsleys visit. He wondered if Prince Eric would confront him.

“After the royal reception, the ball will begin with a waltz. The royal family will start, and then others will join in. Which is a perfect segue into our next lesson,” Caroline finished as a stern-looking woman strode into the room. “This is Madame Blanc. She will be instructing you in the waltz.”

Madame Blanc looked like a slave driver who expected perfection. Nate tugged his lips back in a wince as he studied her.

“I may not have had the honor of training Her Highness herself into the beautiful dancer she is, but I have trained her royal cousins. I made them excellent dancers, and I am to do the same with you. Now, pair off.”

Nate wrinkled his nose at her strict attitude as his sister shuffled toward him. “You’re stuck with me until Ellie’s back.”

“Don’t show me up,” Nate answered.

Madame Blanc strode closer, her hands clasped behind her back. “Gentlemen, you are the form for your ladies. They are to be showcased. The waltz is performed in closed position. Now, gentlemen, your right arm around the woman with your wrist high under the shoulder and hand on the left shoulder blade, fingers together. Do not spread your fingers or else you may look ‘gropey’.”

She strode around the room, eyeing the holds. “Your left arm is raised to the side, and your partner will place her palm in your hand. Do not bend her wrist. Do not grip her hand as though she is your lifeline.”

She smacked Nate’s arm. “Do not let your arm droop, and do not lean over your partner. You’ll look like a wolf ready to devour your prey.”

Nate tried to straighten his back, keeping his chest lifted high as he held on to his sister.

“Don’t spread your fingers, or you’ll look like a creep,” she teased.

He scowled at her before the instructor showed them their first steps. As they tried to follow her, Nate stepped on his sister’s foot. “Oops, sorry.”

“Poor Ellie,” she said with a giggle, as he stiffly moved again, nearly missing her feet again.

“Quiet,” he said as the instructor tapped his chin.

“Head up, don’t glower at the poor girl.”

Maddie giggled as he lifted his chin, held his arms high and tried to move his feet without stepping on hers.

“Glide, glide…this isn’t the army. We are not marching. ”

Nate’s mind whirled as he tried to follow all the instructions, certain he was doing an awful job. He stumbled around, struggling to catch on to doing all of the things she shouted about at every turn.

The other couples laughed, each of them having a fun time trying to get the hang of it, but sweat beaded on his brow as he worried about embarrassing Elena at the ball.

“I need a break,” he said, letting go of his sister.

“You’re getting better,” she said.

“I’m not, but thanks for saying that.”

She flicked her eyes to the door before she grinned. “Here comes Ellie! You can show her your new moves.”

“Your Highnesses,” Madame Blanc said with a curtsy.

“Hello, Madame, how are our charges doing?” Elena asked with a grin.

“Making progress, Your Highness. Though I am certain you could show them all a thing or two.”

Elena flicked her eyebrows up with a grin as Alexander bowed to her.

“Shall we show them how it’s done?” he asked.

She tilted her head, and they came together easily in the closed position, making it look easy before they glided across the floor.

Nate pressed his lips together, disappointed with his progress, or lack thereof. He’d never look like that with her. Alexander whirled her around as though it was effortless.

They broke apart, and everyone applauded their efforts.

Maddie bobbed on her toes. “Wow, Ellie, you make that look easy.”

“I’ll bet you do, too,” Alexander said as he extended his hand. “Shall we practice.”

Her face reddened as she slid her hand into his, glancing at him through her eyelashes.

“Uh-oh,” Elena whispered as she came closer to Nate, “she’s going to be enamored with him after this.”

“She already is,” he answered.

“Shall we try?” she asked.

His heart hammered like a geeky kid at the prom being asked to slow dance with the pretty girl. “Uh, Ellie, I’m not really good at it.”

“Well, of course not, you’re just starting.” She offered him an encouraging smile as she raised her arms into her form. “Practice makes perfect.”

His features pinched as he leaned closer. “I’m like…really, really bad. I stepped on Maddie’s toes constantly.”

“It’s all right, mine will survive. Come on, then.”

He swallowed hard. He wouldn’t escape this. Elena would soon find out what a horrible dancer he was. Maybe she’d sideline him at the ball. It may be for the best.

He grabbed her hand with his sweaty palm, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Sorry, I’m a little nervous.”

Her gaze softened as she squeezed his shoulder. “Nathan, there is nothing to be nervous about. Relax. You are making more of this than it is.”

His features pinched as he stared down at her. “I just can’t get the hang of–”

“Shh. You are overthinking it. Pretend we’re the only two people in the room. Nice and easy, small little steps until you get the hang of it. One, two, three. One, two, three.” Her lips curved into a smile as they moved around the room. “There you go. See?”

“I’m doing it,” he answered. “Although, I think my arms are wrong.”

“Don’t worry about that, concentrate on your feet, I’ll hold your arms where they should be.”

“But…you shouldn’t– ”

“Quiet,” she said. “I’m the princess here. I will say what goes.”

This time the smile came naturally to him. “You’re easier to dance with than Maddie.”

“And look at how well you’re doing. You told me you were terrible at this, but you’re quite good.”

“Yeah?” His grin wouldn’t fade. Maybe he could be a prince consort. Maybe he could make her proud.

He’d keep practicing so when they shared their dance at the ball, he’d be ready. All eyes would be on him and Elena as they twirled around the room. People would whisper, wondering who he was.

“That’s the man she’s going to marry,” someone would say.

His heart swelled as he glided a few more steps before they stopped.

“Excellent job, you,” Elena said with a wide smile as her mother and father entered.

Everyone stopped to greet them.

“Well,” King Frederick said, his hands clasped behind his back, “it seems the lessons are going well.”

“Very well, Uncle. They will be ready for the ball.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Nate said with a grin, pleased that he recalled the man’s correct form of address. “I will be ready to escort your daughter in the first dance, I promise.”

The man cocked his head, his eyebrows crinkling. “Oh, I am sorry, but that’s impossible. Elena’s first dance is spoken for. She will be escorted by Prince Eric.”

The words hit him like a physical slap. He’d been working so hard to make her proud, but he wouldn’t even have the chance. He was slowly being replaced by the person they wished her to marry.