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

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

NATE

N ate’s head continued to pound despite the coffee and the water he’d downed to try to stop it. The continual thud matched the heavy ache in his heart as the dark of night turned to the soft glow of dawn.

The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains in his bedroom, casting a muted light over the room.

He winced at the coming day, knowing it held things he preferred not to face.

After he’d smashed into a table at the previous evening’s ball, he imagined his family with him in tow would be sent on their way.

He’d failed Elena in the worst way possible. The specter of his past had been raised, not only reminding everyone of his former mistakes but solidifying in their minds that he was doomed to repeat them.

Except he hadn’t. He hadn’t taken a drop of alcohol .

Elena had insisted on a blood test, saying she believed him and wanted to prove his innocence, but doubt lingered in his mind. Did she want proof of his innocence or his guilt?

With a groan, he pulled himself up to sit, gritting his teeth against the pain.

His mother lifted her head from the chair next to the bed where she’d fallen asleep while sitting vigil. “Hey, honey. How are you feeling?”

“Awful.”

“Can I get you something? Maybe something to eat or drink? Or few aspirins?”

His stomach clenched at the thought of putting anything into it. “Nothing.”

“Nate, you need to try to eat something.”

He shook his head, immediately wishing he wouldn’t have. “I can’t handle it. Have you heard anything from Ellie?”

“Sorry, honey, I haven’t.”

Nate’s heart dropped like a stone into the pit of his stomach, a sinking worry setting in. He wondered if she’d somehow gotten the news that his test had showed alcohol in his bloodstream.

“I’m sure she’s probably exhausted after last night.”

He grabbed his phone, intent on texting her but his trembling hands hesitated. With a disgusted sigh, he tossed the phone down on the bedspread and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Nate…” his mother tried.

“Don’t. Please just don’t. I’m not in a great mood.”

“I can imagine. But she believes you. We all do. We just have to wait for that blood test to come back along with the analysis of the punch.”

Nate shook his head, his lips tugging into a frown. “I don’t know… ”

“What don’t you know?” Victoria asked, stroking his hair.

“What if it comes back saying I was drunk? What if Prince Eric made sure of that?”

“Then we’ll prove it another way. Did you notice anything in the punch? The taste of alcohol maybe?”

“No. It tasted fine to me. Maybe a little sweet.”

Victoria bobbed her head. “Okay, so then, let’s hope this comes back with good news.”

“But what if it doesn’t?” He clamped his hands on his head. “My past is going to cost me my relationship with Ellie.”

“We don’t know that. You need to take a breath. You’re probably feeling anxious because of whatever is in your system.”

Nate tugged his hands away and nodded, his lips still in a tight grimace.

“Why don’t you text Ellie? See if she’s awake and if she’s heard anything.”

He glanced at his phone ruefully. “Because I don’t know if I want the answer.”

“Come on, Nate. You’re not one to not face your problems.”

“Really?” His voice took on an incredulous tone. “Because I did a pretty good job of not facing what happened with Chloe and instead, sinking into the bottom of a bottle. And now I’m paying the price for those choices.”

Victoria offered him a consoling smile, grabbing his hand in hers.

“Don’t give me that look.”

“I’m giving you the look whether you like it or not. Now, do you want me to give you a pep talk or to kick your butt into gear? If you love this woman, you have some damage control to do.”

He shook his head with a sigh. “I love her, Mom, but I don’t know if it’s enough.”

“That’s your headache talking. Text Ellie.”

“If you’re trying to make sure I’m not alone, I’m fine. You can go try to get some real rest.”

“I’m trying to make sure you’re okay, honey. Last night was awful.”

Nate grabbed his phone, turning it in his hands over and over. “I’ll text her. Go get some sleep or get ready for the day or whatever.”

Victoria rose from her chair, her hand gently brushing through Nate’s before planting a tender kiss on his forehead, a silent reassurance of her unwavering support. “I love you, Nate. We’ll figure this out, I promise.”

He heaved a sigh as she crossed the room and let herself out the door. Alone, he stared at the phone, uncertain he was ready to face the day. Even if the results were in his favor—which they should be—someone had done this to him. Would it affect his chances with Elena?

He stared down at his darkened display before he finally toggled it on and typed a message to Elena. Hey, you awake?

He tapped his fingers against the side of the phone as he waited for a response. Nothing came. His stomach twisted into a tight knot. Was she still asleep or was she not speaking to him? Had she been forbidden to speak to him?

His tormented mind created multiple scenarios all ending in tragedy before his phone finally chimed. I am. I’m on my way to you.

He stared at the simple response. It betrayed nothing. Was she angry? Relieved?

The brevity, unlike her, suggested the former. He chewed his lower lip, wondering if she thought he was lying based on the results of the test.

He pulled himself from his bed and paced the floor, his heart thudding hard against his ribs. He chewed his lower lip until a knock sounded at his door.

Nate’s chest tightened with each passing second, his gaze fixated on the imposing oak doors of his bedroom.

“Nathan?” Elena’s muffled voice called.

He crossed and tugged open the door. Elena offered him a warm, sympathetic smile. He tried to return her expression, but his faltered.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Okay,” he answered with a shrug as he shuffled away from the door.

He wanted to ask if the test results were back, but he wasn’t sure he wanted the answer. What if they were bad news? What if Prince Eric had somehow bribed the lab?

No one would believe him then. Not with his track record.

Elena eased the door shut behind her, clicking her tongue as she approached him. “You poor darling. You don’t look well. Perhaps you ought to climb back into bed and remain there for the day.”

He pressed his lips together as he turned to face her, noticing her puffy eyes. Had she been crying? It tightened the knot in his stomach. “I’m ready to crawl under the bed and hide.”

“I’ll bet,” she said, her voice soft and consoling. “But I have good news.”

He creased his forehead as he studied her, waiting to hear it.

“The tests came back. You tested positive for phenobarbital as did the liquid in your glass. Someone drugged you.”

Nate scoffed, feeling both vindication and upset all at once. “Never thought I’d be so excited to hear those words.”

“I know,” she said as she wrinkled her nose. “I am sorry, darling. But…I’ve just spoken with my father an d presented the evidence to him. So, now, he must change his mind. This bodes so well for us.”

Nate huffed out a sarcastic laugh. “I’m glad my drugging bodes well for our relationship.”

“That’s not what I meant,” she answered as she approached him and caressed his cheek.

“I’m sorry, I’m just…”

“Tired, unwell, I know. Why don’t we get you into bed. You need rest.” She led him toward the bed and motioned for him to climb in.

He shook his head. “I don’t want to go to sleep.”

She gave him another consoling smile. “I understand. How about some breakfast or tea?”

“No.” He paced the floor at the foot of the bed. “What did you mean when you said your father must change his mind?”

Elena shifted her weight from foot to foot, wincing. “Well…”

He stopped his meandering to stare at her.

“Last night, Father assumed…he misjudged and…"

“And what?” Nate questioned.

Elena pressed her lips into a thin line. “He made his decision about our relationship.”

Nate’s heart plummeted at the words. “I assume I’m not suitable.”

His voice shook as he choked out the words.

“Darling, please don’t let this tiny setback upset you. Things looked rather grim. But with the evidence in your favor, he cannot ignore it.”

“He couldn’t give me the benefit of the doubt, either, could he?” Nate spat.

“I was not happy about it either. I argued with him, but…he wouldn’t hear it. But now…”

“Now that you took a blood test to prove his first choice drugged me…maybe I’ll be accepted? I mean, you didn’t say I was, right?”

“Alexander and I presented the evidence this morning. He has not made a final decision as of yet.”

Nate’s nostrils flared as he shook his head and resumed his pacing. “Because he’s going to say no.”

“We don’t know that. And given what Eric has done, he’s certainly not a suitable option.”

Nate whipped around to face her, his fingers curled into fists. “Then why hasn’t he made a decision yet?”

“Well,” Elena said, her discomfort obvious from the lines etched into her features, “he…is being cautious.”

Nate puffed out an angry breath, shaking his head again.

“There is some concern about your past,” Elena murmured in a low voice before she stepped in front of him, her eyes pleading, “but he will see what I see. He will see that you’ve grown past it. I promise. We just must hang in there a little longer.”

“And what if he doesn’t? What then? Do I just pack my bags and go home?”

Elena shook her head. “He will.”

“He hasn’t yet. I think we need to discuss what’s going to happen here when your father finds me unsuitable.”

Elena licked her lips, her lower lip bobbing as she searched for words but found none.

“That’s what I thought. You have no answer.”

“You’re being unreasonable, Nathan.”

“Oh, really? Am I? Unreasonable because my supposed fiancée cannot answer what’s going to happen if we are not allowed to get married. I mean, what does that even mean when you’re an adult?”

“Things are different for me, though. And–“

“Yes, I know,” he said, his voice sharp, “you’re going to run a country. You’re going to be queen. And that means you have to have a husband above reproach. A saint among men who has never made a mistake.”

“That’s not true,” she shot back. “Although, it sounds as if you resent my position.”

“Maybe I do,” he said as he settled in front of the window, noting the tautness of his features in the reflection of the glass.

Elena stiffened, raising her chin at the words. “Unfortunately, it is a large part of who I am. No one said my spouse must come mistake-free, only ready to take on the challenges royal life brings.”

“Well, maybe I’m not ready for that. So, what happens when your father makes that call for us? You still haven’t answered me.” He whipped around to face her. “Are you going to leave for our relationship or are we over?”

Elena swallowed hard. “You’re being unfair, likely because you’re feeling unwell from the drug. Perhaps it is best that we continue this conversation when you are feeling better. I’ll leave you to rest.”

“I want to finish it now. I find it a little disturbing that you won’t answer me.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “I find it disturbing that you are being so selfish! I must give up my life for you, rather than you making the effort to assimilate into mine.” Her voice trembled with frustration and hurt.

“Your father won’t let me.”

“We don’t know that. But you continue to carry on as though he’s made his decision. Demanding to know what I will do. What would you have me do? Hmm? Leave my country, leave my throne because you had a setback?”

“What other choice will I have?”

“We will fight for each other,” she answered.

He flicked his eyebrows up as he shook his head. “Fight for each other, or fight so you don’t have to marry Prince Eric?”

Her jaw unhinged. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said,” he shot back. “I’m starting to wonder if this has been more about avoiding your marriage to him than your feelings for me.”

Color rose into her cheeks as she set her jaw. Her voice went an octave higher, turning into a squeak. “How can you say that?”

“I don’t know, maybe because you’re a little too cavalier about the very real possibility that your father won’t accept me. Which makes me think that all you care about is escaping Prince Eric.”

Her features twisted as he said the words.

“How dare you?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He sucked in a breath, sticking his hands on his hips, almost immediately regretting what he’d allowed to spill out of his mouth.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away, her lips tugging into a frown. “Well, if that’s what you believe, then perhaps you should leave.”

“I think you’re right. I don’t belong here.”

A flicker of emotion crossed her eyes before she replaced it with her usual stoic, neutral face. “Fine.”

She stood for another moment. He searched his mind for something to say, but he couldn’t find anything.

When he failed to respond, she spun on a heel and stalked to the door. “For what it’s worth, I may have gone to Sterling City to escape Eric, but I returned a woman in love. But I will not apologize for wanting my life, too.”

Nate’s features softened, a mixture of regret and longing crossing his face as he closed his eyes, the weight of his words settling heavily upon him.

The slamming of the door startled him, and he snapped his eyes open, staring at the spot she’d stood in a moment ago.

His stomach dropped as he realized he’d just lost the woman he loved. And it hadn’t been her father’s fault. It had been his. But there was nothing he could do. He didn’t belong here. This time love wouldn’t conquer all. It would only lead to heartache.