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

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

ELENA

E lena fought to steady her trembling lower lip as she hurried out of Nate’s room, but her efforts proved futile. A sob threatened to escape, and she hastily clamped a hand over her quivering mouth, the taste of saltiness already lingering on her lips.

Their epic argument had shattered their relationship, leaving Elena reeling. The man she had envisioned marrying just days ago now felt like a stranger, a painful realization that pierced her heart.

Tears welled in her eyes. She fought them as she barreled around the corner, nearly running into her cousin Alexander.

“Elena,” he said as he caught her and steadied her.

Elena blinked furiously, attempting to conceal the tears welling in her eyes, but Alexander had already caught sight of them .

“What happened? Have you spoken with your father again? Has he made some decision?”

“No,” she choked out, “I have spoken with Nathan.”

“Did you give him the good news?”

She nodded, pressing the back of her hand to her lips.

“Why are you crying? You should both be elated.”

She squeezed her lips together, attempting to hold back her emotions but she was unable. She leaned forward into his chest and sobbed as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Why don’t we find a quiet spot, and you can tell me what happened?”

She wiped at her cheeks as she nodded at him.

With his arm wrapped around her, he led her to a private study near his bedroom and eased the doors closed behind them.

Elena collapsed into an armchair, sniffling.

“Now, what happened? Surely, Nathan was pleased to learn he’d been vindicated.”

“One would have expected it, yes, but…”

“But? Heavens, even Uncle Frederick seemed to be convinced. I believe he may ask Prince Eric to leave.”

Elena snapped her gaze to him, her eyes wide. “Really?”

“It was uncalled for, Elena. His behavior was disgraceful.”

“While I quite agree, I would be surprised if Father went that far. You heard him this morning. Even after Nathan had been proven innocent, he still hesitated when it came to accepting him.”

“He is just being your father, Elena. Cautious, conservative, contemplative.”

“Yes, well his contemplation may well have ruined my relationship with Nathan.” Elena hiccupped the last words out as she began to sob again.

“How?” Alexander settled onto the couch next to her, taking her hand in his .

Elena huffed out a shaky breath. “When I told Nathan about the conversation we’d had with Father this morning, I mentioned that this was a positive step. He shot back that Father hadn’t given him the benefit of the doubt, and that he still hadn’t accepted him.”

“But it’s likely a matter of time. Surely, Uncle Frederick will see how much you love him.”

“Well, Nathan worries he will not. He pushed me to answer what would happen if Father decides he is unsuitable.”

Alexander clicked his tongue, heaving a sigh as he stared at his clasped hands. “Let me guess, you didn’t take kindly to it.”

“Alexander, he’s pushing me to abdicate. To leave Eldoria behind to save our relationship.”

“It may not even come to that. Did you tell him?”

“I tried to, I even suggested we leave the conversation for when he was feeling better, but then he pushed further. He suggested the only investment I had in our relationship was to avoid marrying Eric.”

Alexander cringed, his nose wrinkling. “Oh, no.”

“Oh, yes. And you can imagine how well I took that.”

“Not well?” Alexander asked with a pinched face.

“We argued. I said if that’s what he thought perhaps he should leave. And he said…” Elena’s features twisted as another sob escaped her. “He said he didn’t belong here, and it was best he did go.”

She covered her face with her hands as tears fell to her cheeks again.

“Oh, no, Elena.” Alexander rubbed her shoulder. “I am so very sorry. Perhaps…perhaps it will pass. Words said in anger never really are meant.”

“They are meant,” she answered. “He’s mentioned abdicating before. And he doesn’t want this lifestyle, that is obvious. But I know nothing else.”

“Do you think he misinterpreted your goals because you had fled to Sterling City in an attempt to escape?”

“Escape marriage to Eric, yes. Not to escape my duty entirely. I just wanted to show my father that I could make wise decisions on my own and thusly, should be allowed to pick my own partner.”

A sigh escaped her, and her shoulders slumped. “Though I have proven quite the opposite, haven’t I?”

“I don’t think so,” Alexander said. “You’ve had a fight, Elena. You will have many more even as a married couple. The trick is to talk through it.”

Elena fluttered her eyelashes as she wiped away tears. “Well, we don’t seem to be able to do that at the moment.”

“Give it some time. Maybe when you speak again, you’ll be able to tell him Uncle Frederick approves. Then you can laugh over the silly argument and be back in each other’s arms in seconds.”

Elena sucked in a deep breath. “I am beginning to wonder, Alexander, if that is wise.”

He flicked his eyebrows up. “You’re having second thoughts?”

Elena’s lips settled into a frown as she stared at her hands. “I am beginning to see what holds my father back.”

“But you love him.”

“Love isn’t always enough, Alexander. Not when you’re a royal.”

Behind them, the door to the sitting room popped open. Queen Sophia stuck her head in the door. “I thought I heard voices. Elena, your father is looking for you.”

“Oh,” Elena said, her forehead creasing as tears formed again.

Her mother’s face pinched with concern. “Elena? Is something wrong? ”

Elena offered her mother an upset glance before she nodded.

“I will leave you to talk,” Alexander said, rising from his seat and skirting past Queen Sophia as she strode into the room.

Her mother eased into the spot Alexander had vacated, concern etched into her delicate features. “Elena?”

“Mother, I believe I have made a terrible, terrible mistake.”

Her mother’s lips parted at the words, and her eyebrows flicked up in silent question.

“Nathan and I had an awful argument. We have broken things off. I feel like I have upset the entire household for nothing.”

Her mother rubbed her arm. “I am sorry, darling. Though perhaps you’re making it worse than it is?”

“I am not. He has expressed that he wishes to leave, and I agreed.”

“I see,” her mother said.

“Father will find me childish, I assume. He will tell me how he told me so.”

“He will not, Elena. Your father wishes you to be happy.”

“Well, then he has not gotten his wish because I am quite miserable.” Elena doubled over as sobs wracked her again.

Queen Sophia perched on the chair’s arm as she stroked Elena’s hair. “Oh, darling. You know your father and I have had many arguments in the past. We always find a way past them.”

“Perhaps Father had a point about Nathan, though.”

“Did I hear you properly?” King Frederick asked from the doorway as he stepped inside with a smile. It quickly vanished when he noticed her tears. “What’s this? Has something happened?”

“Elena and Mr. Kingsley have had a terrible row,” her mother explained.

“Oh, darling, I am sorry,” King Frederick said as he approached her.

“Are you?” Elena asked with a hiccup. “Or are you pleased?”

“Of course, I am not pleased to find you in tears, Elena.”

“It must bring you some comfort to know that I realize what a fool I’ve been.”

“You haven’t been a fool,” he answered as he eased onto the coffee table in front of her. “Short-sighted, perhaps, but not a fool.”

“Short-sighted is not something a future queen should be.”

“You will learn from every experience, darling. Though, even I can be short-sighted at times. I believe it may have been the reason you had the argument with Mr. Kingsley?”

“It did not help,” Elena admitted, casting her gaze to her lap. “But it is not the entire reason.”

“I still feel somewhat responsible. My hesitance on Mr. Kingsley has been frustrating for you both, I’m certain.”

“Yes, it has been. Though…”

King Frederick raised his eyebrows, prompting her to continue.

“It has led him to show his true colors. He wants nothing to do with this life. Not even to share it with me.”

“He said that?” King Frederick said, his voice raising as color rose into his cheeks and anger burned in his eyes.

“In so many words, yes. And in the span of a single moment, I suddenly understood your reluctance. You saw this in him when I could not. And I must apologize for my terrible behavior over a man who did not deserve the faith I placed in him.”

The words burned through her as the memory of the argument raced through her mind. What a fool she had been. He’d only been keen on her when she’d neatly fit into his life. The moment a problem had cropped up, he’d given up on them, insisting on having the assurance that she would walk away from her life for him.

But he wasn’t willing to walk away from his responsibilities. He had expected her to be at his side for galas and events, for business deals and hosting dinners.

When the going got tough for them, though, he’d given up right away.

Maybe they were from two different worlds. Two worlds that were too far apart to find a common ground.

“I am so very sorry, Elena. I did have reservations, but did think he had potential.”

“Apparently, he does not.”

King Frederick sucked in a deep breath as he patted his daughter’s hand. “This visit has been eye-opening, though. And I no longer wish to force you to marry anyone.”

Elena sniffled, raising her eyes to her father’s. “You…will not require me to marry Eric?”

“No, darling. I will not.”

Elena pressed her lips together, a weight lifted, but a different guilt descending onto her shoulders. Had what happened been her fault? She’d told Eric in no uncertain terms she wouldn’t entertain his proposal.

He’d reacted accordingly, forcing the issue. He’d made good on his promise to do anything for his chance.

“Thank you, Father,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Queen Sophia stroked Elena’s hair. “Why don’t I walk you back to your room? We’ll call for tea, and I will have Caroline cancel your appointments for the day.”

“No, Mother,” Elena said with a sniffle. “I will go have tea before I begin my day, but I will not wallow.”

Her father smiled. “I have raised a strong daughter.”

Elena raised her chin, sniffling again. “Yes, you have. I will move forward from this.”

“I am so pleased to hear it, darling, but please take the time you need,” her mother said. “This has been quite an experience for you.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Elena said as she rose. “I will see you for lunch.”

Elena left her parents behind, tears threatening again when she found herself alone. She never wanted to feel this way again.

She pushed into her bedroom, shutting out the world behind her.

Caroline entered with her dress for dinner, her face immediately pinching with concern. “Your Highness, have you been crying?”

“Yes,” Elena squeaked out, desperately trying not to cry again.

Caroline dropped the dress and hurried to Elena. “What happened? Is it your father? Has he decided you must marry Prince Eric?”

“No,” Elena answered. “Nathan and I have ended our relationship.”

Caroline’s eyes went wide. “What?”

“Please, Caroline, I have discussed it with Alexander and my parents. I haven’t the energy now. Nathan has decided this lifestyle is not for him, and we have parted ways.”

“You poor darling. I shall ring for tea.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Elena crossed her room and grabbed the carousel from her dresser. A few notes squeaked out from it as she lifted it, her eyes tearing again. Memories of their first date, carefree and simple, floated through her mind. “Please give this away, thank you. ”

“Are you certain, Your Highness?”

“I cannot look at it anymore, Caroline. It brings me only pain now. I was foolish to think what we had in Sterling City could survive. It was an illusion.”

“But Your Highness–”

“Please, Caroline,” Elena said, desperation in her voice.

Caroline bobbed her head, swallowing hard. “I will see to it.”

Elena sucked in a deep breath as the item left her hands. She nearly called to her ladies’ maid to stop her from taking the gift. Her lower lip trembled as memories of their first kiss taunted her.

She firmed her jaw, sucking in a sharp breath. She would move on as she told her father. She would not wallow. And she would move forward in a way that would protect her heart from this ever happening again.

She sank onto the stool at her vanity, staring into her own emerald eyes. She sniffled, leaning forward to touch up her makeup as a knock sounded at her door.

With a deep inhale, she called out for the visitor to come in. The door pushed open, and Eric stepped inside.

“You asked to see me?” he said, his voice tentative.

“Yes, I did.” Elena raised her chin as she rose. “I suppose you have heard by now that Nathan Kingsley’s blood has shown he was drugged.”

Eric flicked his gaze to his feet. “Yes. And I suppose you have worked out–”

“That you did it? Yes, I have,” she answered.

He raised his gaze to her. “And now you wish to scold me for it?”

“No,” she answered. “I do not. You asked for your chance, and you made it very clear that you would do anything to receive it.”

His eyebrows flicked up, his surprise apparent. “And because of that, you will not berate me?”

“I will do better than that.” Her stomach twisted into a knot as she prepared to speak her next words. “You were correct when you said we are well-matched. You understand what is required of my life.”

“Yes, I do. And with my bold move against Mr. Kingsley, I believe I have proven how invested I am in winning your hand.”

“Yes, you have,” she answered, sucking in a deep breath. “Am I to understand, then, that you still wish to move forward with our engagement?”

“Am I to understand we may?”

Elena gritted her teeth, taking a moment before she answered, “Yes.”

The word made her lips tremble, but she firmed them, raising her chin.

“Oh, Elena,” Eric answered, rushing toward her.

She stopped him, twisting sideways before he could scoop her into his arms. “Please understand that I do not have a romantic interest in you, Eric. I am sorry, but I do not.”

One corner of his lips tugged back into a smile. “Not yet, but we will grow closer. I promise, Elena. You have made the best choice.”

She nodded. “That is all.”

“We should tell our parents.”

Her head bobbed again. “We will make an announcement following dinner. Until then, please keep our arrangement to yourself.”

“Do you believe the Kingsleys will retaliate?” He clasped his hands behind his back. “Not that I cannot handle the situation, I assure you I can. I only hope to be prepared.”

“No. The Kingsleys will not be here. ”

“I understand. Well, I am sorry about that, my dear, but I believe this has worked out for the best.”

Elena offered a final nod before he kissed her cheek and left the room. She sucked in a deep breath, swallowing the bile creeping into her throat. She’d just promised her life to the man she’d been running from for decades. But she couldn’t face the heartache again. She wanted the pain to end. And this way it would—because her life would end.