Page 28 of His Royal Request

“Oh sweetie, don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. If Aiden brought you there has to be a good reason.”

“You’re not mad?”

She waved that off. “Of course not. I knew something suspicious was going on when Aiden called me and told me he was bringing you here. I didn’t know he was dating anyone, but that’s because you guys just met.” She shook her head. “What’s in this for you? I can’t imagine you’d subject yourself to this if you weren’t benefitting somehow.”

I looked at the ground wishing it would open up and swallow me whole. “I’m here traveling on my own. I was about to change my flights and go home early because I realized I didn’t have enough money to make it through Europe when I met Aiden. He offered to show me a bit of Ireland on his way back to Galway before leaving. Then he asked me to come to Lochland with him for a family wedding. He said if I came with him, he’d fund the rest of my trip.”

Her smile died. “So, he’s paying you.”

I dropped my head. “I know it sounds bad, but he just kept assuring me it was going to be okay.”

She stood and grabbed my hands. “Oh no. I think it’s great he could help you with your trip. Good for you! I’m just a bit shocked and more entertained that my brother had to pay someone to be his date.”

She started laughing and I eventually joined in. “It sounds horrible when you say it like that!”

Her eyes gleamed. “You’ve given me quite the secret, Charlie.”

“Oh no. Please don’t tell him I told you. Our relationship was supposed to be a secret. For appearances’ sake, we’re a couple.”

She winked. “Don’t worry. I won’t out you, but once this is over, I’ll be teasing Aiden for years to come.”

“Can you do me a favor? Please don’t tell him I slipped.”

She shook her head. “Of course not. I promise I won’t say anything.”

“Thank you.”

I took a step away when she caught my elbow. “I may tease my brother for this, but I want you to know one thing. He’s seldom brought a girl home. It isn’t required for him to have a date to these functions.” She paused. “He must like you a lot. Have you considered that?”

I hadn’t thought about that. I’d assumed dates were a requirement or there were some people he wanted off his back about being single, but could Isla be right? Like me, had Aiden not wanted our time together to end?

“Thanks, Isla.”

She smiled. “I’ll be right by your side through this week. I’m not quite sure of his reasons, but my brother wanted you here and I want to make sure you survive. If you ever get lost or don’t know what to do, just look to me. I’ll help you.”

I tried to not pin high hopes on her words, though they made me feel much better. I thanked her and went back to the fitting room. Aiden and I had some things to discuss as soon as I saw him.

8

Aiden

I was stunned later in the afternoon when Mauve, my maid, knocked at my office door to let me know my aunt and uncle were back, requesting tea. I hurried to freshen myself up and change my shirt before rushing down to the garden behind dad’s office. It was my mum’s preferred spot for tea and I knew we’d be gathering there as we traditionally did.

When I joined the tea party, I greeted my aunt and uncle. “Douglas, Evelyn, so good to see you.”

They stood as I approached. My uncle was an imposing man, much like my dad, his brother. He wasn’t as grey-haired as his brother, though. Something he enjoyed pointing out whenever they saw each other. Evelyn was a petite woman with a permanent smile and a stock of red curls that bounced around her shoulders. I shook my uncle’s hand and kissed my aunt on the cheek.

“Good to see you, Aiden. You’re looking sharp.” That was my uncle’s favorite compliment.

“Thank you, Douglas.” I sat next to Ronan and nodded. “Where’s Cian?”

Ronan smiled politely but I could see the annoyance in his eyes. “In a meeting, he’ll be here as soon as possible.”

Mum had warned all of us to clear our schedules this week for the wedding. I was pushing it by arriving home today, but at least I was here to greet guests as they arrived. Cian was being rude by not being here, especially as the crown prince. He was acting on behalf of Dad’s in his absence. When the queen and king were out of the palace, the princes were expected to be available.

I turned to my aunt and uncle. “How were your travels?”

Evelyn smiled. “It was fine. We’ll be grateful when the wedding is over and we can go to France for a few weeks.”