Page 34 of His Royal Request

I followed them down the stairs and to the left down the corridor in the opposite direction of where we’d had tea.

We waited until Aiden finally approached us from the other end of the hall, still buttoning his shirt. His tie hung around his neck. My stomach tightened at the sight of his rugged appearance in a nice suit. This was the most dressed up I’d seen him, yet he seemed comfortable. I sucked in a breath when he smiled at me.

“You’re late.” Isla practically scolded him as she tied his tie with speed and precision. This obviously wasn’t the first time one of her brothers had arrived late and unprepared.

Aiden’s eyes met mine and he smiled, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes. Everyone’s nervousness was rubbing off on me. “Ready?”

Ronan walked ahead of us. “Don’t worry. We covered the basics.”

That didn’t seem to relieve Aiden. He took my hand and placed it around his elbow. I inhaled his clean, masculine scent and leaned in closer. The doors swung open and I fell into step with him behind Ronan and Isla.

The room held a group I didn’t recognize, apart from Evelyn and Douglas. Ronan and Isla greeted people and I froze when I heard them say “Mum” and “Dad”. Aiden’s parents were here? I wasn’t ready for this. Sure, we were just friends and this was a fake relationship, but I wanted them to like me.

Aiden leaned in close. “Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you.”

I kept my smile in place and walked forward with him. He smiled at the people we passed and I kept my eyes on Isla waiting for her to give me a sign.

When we got to the head of the table where Aiden’s parents stood Isla glanced at them, then me. She raised her brows slightly and my knees nearly gave out. I was supposed to curtsy to them?

Aiden caught my stumble and brought his other hand to where mine was resting on his arm and gave it a quick squeeze.

“Hi Mum, Dad. This is my friend I told you about, Charlie.”

My head was spinning but when I heard my name coming from his lips, I lowered my head and curtsied. When I looked up, Isla was standing behind her mum, smiling. I guess that meant I did it right.

“My, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlie.” His mom was smiling at me with kind eyes and I relaxed maybe one percent.

“The pleasure is mine…” I paused not knowing what to call her. I didn’t know her name and if I was supposed to curtsy, I realized I probably shouldn’t call her by her first name anyway.

“And this is my father—” Aiden’s words evaded me the second I looked at his dad. This couldn't be possible. I knew this man. The entire world knew who he was. I looked to Aiden praying he would correct himself. This couldn’t be his dad.

Not only had Aiden kept his entire life from me. He conveniently forgot to mention the little fact that his parents were the king and queen of Lochland.

I swallowed and curtsied again, much deeper and praying I didn't screw up. “Your majesty.”

Wait.

If his parents were the king and queen, Aiden was a prince.

Holy. Royalty.

I felt Aiden tense next to me. I met his gaze, pleading with me. I saw regret in those crystal blue eyes and almost forgave him, but I couldn’t. Not without an explanation.

“A pleasure, my dear.” The king of Lochland smiled at me and extended his hand. Ronan and Isla didn't prep me for this. Did I shake his hand, kiss it, was I even allowed to touch him?

I froze and Aiden gave me the tiniest nudge. I extended my hand and nearly gasped when the king shook it.

“I’m honored to be here.” I met his eyes briefly before turning to his wife. The Queen. “Thank you so much for hosting me.”

I had no idea what I was saying. I was running through every movie I’d ever seen about princesses or royalty trying to remember what they said. If Aiden wasn’t holding onto me, I would have already fainted.

“We’re glad to have you here. I’m told this is your first trip to Lochland.” The queen was smiling so warmly I continued to feel more comfortable.

“It is, ma’am.” Crap. Could I call her that? Or was it your majesty as well?

“I hope you enjoy your visit.”

I nodded and Aiden guided me past them and around the table to where two open seats were waiting for us.