Page 41 of His Royal Request

I didn’t know if I was supposed to bow, offer my hand or hide. I kept my smile in place and glanced at Aiden. He didn’t give me a sign of what to do so I held out my hand. “The pleasure is mine.”

She placed hers gently in mine but didn't shake. I relaxed for a split second when she moved on to Isla, but then the earl approached.

“How very interesting to meet you, Ms. Avery. I wasn’t aware our prince had a guest.” I panicked for a heartbeat until he winked. “It’s about time, my boy.”

Aiden laughed and shook his head. “You’re the one always telling me I’m still a child in your eyes. Now it’s about time? I can’t win with you, Harold.”

The earl placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “I hope you keep him in his place.”

I laughed and nodded my agreement before he moved on.

I let out a sigh as Aiden slid his hand around my waist. “That was stressful. I didn’t know what to do.”

He chuckled. “They’re like another aunt and uncle to us.”

“So, you’re telling me that was easy.”

He nodded and looked down to meet my eyes. “You did wonderfully.”

“I don’t know who I should curtsey to, who I can shake hands with and who I can talk to. What are the rules?”

“You’re not Lochish so you don’t have to bow to anyone. It’s more common for people to bow to the king and queen but even that isn’t required. It’s more tradition than a requirement these days. You won’t see people bowing and curtsying to everyone this week.”

“But they bowed to you.”

Aiden smirked. “It’s borderline mockery from them. I grew up bowing to them, and now that I’m of age they return the favor. It’s…” He paused and looked up. “It’s like an inside joke maybe.”

I nodded, feeling more confused.

“Just remember to be polite and no one will fault you. It’s more common to simply shake their hand.”

“I can do that.”

He squeezed my waist. “I know you can.” He leaned over and kissed the top of my head. I tried not to react, at least outwardly, but that was the first time he kissed me. Granted, it wasn’t quite a romantic gesture but it broke the physical barrier. That meant something, right? There wasn’t even anyone, besides Isla and Ronan, to witness it.

“It’s about time,” Ronan mumbled and I looked toward the door to see Cian walking out with a frazzled-looking man following closely behind.

“Don’t forget to send the letter of intent to Spain,” Cian said. “I don’t want them getting offended. Also, you’ll need to move back my meeting with the Luxembourg minister.”

The man nodded and silently turned around to return to the castle. Cian tugged on the bottom of his suit jacket and straightened his shoulders before turning away from us and facing the drive. No greeting or apology to his siblings.

I wasn’t sure what it was, but something about him rubbed me the wrong way. He seemed so conceited and superior. Technically, he was superior, but he didn’t need to treat those around him that way.

I wanted to ask Aiden about him but another car pulled in. My heart rate picked up as I braced myself.

Be polite, smile, and shake their hands. I could do that.

I made it through the next five cars without embarrassing myself.

A fancy-looking red sports car came down the road next. It came to a spot and the driver jumped out to open the passenger’s door. This was the first time a two-door car had arrived, but I didn’t think anything of it until Isla groaned and Aiden mumbled under his breath. I couldn’t make out his words, but he didn’t sound happy.

Tan legs exited first followed by a short red dress and finally platinum blonde hair that flowed in beautiful layers. The woman turned and faced us with a brilliant smile. She slowly made her way up the stairs like she was strutting down a catwalk. To call her beautiful would be an injustice. She was stunning.

Please be a cousin. Please be a cousin.

“Shauna. It’s been forever.” Cian shocked me as he stepped down to meet her, pulling her in for a hug. It was the first time he’d come off his higher perch and touched anyone. He’d greeted everyone else with a few words and a nod, but not this woman.

“Cian, how good to see you.” She spoke to him, but her eyes never left Aiden.