Page 45 of His Royal Request

I leaned back in my seat. “You’re making me sound horrible. Charlie will be running before the night is over.”

Charlie leaned against my shoulder. “I don’t think you can get rid of me that easily.”

The easy way she spoke with those around her and the gentle touches throughout the lunch simply proved how well she can adapt. If she was nervous, she didn’t show it. She carried on conversations with almost everyone within a polite range.

It was unusual for someone to blend into my world so naturally. After the initial shock wore off, Charlie rose to the occasion better than I could have expected. It wasn’t fair of me to surprise her with something like this, but it wasn’t like I could introduce myself and my title on the first night in Ireland and expect things to go well.

She either would have thought I was lying or insane. Either way, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get to know each other. She had a life back in Indiana. I couldn’t ignore that, but already I was wishing for a way to make this permanent.

I wanted a chance to see what was between us, but we were on borrowed time. Just two days left before the wedding then she’d be back to continue her trip. I didn’t want to ask her to delay her plans again. I couldn’t be that selfish, so I only had one option.

Make the most of the time we have now. Prove to her that I’m worth the sacrifices that come with the title. Show her how well we work together. Give into the temptation of her lips and test the chemistry between us.

So much to do with so little time.

I glanced at her and the twist in my stomach told me I had to do it. I had to give everything. No time for weakness or insecurity. I had to lay it all out and hoped she felt the same.

The second it was appropriate, I took Charlie’s hand and pulled her away from the room and down the hall to the summer gardens on the opposite side of the palace grounds from where everyone else was still lingering.

The warm sunlight was welcomed and appreciated.

“Where are we going?” Charlie asked with a giggle as we rushed along the stone footpath.

“To my favorite spot.”

She didn’t speak again until I stopped at the edge of the Loch Balivaughn. The gardens stood to our left and the palace to our right. I came here as often as I could. It was my favorite escape.

She looked around with a growing smile. “This is beautiful.”

I nodded and took in the lake with the thick trees across the bank.

“How far back does it go?”

The lake cut through mountains lazily curving back for a couple of kilometers. “Just a little way. Almost to the next town.”

I pointed to the stone tower at the other end of the shore, closer to the palace. “That’s the watchtower that was used to make sure no uninvited guest came to the palace.”

“It’s not used anymore?”

I shook my head. “Private property now surrounds the loch so no one can get close without being met with guards.”

“When did that happen?”

“When my dad was a small child. His mum wanted her children to be able to come out to play and swim without worries. So, they bought the property and posted guards. It’s been like that for over fifty years now.”

“So, you have a private lake, or loch, in your backyard?” She said with a teasing smile.

“If that’s what throws you, I better not show you the throne room or the St. Fillian’s Hall.”

Her eyes widened. “Exactly how much of the palace haven’t I seen?”

I closed my eyes pretending to think about it. “Probably ninety-five percent.”

I opened my eyes to see her mouth drop.

“You’ve seen the front three rooms, one of the guest rooms, and two gardens. There’s quite a bit more.”

Her lips pursed.