Page 50 of His Royal Request

Nicole caught sight of us and broke protocol to hurry over. “Aiden, there you are! I’ve been hearing a buzz about your lady friend and I’ve been simply dying to meet her.”

Charlie looked nervous but smiled. “Hello, Nicole. I’m so happy to meet you, and I apologize if my being here is--”

“Stop being silly. I couldn’t be happier you’re here. Not only is my favorite cousin looking happier than I’ve seen him in years, but you’re taking some of the attention off me. I could kiss you right now.”

Charlie laughed and seemed to relax. Nicole had that effect on people. Her larger than life personality put people at ease.

“Well, thank you. You look absolutely beautiful.” Charlie was beaming now and Nicole swayed her hips, making her skirt flare out.

“Thank you! My mother said navy was inappropriate for a bride, but look what happens when I spin.” She did in fact spin in front of us and the skirt puffed up like a cupcake.

“Oh, that’s so fun. You definitely made the right choice.”

Nicole smiled and winked at me. “I like this one. Can we keep her?”

I chuckled. “I’m trying, but that won’t happen if you scare her off.”

Charlie giggled and looked around. “Where’s your fiancé? I’d love to meet him.”

Nicole turned and shouted. “William!”

It wasn’t polite but Nicole had stopped caring what people thought a decade ago. Once she realized she got most of the perks of being royalty without the scrutiny and standards she let loose. I was happy she found a man that loved her as she was and didn’t try to suppress her spirit.

William, a slender man only a few inches taller than Nicole, came out of the crowd and stood at his fiancé’s side. His rust-colored hair was short and parted on the side and his pale skin was speckled with freckles. He had a kind smile and seemed genuinely excited to see us. “Well hello, Aiden. Good to see you.”

I shook his hand. “You too. It’s been too long. You owe me another round of golf.”

William scoffed. “I do believe the winner pays, but you name the time and place and I’ll be there.”

I agreed then introduced him to Charlie. He smiled and took her hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Charlie. I’ve heard a bit about you floating through the crowd. Everyone was wondering who the woman with the prince was. I feel a bit privileged to be in the know.”

He winked and she laughed. “I’m sorry that people seem to care so much about me. This is your celebration.”

He shook his head. “We’ve been under their microscope for two years. I’m relieved they’ve found someone else to occupy their time.”

I held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t scare her away!”

William held up his hands and grinned. “Well, as long as you guys aren’t as scandalous as us, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Charlie flinched and I rubbed my hand over her back.

“Have you told her the story, Aiden?” Nicole asked with a wicked smile.

I shook my head. “No, I was sure you’d want to tell the story to someone that hasn’t heard anything.”

Her eyes lit up. “Of course! So, I was attending University in Scotland under a different name because I just wanted to be normal for once.”

Charlie looked up at me and smiled before turning back to my cousin.

“William’s father is an English baron, but he chose not to take on that title while he was in school because he too wanted to be treated as an average student. So, he went by his mother’s maiden name. Well, we became study partners and began to fall in love. I asked my dad’s team to do a bit of research because you can never be too safe, right? Well, they couldn’t find him and turns out his family couldn’t find me. I confronted him about this while we were in the Gambia, but he didn’t want to crack and I wasn’t going to admit who I was to someone who was obviously lying so I broke up with him and went on a bit of a rampage.” She giggled and I fought back laughter.

I knew all about their story. She’d been so upset when she thought William had been lying to her. I guess he was, but not for the reasons she thought. She’d called me while I was in England at school asking me to send the Royal Navy after him. It wasn’t something I had authority to do, not that I would ever try to take out a man, but I’d ended up flying to Africa to see her and to try to cheer her up.

“Sweet Aiden finally calmed me down then left to talk to William,” Nicole said.

William stepped up to tell his part of the story. “The prince of Lochland was knocking at my door demanding to know who I was. Well, I had no choice but to tell him the truth. I thought he’d have me locked up if I didn’t.”

I laughed. It wasn’t like we had a Tower to keep prisoners like some of our relatives.