Page 58 of His Royal Request

Charlie was silent for a minute before turning to me.

“I choose you, Aiden.”

“Are you sure? You heard what they said. It’s not just me. It’s my family. My title. My duty.”

She nodded. “I want all of you. I know it won’t be like a fairytale. It will probably be hard and I might get scared, but I want to see what we can be.”

I took a breath for the first time in what felt like forever. “I do too. I meant what I said last night. I’m falling for you. I know it’s crazy and we barely know each other, but that doesn’t change how I feel.”

She smiled and touched my face. “I know enough to know I’m falling for you too. I may not know about your childhood or what you were like as a teen, but what I know of the man you are now is enough for me to want to know more. I’ve seen how you treat others, especially those under your station.”

I laughed. “You mean George?”

“And the guards and butlers and everyone else. You know their names; you treat them like friends.”

“Of course. They’re a part of the family.”

She smiled. “There are people with much less that treat others horribly. Or ignore them completely. You could do that, but you don’t.”

I didn’t know what to say. It never crossed my mind to treat them like they were beneath me. Probably because my parents didn’t.

She continued, “You love your siblings, even when they’re being difficult, but most importantly, you care about me. You took the time to talk to me and learn my dreams and you made them happen. You’re generous and you make me laugh. You’re more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

I was stunned. I’d had people compliment me, but I’d always wondered if there was another motive behind their words. If they wanted to impress me or get an in with me. If they were trying to get to my parents. I kept my walls up, but never with her.

“From the moment I saw you I needed to know you. Thank you for making the hard choice. I promise I’ll do everything I can to protect you. I’ll do anything for you.”

A phone ring interrupted us. She blushed and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Does anything include meeting my parents?”

Nerves like I was about to speak on television flooded through me but I pushed them down. She met my parents without warning. I could talk to them on the phone.

I nodded and she tapped the screen, holding the phone out in front of her. “Hi Dad, Liza.”

I leaned in closer and smiled at the couple on the screen. The woman squealed. “You weren’t lying. That’s the prince!”

I laughed. “Hello, Ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlie has told me a lot about you and your husband.”

“Funny, she hasn’t told me anything about you.” Liza narrowed her eyes and Charlie cringed.

“I’m sorry,” Charlie said. “I meant to call, but things have been happening so quickly. Then I woke up this morning to find out that the media is sharing a picture of the two of us. I wanted to warn you in case they found out who I am.”

Liza smiled. “Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure being in the palace with a handsome prince makes you forget your parents.”

Charlie shook her head. “So, Dad caught you up?”

She nodded. “Sounds like you’ve been having quite the adventure.”

Charlie giggled. “It’s been unexpected.”

Mark leaned forward. “I’m worried about her, Aiden. I don’t want anyone trying to hurt her or take advantage.”

I nodded. “My family and I are working to ensure no one shares more images. Guards have been assigned to her and we will make sure no one gets close without approval. Her safety is my top priority.”

Mark nodded. “That’s good to hear. It’s taken a lot of Liza talking me down to stop from flying out there and bringing my daughter home.”

“Dad, that isn’t necessary,” Charlie assured him.

“Sir, I appreciate and understand your concern, but that won’t be necessary. Unless you’d like to come. My family would love to host you.”