Page 74 of His Royal Request

“It’s won’t be as bad once Cian takes the crown.”

Ronan barked out a laugh. “Do you think Dad’s going anywhere anytime soon? This is our life for at least thirty more years.”

“But he’s the crown prince. As we move on with our lives, they will lose interest in us.”

Isla pursed her lips. “Aiden, I think you need to accept things. I know you think you have but you’ve had your feet in two worlds for far too long. It’s time to accept your duties.”

I rubbed my face. Why had they felt the need to bust into my room, wake me up, and now lecture me? What had I done to deserve this?

I said, “I know that—”

She cut me off. “No, Aiden, you don’t. You started and have been running LochEnergy and Mum and Dad have let you chase that dream, but now it’s time to step back from the private sector and commit to your role as Prince.”

I shook my head. Our parents had agreed to let me start LochEnergy just out of university because it was an idea I’d been working on for the past decade. I had the business plan and worked with engineers at school to create working prototypes of the solar windmills that produced our energy. I’d done it all. I’d built a multibillion-dollar industry for our country. I created an export that we so desperately needed. Now I had to give it up?

“Aiden, I’m not saying you can’t go back to work tomorrow, but you need to start thinking of letting your board take over daily operations. It can be something you remain involved in, but it’s not what you’re meant to do.”

I scowled. “I’m meant to attend pointless meetings, parliament councils, and travel the world for photo ops?”

She sighed. “You know it’s more than that. Lochland has worked hard for hundreds of years to remain independent and to be a force other countries recognize. It’s our duty to continue that. International relationships are a critical part of that.”

Ronan spoke up for the first time since Isla killed my dreams. “She’s right, Aiden. Once I graduate, I’m coming right back here to take my place in whatever facility father deems necessary. It’s not just because it’s what’s expected of me. It’s the least I can do after all this country has done for me. We aren’t required to serve in the military because we’re expected to serve in other ways.”

“Being the head of LochEnergy isn’t serving our country?” I paced the floor. “Look at how the economy has boomed. We no longer depend on oil to operate. We don’t rely on other countries or bend to their wishes. We are self-sustaining.” I stopped in my tracks and faced them. “I did that!”

Isla didn’t cower. “No one will ever forget that. What you’ve done in the past few years has changed the course of the country, but think about what you can do as a Prince. You can share that technology with less developed countries. You can build a school to train people to build the windmills and take those skills back to their countries. You can have a global impact.”

It felt like someone was sitting on my airway but I nodded. It’s something that’s been buried in the back of my mind but I didn't want to face it. The second I was born, my future was decided. I chased my dream and succeeded. I should be grateful for that and bow out gracefully, but it wasn’t easy. The company was a part of my heart and soul. Giving up full control would surely kill me.

But it was a truth I had to face.

21

Charlie

Despite the late night before, I woke up early and was in the shower when I heard Isla calling out for me.

“In here.”

“I’m laying clothes out for you. Have a fun day.”

That was all I heard, so I hurried to finish and dry off. When I walked back in the room it was empty but there was a new outfit waiting for me.

Olive green pants, a cream three-quarter sleeve shirt, and a khaki cargo jacket. Casual? What were we doing today?

I dressed quickly and applied a minimal amount of makeup before pulling my damp hair into a ponytail. If it was going to be a low-key day, I was going to take advantage of it.

I checked my phone on the nightstand and was surprised to see a text from my dad. They’d been able to return home. That was good, but I worried that after last night’s comments there might be more attention back on them. Hopefully, the US media realized I wasn’t there so there was no story.

I headed down the stairs and was surprised to see Aiden waiting for me with jeans and a white t-shirt. It was so nice to see him in normal clothes again. I felt like I had my Aiden back. Not that I could really claim him as mine back in Ireland.

“Good morning,” I said.

“Morning, love. I’ve got a bagel and fresh-pressed orange juice for you.” He held up his hands and I took his offerings before sliding my arms around him for a hug.

I breathed him in then pulled back to meet his eyes. “What’s going on?”

He smiled and I nearly swooned. Would I ever get used to his devastating good looks? I hoped not.