Page 21 of Her Royal Rebellion

She offered a smile and gestured to the door. “I was told Peter arrived.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

She gave me a stern look. “You know you can call me Anne.”

I bit my lip to keep from smiling. If the rest of the country knew how relaxed the royals really were, I doubted they’d believe it. The queen was one of the most regal people I’d ever seen, poised and graceful at all times, but when she was in her own home, without prying eyes, she was just a normal woman and mother.

“They are inside, Anne. Would you like me to announce you?”

She gave me a wry smile. “I don’t believe that’s necessary.” She raised her hand to knock once before opening the doors. She let herself in and instantly beamed. “My dear Peter, you’re here.”

Marianne shut the door behind them, blessing me with reprieve from having to see their joyful reunion.

It was nauseating.

I had no reason not to like the man, but I did. He claimed to be such a good friend to Isla, but why was he here now? Why accept the invitation of the king to present himself as a suitor to the princess? It didn’t make sense.

Shane marched down the hall. “They’re all sorted, and Jean’s assistant let me know they will be arriving at the palace just before dinner.”

“In time for boiled cabbage?” I said with much satisfaction. “Or perhaps a nice grilled cauliflower steak.”

Shane chuckled next to me. “I’ve never been so happy we don’t take our meals with the royal family.”

I nodded. At least we wouldn’t have to endure Isla’s unique form of torture.

“Carolyn sent along a modified schedule for next week. Jean is set to leave on Sunday, Lord Philippe will arrive on Tuesday and leave Thursday, and Lord Marius will be arriving that day. We haven’t heard back from Lord Ugyen since she sent him Cian’s direct contact information. Perhaps he realized that would be a better way to build a relationship and gain Lochland’s support.”

“We’re down to just three now? I’m surprised more nobles aren’t taking advantage of the king’s invitation.”

Shane checked the hall in both directions before taking a step closer to me and lowering his voice. “I was told Aiden and Cian reached out to their personal contacts and let them know their feelings on it. I believe they scared off most of the potential suitors. They’d be a fool to get on the bad side of the future king.”

It didn’t come as a shock that Isla’s brothers found a way to discreetly take care of things. They loved her and wanted to protect her as much as I did. It was encouraging to know they supported her freedom to choose her future.

We had a few hours of calm before the staff was bustling around again. Jean arrived with much more flourish than Peter. His caravan was eight SUVs long and he emerged like gracing us with his presence was the highest honor. His light brown hair was parted on the side and combed over, which paired perfectly with his starched trousers and sweater. I wasn’t sure how he managed to date so many noble women, but maybe he had an appeal I didn’t understand.

I watched Isla’s reaction and covered my laugh with a cough. She looked disturbed, but hid it well. She was wearing an unfortunately ill-fitting skirt suit that looks like it was made in the nineteen-eighties. Jean met her at the bottom of the steps and bowed slightly before taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it. “It is my greatest pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.”

Isla gave him her trained, public smile. “Nice to meet you as well.”

Her refusal to use his title was a silent protest I could stand behind.

“Please come in. Dinner will be served soon.” Carolyn directed everyone inside while Shane and I watched the stream of men pass us. Once they were inside, Carolyn led them upstairs to the guest quarters while Isla took Jean in the opposite direction toward the portrait gallery. Shane and I followed behind and I remained at the door with the king’s head guard, Tomas, while Shane went down to the security room.

This was my chance to ask Tomas if he heard anything about the King’s plans, but I had to tread carefully. There were few more loyal to the king.

“An interesting change of pace, no?” I offered as a casual conversation starter.

Tomas raised an eyebrow. “It’s certainly causing quite a stir.”

That wasn’t much to go on, but I had to keep trying. “I heard there were a few suitors who have rescinded their request to attend.”

The man merely nodded once.

“Was the King upset by that?”

He gave no reaction. I didn’t want to mention Isla’s feelings about this whole situation. I knew from what she told me that she made it clear to her parents she wasn’t happy nor did she agree with bringing suitors in, but I wasn’t sure what the king’s staff knew.

“I can’t imagine what the count, Jean, can offer the crown or Isla.”