Page 52 of Her Royal Rebellion

“Who?” Logan cut in.

“My godfather,” I answered. “He was my mother’s uncle. He never had children of his own and my mum was quite close to him. His will stated that he left everything to me.” I hadn’t thought about this since he passed away last year. I was made aware of the inheritance, but I didn’t know the details. I didn’t need to. Mum had told me it was a large sum and it was up to me if I wanted to keep his properties. I told her to give those to other family members since I already had my cottage. The money was supposed to be in an account for when or if I ever needed it.

Cian looked uncomfortable. “Yes, well Mum’s cousin has come forward claiming that she found a more recent will in one of the properties and it says that everything should be divided amongst her family.”

I shook my head. “Mum’s sister and her children have been estranged from the rest of us for almost twenty years. No one would believe Uncle Ron would do that.”

Cian shook his head. “It’s under review. There are a team of attorneys working on it, but for now all of the assets are tied up and you don’t have access to any of it.”

I shrugged. “Okay. I was never planning on using it anyway.”

“Yes, well, you may need to. Parliament is trying to pass a law to lower taxes, therefore reducing the Sovereign Grant. It also includes a stipulation that the heirs will stop receiving support after the age of twenty one.”

“They’re trying to stop us from getting money?” I needed to clarify.

“Yes. I won’t be included in that, and neither will the next in line which is Aiden, until I have my own heir. So, when that time comes, you three will no longer be given payment.”

I wasn’t sure what to say without sounding like… well, a spoiled princess. “We sacrifice everything, our lives, our privacy, our safety for our country. How can they simply cut us off?”

Cian rubbed his jaw, looking more tired than I’d seen him in months, since Aiden stepped down from LochEnergy and took some responsibility off Cian’s shoulders.

“Nothing’s been passed yet, but Dad is worried about you and Rowan. Aiden still has shares of the company so he’s set, but you two.” He looked at me with pity, and I immediately recoiled.

“Cian, I’m a grown woman. I can get a job if I need to.”

He signed. “No, you can’t. That’s the problem. You might have a degree from an excellent university and experience running charities, but no one will hire you. Can you imagine having the princess on your staff? No, they’re putting you and Rowan in a position to lose.”

“Who says I even need money? I have this house and my own investments and accounts that have been left to me.”

“Plus, she has me. I’ll provide for her,” Logan added, and I squeezed his hand.

“I can’t believe this is what has Dad so worried. I don’t need or want millions a year.”

“He just wants to make sure you continue to have the life you know,” Aiden added. He seemed surprised by this news, but not as concerned as Cian was.

“Like Cian said, the bill hasn’t been passed. The people might see it and laugh.” Serena attempted a smile, which I appreciated.

“Thank you all for your concern, but I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.” I looked to Logan and smiled. I meant it when I said we could face anything together. One day later, and we were already tackling our first issue.

Charlie leaned forward and seemed to hesitate for a moment. “I don’t know how to ask this without overstepping.”

Cian laughed. “You’re family. There is no overstepping.”

She grinned. “It’s just… the royal family, your parents, and you guys have other sources of income. Like Isla said, she has investments and property. It’s not like if this bill becomes law, Isla and Rowan will be destitute and on the streets.”

“You’re right,” Cian agreed. “Our family has been saving and making investments for generations. Our parents are worth quite a bit. They’ve been smart and kept things separate from the crown. That being said, I think Dad is acting out of concern for Isla. I think he wanted to make sure she married wealthy so she never had to worry. I don’t agree with his choices, but I think he was coming from a place of love.”

Knowing all of this did change my perspective. He thought he was taking care of me. He wasn’t as perceptive as my siblings. I doubted he knew how Logan and I felt about each other. I hoped he didn’t, at least.

“I think I need to have a talk with them.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Aiden teased.

“I’m glad you said that because… they’re on their way,” Cian said and jumped up, taking his plate to the sink then hurrying out of the room.

20

Logan