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“I’ve met someone,” I said, meeting her eyes. “And I like her a lot.”
The Queen scowled. “Is she of appropriate status?”
I shook my head. “She’s a waitress at a karaoke bar, but I’ve never felt like this about someone before.”
The Queen raised an eyebrow. “A waitress? And what does she know about your responsibilities as a prince?”
“I don’t care about that right now,” I said, feeling frustrated. “All I know is that I want to be with her.”
The Queen sighed. “You know that’s not how it works, Louis. You have a duty to your country.”
“I know that, but I also have a duty to myself,” I said firmly. “I can’t keep living my life the way you want me to.”
The Queen’s face softened. “No, I suppose you can’t,” she said gently.
My heart swelled with hope. Maybe she would understand how much Harper meant to me and give us a chance.
“I want to be with Harper,” I said. “She’s beautiful, strong, and kind. She makes me laugh, and she listens to all of my stories without judgment. When I’m around her, all of my worries seem to disappear.”
The Queen looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and understanding. “I just want what’s best for you and our country,” she said softly. “But if this girl makes you happy, then I won’t stand in your way.”
I felt a surge of relief wash over me. I knew my mother could be stubborn, but deep down, she has always had my best interests at heart. “Thank you,” I said, feeling grateful. “I promise I’ll make it work.”
As soon as I left the hotel, I headed straight to Harper’s apartment. I needed to talk to her, explain everything and hopefully salvage whatever was left of our relationship. When I got to her building, I took a deep breath and rang the buzzer.
“Who is it?” Harper’s voice crackled through the intercom.
“It’s Louis,” I said, hoping she would let me in.
“Go away,” she said. “Just go away.”
“Harper, please,” I pleaded. “Let me explain.”
There was a long pause before I heard the buzzer sound, signaling that the door was unlocked. I took the stairs two at a time and soon found myself standing in front of her door. I knocked, my heart racing.
The door opened a crack and I saw Harper’s eyes peeking out. She looked angry and hurt, but I could also see a glimmer of something else—maybe hope?
“I don’t want to hear it,” she said, her voice low.
“Please,” I said again, stepping closer to her. “I know I messed up. I should have told you who I really am. But it doesn’t change the way I feel about you. I love you, Harper, and I don’t care that you’re a commoner.”
“I’m more than a commoner,” she muttered. “I’m a poor waitress.”
“I don’t care about any of that,” I said. “I just care about you.”
“But you’re going to have to keep me hidden away like some secret, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice bitter.
“What? No,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “The secrecy was never about you.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“Honestly,” I said. “I just didn’t want us to have our quiet moments spoiled by reporters. I’m proud to have you on my arm.”
She nibbled on her lip, still unsure.
“You know how it is for your cousin, right?” I asked. “The cameras, the reporters?”
Harper nodded.
