Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“It is.”
I watch as she steps out of her heels, wiggling her toes against the eight-hundred-year-old rug in my living room.
She bites her lip and stares at me, and I can see that the reality of our arrangement has finally truly hit home for her.
“Come here.” I walk to her and pull her into my arms, rocking us both back and forth. “I’ll make sure you’re more than comfortable here.”
“It’s a castle.”
“No, I’ll show you a castle another day.”
She chuckles against my chest.
Before I can say anything else, there’s a knock at the door, and my assistant, Harrison, walks in. He’s younger than I am but has the straight posture and stick-up-his-ass pose mastered.
“Your Royal Highness,” he says, bowing his head. “It’s a pleasure to have you home, sir.”
“Thank you, Harrison. I’d like to introduce you to Nina. My fiancée.”
His head snaps up in surprise. It seems Harrison hasn’t heard the scuttle yet, but then again, that’s one of the reasons I like having him on my staff. He doesn’t give a shit about rumors.
“Sir?”
“That’s right. Nina Wolfe, this is my personal assistant, Harrison.”
“Hello,” Nina says politely. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well, miss.”
“Where’s my boy?”
Mary, my sister’s former lady-in-waiting, rushes through the doorway. She’s in her late seventies, round as can be, and one of my favorite people of all time.
“Hello, Mary.”
“I’m so relieved you’re home,” she says. She’s never been one to bow or use titles. She’s a motherly type that all of my siblings and I love.
“This is Nina. Nina, this is Mary. She’s retired now, but she was my sister Eleanor’s lady-in-waiting. I asked her to come and help you while we’re here. She knows everything there is to know about my family, and I believe she’ll be a great asset to you.”
“And a friend,” Mary adds, taking Nina’s hand in hers. “Oh, love, you look just knackered. I wish I had time to put you to bed for a while, but I’m afraid we haven’t time for it. We need to freshen you up.”
“Your parents are expecting you in about thirty minutes,” Harrison adds.
Nina watches me with wide eyes, so I nod reassuringly. “You’re in excellent hands with Mary. I’ll be here, waiting for you.”
“Come on, dear.” Mary herds Nina out of the room, and I’m left alone with Harrison.
“I should change, as well.” I walk to my bedroom with Harrison on my heels. The staff has already prepared a bedroom with a dressing space for Nina. Along with a whole closet full of clothes and shoes.
Our staff works fast.
“How did I miss that she’s your fiancée?” Harrison asks. Now that we’re alone, he’s much more casual. Harrison is not only my PA, he’s also one of my best mates.
“It’s rather recent,” I reply, choosing fresh clothes to change into. “And I’m sorry I didn’t call you. It’s been a busy twenty-four hours.”
“Your parents are likely going to murder you. They’ll reintroduce beheadings.”
“I’ve never known you to be so dramatic.”
But he’s not laughing. “I’m not kidding, Sebastian. This has disaster written all over it.”
“Such is my life, mate.” I tie my necktie and throw on the light gray jacket that matches my slacks. “This first meeting will be the most uncomfortable.”
“She’s walking into the lion’s den.”
“I’ll be with her.”
I sigh and prop my hands on my hips, desperately trying to keep my nerves at bay. “Just be my friend here, okay?”
“She’s beautiful,” he says. “And if she makes you happy, then I’m happy. I hope I still get to work for you after they fire you from the next in line position.”
“I’ll see to it.” I nod and walk into the sitting room just as Nina does the same. My steps falter, as if my feet are suddenly rooted to the floor.
My God, she’s gorgeous in a simple pink dress with cap sleeves and black heels.
“You’re stunning,” I say at last. “If my parents don’t see that, they’re no relatives of mine.”
She smiles softly. “Thank you. You look nice, as well.” She dips into her curtsy, perfectly this time. “Your Royal Highness.”
“Good girl,” Mary says with a wink. “We’ve practiced that one.”
“You’re simply lovely,” I say and offer Nina my arm, which she takes. My hand covers her small one as we walk to the door. “What do you think of Mary?” I ask after we’ve left my flat and are alone.
“She’s amazing. I want to keep her. She’s already given me so much advice. I’m going to learn so much from her.”
“I’m glad. I thought she was perfect for you.”
“Thank you for thinking of it,” Nina says. “She makes me feel like I already have a friend here.”
“Two friends,” I remind her. “Don’t forget about me.”
“There’s no possible way I could do that.” We stop before walking into the parlor where my parents are waiting, and I lean down to lay a simple kiss on Nina’s cheek, reassuring us both.