Once Upon a Royal Wedding by Laurie LeClair

Author:Laurie LeClair [LeClair, Laurie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laurie LeClair

Stephan stared across the long, elegant dining table to his stern-looking father.

Growing up, that granite look caused Stephan a great deal of fear, until the day his beloved mother had died when he was still a boy.

Anger and determination took root then and he’d forged his own path; he’d never wanted to follow the strict guidelines of someone who refused kindness and compassion to his own loved ones.

“Father.” He lifted his eyebrow. “I’m surprised you’re here. It’s been ages since you’ve come to the States. Yet here you are, ensconced in a stunning mansion in Dallas, magnificently furnished if the glimpse I got as we arrived holds true, and with a full staff at your command. Airbnb?” He contained his desire to chuckle out loud, knowing his Bella would have burst out with laughter at his attempt at humor in such a grave atmosphere.

However, he swore his guard, Oscar, did snicker before he coughed.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Stephan. Does she do that to you? Cause you to talk in riddles?”

“By she, I assume you mean my Bella.”

His father sighed heavily and sat back, carefully replacing his silverware on his gold-rimmed plate—the royal ones from the palace, packed and brought with him wherever he went. He picked up the stark-white cloth napkin and dabbed at the corners of his mouth. “A pet name? You are infatuated with this woman-child.”

“Hardly a child. Definitely a woman.” Gorgeous and enthusiastic and alive with passion for all the wonders of the world around her. And she loves me. “Forgive me, Father, for you know nothing of love.”

“Don’t be insolent. I am still your—”

“King.” Yes, Stephan had been reminded hundreds of times when he’d faced the man over one disagreement or another. “The royalty card again?”

“I wasn’t going to say that and you know it.”

“Do I? I am your subject now. You will attempt to dictate or force your will on me.”

He slammed his fist on the table top. The china rattled and the fork clinked as it hit the wooden surface. “You are my son. You will do as I say.”

“No!” That one word echoed in the ringing silence that followed.

Shock rippled over his father’s face. In the background, Stephan sensed the utter stillness of the servants and the guards. Thick tension simmered.

“Out! Everyone get out! Now!” The king shoved back his chair, waving the others gone. He stood to his full height.

Stephan’s two guards hesitated until he nodded slightly. The servants’ and guards’ footsteps marched out and soon the sound faded away.

Easing back in his chair, Stephan watched with keen interest. “There. You have ordered them away. Now what?” He pressed the issue.

“You are to return home immediately and take up your royal duties.”

“Is that so?” Dread slipped in his gut. He’d expected nothing less; however, he’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this showdown. Not now, at least. Later, when he’d planned to negotiate.

“Neglecting your countrymen to parade around with a—”

“I would stop while you are already behind, Father.” A slow burn replaced the dread, its embers stoked.

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